SALT LAKE CITY — College football remains undefeated in its greatness.
The biggest surprise of the weekend was a winless UCLA team upsetting No. 7 Penn State, forcing the Nittany Lions into back-to-back losing weeks. This was supposed to be Penn State’s year, and it’s just not going well at all.
And then there was Texas, a team that needs to seriously have an internal conversation about its starting quarterback situation. Arch Manning was heralded as the next best thing, but for whatever reason it hasn’t worked yet. The Longhorns found themselves this weekend on the losing end for the second time this season.
Both Texas and Penn State don’t have the resume to justify a spot in the Top 25 anymore. Each team is seemingly better than this, but the current situation isn’t working.
The following is the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press that will be counted in the consensus rankings that will be released Sunday afternoon.
1. Ohio State
Against a decent Minnesota team who had only lost one game this season, Ohio State didn’t fool around. The Buckeyes allowed 3 points in the first quarter, and then reeled off 42 straight points to defeat the visiting Golden Gophers. The resume picks up a bit next week with a road test against Illinois.
2. Miami
Miami did allow a late comeback by rival Florida State — the Seminoles scored 19 fourth-quarter points — but the game never really felt in question. The Hurricanes are playing great football, and really have a clear path to what could be an undefeated season.
3. Oregon
The Ducks were on a bye week, and I dropped them one spot. There’s no question Oregon is a top-three team, but Miami’s resume, to this point, is slightly better. But it’s really a toss up on who is more deserving of any of the top-three spots.
4. Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin didn’t have to worry about the drama-filled weekend, because his team was on an off week. Can the Rebels maintain their strong start to the season? They get an out-of-conference matchup next week against Washington State, which shouldn’t be a problem, but crazier things have happened.
5. Texas A&M
Texas A&M is quietly putting together a strong season, and yet it seems like nobody is really talking about it. Marcel Reed isn’t putting up gaudy numbers, but it’s a consistent effort each week as both sides of the ball do their job.
6. Indiana
Indiana had a bye week, but you can guarantee they weren’t sitting easy knowing Oregon is up next on the schedule. Take care of business against the Ducks — in Eugene no less — and we’ll have to have a serious conversation about the Hoosiers.
7. Alabama
Alabama went toe-to-toe with Vanderbilt — a statement I admittedly didn’t expect to be saying — and was clearly the better team a year after a Commodores upset. Ty Simpson threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, and looked like the better QB on the field, and that’s no slight to Diego Pavia. The Crimson Tide may have it figured out.
8. Texas Tech
Off a bye week, the Red Raiders maintained their dominance against an in-state rival. Houston put up a valiant effort, but Texas Tech was clearly the best team for the entire game. Quarterback Behren Morton threw for 345 yards and one touchdown, and the defense held Houston scoreless in the second half.
9. Oklahoma
In the first game without John Mateer, Oklahoma had no troubles dominating Kent State in a 44-0 win. Backup quarterback turned interim starter Michael Hawkins Jr. tossed three touchdown passes, while adding another on the ground, but had a completion percentage under 60% against one of the worst teams in the FBS.
10. Georgia
There was no Kentucky upset brewing on Saturday. The Bulldogs were in control the entire game, with quarterback Gunner Stockton tossing one touchdown and rushing for two more. Defensively, Georgia only allowed 270 yards, including just 45 yards in the ground game.
In consideration (alphabetical): Fresno State, Iowa State, South Florida, TCU, Texas, Nebraska, North Texas, Penn State, USC, UNLV, Washington
If you can’t see my full ballot below, click here.
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