Greg McElroy ranks Top 15 teams after Week 8

Week 8 was one of the most action-packed weekends yet this college football season. On Monday, ESPN’s Greg McElroy adjusted his Top 15 rankings for each and every outcome.

Four teams in the AP Top 25 suffered losses this week, including the previous No. 1 team in the nation, the Texas Longhorns. While the Bulldogs and Longhorns went to war, other pivotal outcomes unfolded across the country.

McElroy didn’t miss any of them and has a new No. 1 team to show for it.

1. Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks secured McElroy’s No. 1 spot after dominating Purdue 35-0 on Friday. The Ducks were expected to defeat the Boilermakers but to do so in such an emphatic fashion left many viewers in awe.

Less than a week before downing Purdue, Oregon stunned Ohio State. It would’ve been easy for the Ducks to skate past Purdue and perhaps even allow the Boilermakers to keep the game close. Instead, Oregon showed unmatched focus in the win.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

After falling to Alabama in Week 5, Georgia has won three straight games, most recently knocking off Texas in convincing 30-15 style. In the win, the Bulldogs’ defense was formidable, recording seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss while forcing the Longhorns to commit four turnovers.

“I had them at No. 5 last week but now you have two great wins,” McElroy said. “You beat Clemson, who I have currently ranked in the Top 15. Then, you beat Texas, who I have currently ranked in the Top 6. Two good wins. Very few teams have two good wins.”

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State enjoyed a bye this week after narrowly defeating USC 33-30 in Week 7. Nonetheless, the Nittany Lions’ flawless record only looks better with time. Most notably, Penn State’s comfortable 21-7 victory over Illinois is a standout on the team’s résumé.

Penn State is a two-way team, boasting the No. 6 defense in the country and the No. 10 offense. If the Nittany Lions can keep the momentum moving forward, they’ll have a chance to win their first Big Ten title since 2016.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes

Of course, Penn State still has to square off against the Buckeyes before it can find its way into the Big Ten Championship. Ohio State will undoubtedly be ready. After falling to Oregon in Week 7, the Buckeyes had a bye this past week to recompose themselves.

“The eye test factor for Ohio State feels very real,” McElroy said. “I watched their game against Oregon. I still think Ohio State is really good. They’re really the first team that I have ranked almost exclusively on eye test and not résumé.”

5. Miami Hurricanes

It isn’t always convincing but Miami keeps finding ways to win. Saturday was no exception, with the Hurricanes escaping a shootout against Louisville with a 52-45 triumph. Miami’s last three wins have all been within one score.

In Miami’s most recent victory, quarterback Cam Ward completed 21-of-his-32 pass attempts for 319 yards and four touchdowns without throwing an interception. Xavier Restrepo was Ward’s top target, hauling in a team-high seven catches for 101 yards and a score.

6. Texas
7. Tennessee
8. Notre Dame
9. BYU
10. Indiana
11. LSU
12. Texas A&M
13. Iowa State
14. Clemson
15. Alabama