Joel Klatt releases updated top 10 rankings following Week 9

FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt released his updated top 10 rankings in college football following Week 9 of the regular season.

As usual, Klatt ranks them from No. 1 to 10 and then gives his “almost” teams after that. It was another wild weekend of football to shake things up.

Let’s dive into Klatt’s top 10 teams as we get set to turn the calendar to November. The parentheses indicated movement or if the team was an honorable mention (HM) last week.

1. Oregon

The Ducks are at the top of Klatt’s rankings this week following a dominating display over Illinois at home. Oregon remained undefeated and at the top of the Big Ten.

Dillon Gabriel played another solid game and Oregon basically had this won at halftime. The Ducks won 38-9 after scoring 35 in the first half.

2. Georgia

Georgia is near the top of Klatt’s rankings this week following a bye week. Coming off a bye week, the Bulldogs look like an SEC and national title contender once again.

It’ll be interesting to see how Georgia fits into the postseason considering its loss to Alabama but win over Texas. Buckle up folks!

3. Ohio State

Klatt didn’t drop Ohio State too far down his list but he had good reasons too. A 21-17 win over Nebraska could be concerning, but at least the Buckeyes played stout defense and were clutch when they had to be.

The run game, as Ryan Day said, was a problem Saturday. This is still one of the most talented teams, if not the most talented, on paper. But will they prove it in the end?

4. Penn State

The Nittany Lions were in a battle against Wisconsin but came out clean on the other side. They are a top four team going into Week 10, according to Klatt.

The biggest question is QB Drew Allar’s health, but the Nittany Lions got it done with Beau Pribula under center. It’s fair to wonder if it’s the same team without its starting quarterback, but we shall see how it all shakes out against Ohio State this coming weekend.

5. Texas

The Longhorns escaped Vanderbilt with a 27-24 win on the road and it might not have been as close as the final score indicated. Vandy did score with less than a minute to go to cut it to a three-point game.

Klatt kept Texas in his top five after their latest win. If you’re the Longhorns, you would’ve like to see a more convincing win, but you’ll take it for now. To the final stretch!

6. Clemson (+1)

Clemson is higher up on Klatt’s list this week after a bye week. The Tigers are winners of six in a row and are certainly going to be favored in at least four of their last five games.

This is a legit ACC contender and Klatt actually has Clemson higher than undefeated Miami. That could be the ACC title game when it’s all said and done.

7. Indiana (+2)

The Hoosiers remained undefeated and Curt Cignetti should be the runaway favorite for coach of the year at this point. Klatt moved Indiana up two spots after this weekend.

No Kurtis Rourke? No problem. Indiana used a backup quarterback, solid offense and defense, and sheer will to beat Washington at home in front of College GameDay. The story of the year.

8. Tennessee

The Vols had off this weekend following a win over Alabama. We talk about Texas and Georgia at the top of the SEC, but you have to consider Tennessee in the mix.

Klatt kept them at No. 8 this week and Tennessee could very well shake it up in a few weeks. First up, it’s Kentucky and Mississippi State before going to Athens to play Georgia.

9. Alabama (HM)

Alabama bounced back in the biggest way and got back into Klatt’s top 10 rankings following Week 9. The Crimson Tide won 34-0 over Missouri at home.

Brady Cook nor Drew Pyne could get it done, with the former being injured throughout. Pyne threw three picks while Alabama dominated on the ground. They’re now 6-2 and back into it.

10. Miami

Miami dominated Florida State but it didn’t even look that pretty, despite a 36-14 win over an in-state foe. The Hurricanes had domination on the ground with Damien Martinez for 15 carries for 148 yards and two touchdowns.

Cam Ward was okay in the game, throwing for 208 yards but did not score. Although he caught a touchdown pass! Klatt kept the ‘Canes in the top 10 this week.

Almost in Joel Klatt’s Top 10

Texas A&M
Iowa State
BYU
Notre Dame
LSU

Texas A&M and LSU went head to head with the Aggies coming out on top and have won seven in a row. Iowa State and BYU are still undefeated in the Big 12 and Notre Dame dispatched Navy with no problems. The final stretch of the season is set to be wild.