SALT LAKE CITY — It was not a good weekend for several teams ranked inside last week’s Associated Press Top 25 rankings.
Of the 21 ranked teams who played this week, eight suffered a lost — three against a ranked opponent. As such, it’s shifted the landscape a bit, most importantly in the top-five, where Oregon seemed to solidify a solid standing.
Instead, it’s an up-and-coming program with less resources finding a way to be a title contender — and not just of the conference variety.
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
First off, Ohio State’s defense is legit. That, alone, has afforded the Buckeyes some leeway as its offense continues to grow and develop with sophomore Julian Sayin under center. The offense didn’t need to put up a ton of yards against Illinois, and still won convincingly.
2. Miami
It was a bye week for the Hurricanes, but they remain right there on the edge of a potential No. 1 spot for me. I still give the nod to Ohio State — been there, done that, got the ring — but Miami is a worthy suitor of the top spot, too.
3. Indiana
We live in a world where Indiana is legit. Admittedly, I was a doubter that the Hoosiers could put together another solid season and contend as one of the best teams in the country — and here we are. With less resources and blue-chip talent, Curt Cignetti has built a great roster that was simply better than Oregon Saturday.
4. Texas A&M
It’s getting harder to ignore the Aggies — why are you doing that anyway? Sure, Texas A&M was supposed to beat Florida as a top team, but they did it with little doubt. This Texas A&M team simply gets it done, and Marcel Reed continues to impress under center.
5. Alabama
Another week, another reason to praise the turnaround — is that really the right phrase when talking specifically about this blueblood? — of Alabama. Ty Simpson tossed three touchdown passes and the Crimson Tide continue to find ways to win. Kalen DeBoer is really showing what a year can do for a program.
6. Ole Miss
Ole Miss was almost “Oh, no!” The Rebels played around with their food a little bit and narrowly avoided an upset loss to a then 3-2 Washington State team. Sometimes this happens at Ole Miss, but Lane Kiffin and his squad found a way to get it done in the end, which is enough to stay relevant. But I jumped them with a couple teams as a result.
7. Oregon
Dante Moore has looked phenomenal this season for the Ducks, but on Saturday he was human. While it wasn’t just his two picks that lost the game for Oregon, they certainly didn’t help when the team needed a late answer. Oregon maybe isn’t as inevitable as previously thought, but they’re still pretty good.
8. Texas Tech
For a brief moment, Kansas appeared like they could maybe get Texas Tech. But the Red Raiders had no problem with the Jayhawks in the second half and rolled to a convincing win. Passing continues to be a worry, but with Cameron Dickey rushing for an outstanding 263 yards and two touchdowns, those concerns are moot.
9. Georgia
There’s something about Georgia I can’t trust, and I can’t quite put my finger on it this year. They’re finding ways to win games, but it’s not the dominant Bulldogs team of the last few years. Georgia would still be favored in most games, but they’ve seemed to lose an edge.
10. Tennessee
Against a team with a newly-fired head coach, Tennessee got a narrow win. The Vols got some help from DeSean Bishop, who rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown, but also needed its defense to stop a 14-point rally by Arkansas late in the game, too.
In consideration (alphabetical): Arizona State, Cincinnati, Houston, Louisville, Mississippi State, Navy, Nebraska, Tulane, UNLV, Washington
If you can’t see my full ballot below, click here.
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