College Football Power Rankings (Post-Week Eight Edition)
1. Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-0) -- Even on a bye week, Dak Prescott and the Bulldogs stay at No. 1 in the polls and my power rankings. Why? Three wins over top eight teams (at the time they played) with impressive victories against all three. The good news keeps coming, Mississippi State has a soft schedule upcoming, including meetings with Kentucky, Arkansas and UT-Martin.
2. Florida State Seminoles (7-0) -- Although it took all they could take to escape past Notre Dame yesterday, FSU did play their most complete game of the year in the victory. Their offense looked crisp, their defense made plays and they didn't turn the ball over much.
3. Ole Miss Rebels (7-0) -- The Rebels had very little troubles with the struggling Tennessee Volunteers, handling them 34-3. While the defense has certainly gotten a lot of credit for Ole Miss' success through the season's first half, Bo Wallace has been scorching lately and the Rebels' offense has been rolling.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-1) -- Many people were appalled at Alabama's lack of explosiveness and offense in their 14-13 squeaker of a victory over Arkansas last week. So naturally, the Tide come and manhandle Texas A&M 59-0, holding Aggies' head coach Kevin Sumlin to the first shutout of his coaching career.
5. Oregon Ducks (6-1) -- A team that looked almost dead in the water following a loss to unranked Arizona, the Ducks have responded extremely well, playing great in back-to-back victories over strong Pac-12 teams, Washington and UCLA. The emergence of freshman Royce Freeman and the ground game has been great, while the stability on the offensive line has propelled Oregon back into the Playoff hunt.
6. Auburn Tigers (5-1) -- Following their first loss of the year to Mississippi State, Auburn was one a bye, before things start to get real tough. The Tigers will have an absolutely brutal late October and early November slate, one that starts this next weekend against the inconsistent but still dangerous South Carolina Gamecocks.
7. Michigan State Spartans (6-1) -- Michigan State ran past Indiana yesterday, posting 56 points on the scoreboard and holding a lethal Indiana offense to just 17 (granted, they are without starting QB Nate Sudfeld). Though, now they will endure their toughest stretch of the season with games against a still sneaky Michigan team and then their huge meeting with Ohio State, which will essentially decide the Big Ten.
8. Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) -- Finally the 'Dawgs did what no other team in the entire nation has done to any SEC West team: beat them. Against outside competition, the SEC West is now 28-1, thanks to another great day from Georgia's sudden star running back Nick Chubb, helping the Bulldog's resume out a little bit.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-1) -- The Irish's playoff chances took a hit when Corey Robinson's game-winning touchdown was called back for pass interference, but they are still alive. Everett Golson played great in the losing effort, and the Irish have a schedule the rest of the way that could help them run the table.
10. TCU Horned Frogs (5-1) -- Also coming off their first loss of the season, a heartbreaker on the road to Baylor, TCU firmly pushed themselves back into not just the Big 12 race, but also the Playoff hunt, dominating Oklahoma State by nearly five scores. Quarterback Trevone Boykin continues to impress, while the defense recovered just fine from a bad outing against the Bears, holding the explosive Cowboys to just nine points.
11. Kansas State Wildcats (5-1) -- Norman, Oklahoma is one scary place to play for opponents of the Sooners. But, apparently not for coach Bill Snyder and K-State, who pulled off their second straight victory against Oklahoma on the road. Jake Waters played masterfully and the defense tamed the surging Sooners.
12. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-1) -- The Buckeyes and redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett continued their hot streak, having no problems with Big Ten newcomer Rutgers, winning by nearly six touchdowns. Barrett now has 24 total scores on the year, while sophomore back Ezekiel Elliott has emerged as a star.
13. Baylor Bears (6-1) -- Following a huge emotional high after coming back and stunning TCU, the Bears looked overmatched against Clint Trickett and West Virginia, who handed Baylor their first loss of the year. The good news is that the Bears get a bye and then a game against Kansas, which should help provide them with momentum before a brutal Big 12 stretch.
14. Arizona State Sun Devils (5-1) -- Things have changed quite quickly for the Sun Devils, who went from a five-touchdown loss at the hands of UCLA to wins over USC and then a dominating victory over Stanford. The defense has seemingly found some rhythm and wide receiver Jaelen Strong is having another monster year.
15. Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-1) -- Behind the insane production of running back Ameer Abdullah, the 'Huskers had little problems with Northwestern. Abdullah, who ran for four scores, has been putting up crazy numbers all year and has helped young QB Tommy Armstrong to adjust to his new role.
16. Arizona Wildcats (5-1) -- The 'Cats were off this week, following a rough loss to USC. They will have to meet a sneaky Washington State and the huge arm of QB Connor Halliday before a huge meeting with UCLA the November 1st, one that could greatly effect the Pac-12 South race.
17. East Carolina Pirates (5-1) -- The Pirates were also one a bye this week prior to their Thursday night contest with UConn, who is trying to spoil ECU's AAC Championship hopes. With their explosive offense and improving defense, the Pirates shouldn't have much problems with the Huskies.
18. Utah Utes (5-1) -- The Utes needed some extra time to tame Sean Mannion and Oregon State, but they did, keeping them with just one loss on the year and very much in the hunt for a Pac-12 title. Junior Devontae Booker has put together one great year, with 742 yards and seven touchdowns. He will have to show up in full force against the explosive Trojans of USC.
19. Oklahoma Sooners (5-2) -- Any Playoff hopes for the Sooners unraveled yesterday when Kansas State stormed into Norman and came out with a victory. While the year has been a disappointment, Bob Stoops will still have this time firing two weeks from now on the road against Iowa State.
20. West Virginia Mountaineers (5-2) -- After narrow losses to both Alabama and Oklahoma, the Mountaineers finally got their first signature win of the year. QB Clint Trickett continues to put up huge numbers, while wide receiver Kevin White is among the nation's most underrated players. A test this next weekend against Oklahoma State could essentially be an elimination game for the Big 12 title.
21. USC Trojans (5-2) -- Behind Cody Kessler's seven passing touchdowns, USC dominated Colorado. When Kessler, Buck Allen and Nelson Agholor are playing well the Trojans have one of the nation's top offenses, something that could help them break from the pack in the crowded Pac-12 South.
22. Marshall Thundering Herd (7-0) -- The Herd join the two Mississippi schools and FSU as the only teams to be undefeated in the entire FBS. With record-setting quarterback Rakeem Cato, who now has a touchdown pass in 39 consecutive games, it is easy to see why.
23. Clemson Tigers (5-2) -- It certainly wasn't pretty, but the Tigers did manage to come away with a quality road victory against the sneaky Boston College Eagles. With no more Deshaun Watson at QB (who is out recovering from a finger injury) the defense has to be great, which it was yesterday, holding a solid Eagles' offense to just 13 points.
24. Duke Blue Devils (6-1) -- One year after winning the ACC Coastal, the Blue Devils appear primed to reach similar heights, beating Virginia to improve to 6-1 on the year. Outside of a possible tough one on November 15th against Virginia Tech, the Blue Devils' schedule the rest of the way is really devoid of any sort of test.
25. Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-1) --Quietly, Jerry Kill has developed a winner at Minnesota, who is now 6-1 and in perfect position to make a run at the Big Ten West crown. Their lone loss on the season? A loss on the road to the flaming hot TCU Horned Frogs, which doesn't look very bad at all.
Others Receiving Votes
Oklahoma State
LSU
UCLA
Colorado State
Missouri
Stanford
Wisconsin
Louisville
North Dakota State
Texas A&M
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| Rashad Greene |
3. Ole Miss Rebels (7-0) -- The Rebels had very little troubles with the struggling Tennessee Volunteers, handling them 34-3. While the defense has certainly gotten a lot of credit for Ole Miss' success through the season's first half, Bo Wallace has been scorching lately and the Rebels' offense has been rolling.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-1) -- Many people were appalled at Alabama's lack of explosiveness and offense in their 14-13 squeaker of a victory over Arkansas last week. So naturally, the Tide come and manhandle Texas A&M 59-0, holding Aggies' head coach Kevin Sumlin to the first shutout of his coaching career.
5. Oregon Ducks (6-1) -- A team that looked almost dead in the water following a loss to unranked Arizona, the Ducks have responded extremely well, playing great in back-to-back victories over strong Pac-12 teams, Washington and UCLA. The emergence of freshman Royce Freeman and the ground game has been great, while the stability on the offensive line has propelled Oregon back into the Playoff hunt.
6. Auburn Tigers (5-1) -- Following their first loss of the year to Mississippi State, Auburn was one a bye, before things start to get real tough. The Tigers will have an absolutely brutal late October and early November slate, one that starts this next weekend against the inconsistent but still dangerous South Carolina Gamecocks.
7. Michigan State Spartans (6-1) -- Michigan State ran past Indiana yesterday, posting 56 points on the scoreboard and holding a lethal Indiana offense to just 17 (granted, they are without starting QB Nate Sudfeld). Though, now they will endure their toughest stretch of the season with games against a still sneaky Michigan team and then their huge meeting with Ohio State, which will essentially decide the Big Ten.
8. Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) -- Finally the 'Dawgs did what no other team in the entire nation has done to any SEC West team: beat them. Against outside competition, the SEC West is now 28-1, thanks to another great day from Georgia's sudden star running back Nick Chubb, helping the Bulldog's resume out a little bit.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-1) -- The Irish's playoff chances took a hit when Corey Robinson's game-winning touchdown was called back for pass interference, but they are still alive. Everett Golson played great in the losing effort, and the Irish have a schedule the rest of the way that could help them run the table.
10. TCU Horned Frogs (5-1) -- Also coming off their first loss of the season, a heartbreaker on the road to Baylor, TCU firmly pushed themselves back into not just the Big 12 race, but also the Playoff hunt, dominating Oklahoma State by nearly five scores. Quarterback Trevone Boykin continues to impress, while the defense recovered just fine from a bad outing against the Bears, holding the explosive Cowboys to just nine points.
11. Kansas State Wildcats (5-1) -- Norman, Oklahoma is one scary place to play for opponents of the Sooners. But, apparently not for coach Bill Snyder and K-State, who pulled off their second straight victory against Oklahoma on the road. Jake Waters played masterfully and the defense tamed the surging Sooners.
12. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-1) -- The Buckeyes and redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett continued their hot streak, having no problems with Big Ten newcomer Rutgers, winning by nearly six touchdowns. Barrett now has 24 total scores on the year, while sophomore back Ezekiel Elliott has emerged as a star.
13. Baylor Bears (6-1) -- Following a huge emotional high after coming back and stunning TCU, the Bears looked overmatched against Clint Trickett and West Virginia, who handed Baylor their first loss of the year. The good news is that the Bears get a bye and then a game against Kansas, which should help provide them with momentum before a brutal Big 12 stretch.
14. Arizona State Sun Devils (5-1) -- Things have changed quite quickly for the Sun Devils, who went from a five-touchdown loss at the hands of UCLA to wins over USC and then a dominating victory over Stanford. The defense has seemingly found some rhythm and wide receiver Jaelen Strong is having another monster year.
15. Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-1) -- Behind the insane production of running back Ameer Abdullah, the 'Huskers had little problems with Northwestern. Abdullah, who ran for four scores, has been putting up crazy numbers all year and has helped young QB Tommy Armstrong to adjust to his new role.
16. Arizona Wildcats (5-1) -- The 'Cats were off this week, following a rough loss to USC. They will have to meet a sneaky Washington State and the huge arm of QB Connor Halliday before a huge meeting with UCLA the November 1st, one that could greatly effect the Pac-12 South race.
17. East Carolina Pirates (5-1) -- The Pirates were also one a bye this week prior to their Thursday night contest with UConn, who is trying to spoil ECU's AAC Championship hopes. With their explosive offense and improving defense, the Pirates shouldn't have much problems with the Huskies.
18. Utah Utes (5-1) -- The Utes needed some extra time to tame Sean Mannion and Oregon State, but they did, keeping them with just one loss on the year and very much in the hunt for a Pac-12 title. Junior Devontae Booker has put together one great year, with 742 yards and seven touchdowns. He will have to show up in full force against the explosive Trojans of USC.
19. Oklahoma Sooners (5-2) -- Any Playoff hopes for the Sooners unraveled yesterday when Kansas State stormed into Norman and came out with a victory. While the year has been a disappointment, Bob Stoops will still have this time firing two weeks from now on the road against Iowa State.
20. West Virginia Mountaineers (5-2) -- After narrow losses to both Alabama and Oklahoma, the Mountaineers finally got their first signature win of the year. QB Clint Trickett continues to put up huge numbers, while wide receiver Kevin White is among the nation's most underrated players. A test this next weekend against Oklahoma State could essentially be an elimination game for the Big 12 title.
21. USC Trojans (5-2) -- Behind Cody Kessler's seven passing touchdowns, USC dominated Colorado. When Kessler, Buck Allen and Nelson Agholor are playing well the Trojans have one of the nation's top offenses, something that could help them break from the pack in the crowded Pac-12 South.
22. Marshall Thundering Herd (7-0) -- The Herd join the two Mississippi schools and FSU as the only teams to be undefeated in the entire FBS. With record-setting quarterback Rakeem Cato, who now has a touchdown pass in 39 consecutive games, it is easy to see why.
23. Clemson Tigers (5-2) -- It certainly wasn't pretty, but the Tigers did manage to come away with a quality road victory against the sneaky Boston College Eagles. With no more Deshaun Watson at QB (who is out recovering from a finger injury) the defense has to be great, which it was yesterday, holding a solid Eagles' offense to just 13 points.
24. Duke Blue Devils (6-1) -- One year after winning the ACC Coastal, the Blue Devils appear primed to reach similar heights, beating Virginia to improve to 6-1 on the year. Outside of a possible tough one on November 15th against Virginia Tech, the Blue Devils' schedule the rest of the way is really devoid of any sort of test.
25. Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-1) --Quietly, Jerry Kill has developed a winner at Minnesota, who is now 6-1 and in perfect position to make a run at the Big Ten West crown. Their lone loss on the season? A loss on the road to the flaming hot TCU Horned Frogs, which doesn't look very bad at all.
Others Receiving Votes
Oklahoma State
LSU
UCLA
Colorado State
Missouri
Stanford
Wisconsin
Louisville
North Dakota State
Texas A&M
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