Georgia growing margin at the top of AP Poll with switches behind
Georgia is No. 1 in the AP Poll and gaining separation from the rest of the field with each and every week that goes by. Last week, the Bulldogs received 54 of the possible 62 first-place votes. This week, that number is up to 61.
Unlike recent weeks, there has been some change to the top-5. Ohio State and Michigan flipped with the Buckeyes up to No. 2 over the Wolverines before their big showdown this coming Saturday. Furthermore, Washington and Florida State swapped spots too as the Huskies jump to No. 4 with their win over Oregon State.
Oregon, Texas, Alabama and Louisville stayed consistent at 6-9 while Georgia’s resume looks a little bit better with Missouri jumping up to No. 10. The Tigers are one of four ranked opponents on Georgia’s schedule as the Bulldogs wrapped up a three-week stretch taking on teams ranked No. 10, No. 12 and No. 25 in the most recent poll. They’ll play the eighth-ranked Crimson Tide in a couple of weeks for the SEC Championship in Atlanta (December 2nd, 4:00 p.m. ET, CBS).
“I’m really proud of our resiliency. The kids did a great job, they knew it would be a tough environment and they responded to a not so great start,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said in his opening statement following Saturday’s 38-10 win over Tennessee. “We continue to improve and get better. I can’t say enough good things about our offensive staff and our offensive game plan. Our kids buy in each week to the plan and they get better each week. All we’re trying to do is find the best version of ourselves. Give the kids a lot of credit. They did the hard work, they did the heavy lifting. We’ve got to continue to get better.”
Top 10
- 1
Brady Cook out
Missouri QB will not return vs. Alabama
- 2
Will Howard wants revenge
Will Howard is already talking about his motivation vs. Penn State
- 3
Texas pregame scare
Ryan Wingo collides with Vandy staffer
- 4
Ryan Day loses it
Ohio State HC reacts to targeting call
- 5Live
McNamara benched
Iowa turns to Brendan Sullivan at QB vs. Northwestern
- Georgia (61)
- Ohio State (2)
- Michigan
- Washington
- Florida State
- Oregon
- Texas
- Alabama
- Louisville
- Missouri
- Penn State
- Ole Miss
- Oklahoma
- LSU
- Oregon State
- Arizona
- Notre Dame
- Tulane
- Kansas State
- Iowa
- Oklahoma State
- Liberty
- Toledo
- James Madison
- Tennessee
Of course, the College Football Playoff rankings are the ones that matter at this point in the season, but the change of heart by the voters could give us a preview for what the committee has to say come Tuesday. Ohio State was already ahead of Michigan, holding the No. 1 spot for the first two releases of rankings before being jumped by Georgia this past week, but Washington has been behind Florida State. While the Seminoles beat North Alabama Saturday night in Tallahassee, they lost starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy contender Jordan Travis to a leg injury.
This week around the country also features several showdowns that could shake things up. The Ohio State-Michigan game always has eyes on it, and that’ll be no different this year. Florida State travels to Gainesville in the rare occasion that could find Georgia fans actually cheering for the Gators to come away with a win. Matchups between Washington and Washington State, Oregon and Oregon State, Texas and Texas Tech, Alabama and Auburn, Louisville and Kentucky and more could create chaos with conference championships looming.
As for Georgia, the Bulldogs head just down the road to Atlanta to take on their in-state rival Georgia Tech. Kickoff time is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
