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ESPN ranks the 9 undefeated teams in college football ahead of Week 9

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko10/24/23

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ESPN ranked the remaining undefeated teams in college football ahead of Week 9 and there are less than 10 remaining.

Two teams dropped off from Week 8. That would be North Carolina and Penn State. The Tar Heels were upset by Miami and Penn State lost to Ohio State.

Let’s dive into ESPN’s ranking of the remaining undefeated teams in college football.

1. Michigan (8-0)

(Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK)

The Wolverines made it look really easy against Michigan State, winning 49-0 and it was the latest blowout win for the team in Ann Arbor. Yes, we know what you’re thinking.

What do the sign stealing allegations mean in the grand scheme of things? Truth is, we don’t know. It’s practically unprecedented. But for now, Michigan is the top dog, per ESPN.

2. Ohio State (7-0)

(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Ohio State’s offense was hit and miss against Penn State but it was enough to get it done. It solidified the Buckeyes’ standing as the second best behind Michigan.

The defense is elite. It certainly seems like it. So how will they match up with Michigan’s offense in the final game of the season?

3. Georgia (7-0)

(Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)

Georgia had the week off but actually moved up a spot in ESPN’s rankings. The schedule sets up for the Bulldogs to run the rest of the regular season table.

The question is, can Georgia do it? Everything was set up for a three-peat this season but we’ve only seen glimpses of the truly dominant Bulldogs.

4. Florida State (8-0)

(Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports)

The Seminoles eventually pulled away against a ranked Duke team. Don’t scoff at the win, it’s a quality one for Florida State.

FSU certainly had some close calls recently, but is clearly the best team in the ACC. On paper, the Seminoles and Bulldogs are probably interchangeable per ESPN.

5. Washington (7-0)

(Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)

That was a close call for sure as the Huskies edged Arizona State 15-7 on a bad night from Michael Penix Jr. Still, Washington is undefeated and in the thick of the College Football Playoff race.

However, ESPN dropped the Huskies two spots compared to last week’s ranking. That’s due to other teams impressing and this one being a near upset.

6. Oklahoma (7-0)

(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Oklahoma was nearly upset as well as the Sooners escaped a well played game by UCF. Nonetheless, it was a Big 12 win and Oklahoma remained undefeated.

ESPN’s primary concern seems to be the Oklahoma defense in recent weeks. Plus, with a matchup against Kansas coming this weekend, it’s a rightful concern.

7. Air Force (7-0)

(Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)

Air Force is actually No. 19 overall in the latest AP Poll top 25. And for good reason, this team is rolling right now.

Over the weekend, the Falcons took down Navy 17-6. It wasn’t overly impressive, but the defense was for real and a Commander in Chief trophy is in sight.

8. James Madison (7-0)

(Hannah Pajewski-USA TODAY Sports)

Last Thursday, James Madison went on the road and took out Marshall 20-9. After a scoreless first quarter, the Dukes started to pull away in the second half.

Jordan McCloud did throw an interception for James Madison. However, he threw for 264 yards, a touchdown and ran for 69 yards and a score.

9. Liberty (7-0)

(Liberty Flames Football on Twitter)

Liberty won very early in Week 8 of college football. The 42-35 shootout win over Middle Tennessee kept the Flames undefeated more than halfway through the season.

Quinton Cooley was a star for Liberty in this one. He ran 24 times for 134 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

So now there are less than 10 teams remaining on this list. It just gets shorter and short week to week. Who’s next to drop? It won’t stay like this forever!