Skip to main content
ohio-state logo

Ohio State drops in Week 3 AP Poll after FCS win

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•09/10/23•

andybackstrom

Xavier Johnson by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --
Ohio State wide receiver Xavier Johnson carries the ball during a 35-7 win over Youngstown State in the Buckeyes' home opener. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State fell one spot to No. 6 in this week’s AP Top 25.

The Buckeyes are 2-0, but they’re still trying to get a handle on the new clock rule, their new-look offensive line and get some finality on their quarterback situation.

There was some good that came out of their 35-7 win over Youngstown State Saturday, though. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is off and running after a seven-catch, 160-yard, two-touchdown performance. Kyle McCord looked much more comfortable under center, albeit against FCS competition. And, despite a head scratching start, the Ohio State defense bounced back to hold its second straight opponent to single digits.

The four-score victory wasn’t convincing enough to keep Ohio State in the top five, though. Now, the Buckeyes have dropped in the AP Top 25 back-to-back weeks after starting the season No. 3. They still have a lot to prove, notably in two weeks when they head to South Bend to face No. 9 Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish has continued to roll in head coach Marcus Freeman’s second year at the helm. Quarterback Sam Hartman picked up right where he left off in the ACC with a 45-24 win over North Carolina State, improving Notre Dame’s record to 3-0.

Texas was the biggest winner of the week. Led by former Buckeyes quarterback Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns took down then-No. 3 Alabama, 34-24, for their first road victory against an AP top-three opponent since 1969. In the process, they jumped seven spots from No. 11 to No. 4. The upset also ended Alabama’s 43-game win streak in non-conference action at home. The Crimson Tide fell seven places to No. 10.

Also of note: Now-No. 22 Miami upset then-No. 23 Texas A&M, 48-33; No. 18 Colorado kept its foot on the gas with a 36-14 win over Nebraska, now-No. 23 Washington State defeated then-No. 19 Wisconsin, 31-22; and No. 17 Ole Miss bested Tulane in what was a top-25 matchup, 37-20.

Lettermen Row has the entire Week 3 AP Top 25 Poll (Sept. 10) below:

  1. Georgia
  2. Michigan
  3. Florida State
  4. Texas
  5. USC
  6. Ohio State
  7. Penn State
  8. Washington
  9. Notre Dame
  10. Alabama
  11. Tennessee
  12. Utah
  13. Oregon
  14. LSU
  15. Kansas State
  16. Oregon State
  17. Ole Miss
  18. Colorado
  19. Oklahoma
  20. North Carolina
  21. Duke
  22. Miami
  23. Washington State
  24. UCLA
  25. Iowa

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Western Kentucky: 6 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 76 days

Are you subscribed yet?

Are you ready to get all your latest Ohio State news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.

You may also like