Top 10 Rankings: Week 2
Texas moves into my top 10, slotting in at #3 following its road win at Alabama. Photo: Aaron E. Martinez, USA Today
Georgia, 2-0
After getting off to a slow start, the Bulldogs eventually trounced Ball State, 45-3, improving to 2-0 on the year. As the 2-time defending national champions, they should occupy this top spot until further notice.
Next: vs. South Carolina
Florida State, 2-0
The Noles rolled up on an inferior Southern Miss squad, 66-13, improving their record to 2-0. Their 45-24 thrashing of LSU still rings loudly here to earn the #2 spot in my rankings.
Next: @ Boston College
Texas, 2-0
The Longhorns went in and did what only one other team had done in the last 54 tries at Bryant-Denny Stadium and beat Alabama at their home, 34-24. That is probably the best quality victory of any team in the nation thus far, and the Horns earn the #3 spot in my rankings because of it. The true test for Texas will be how they handle the success, and whether or not they can sustain that level of play throughout conference play.
Next: vs. Wyoming
Michigan, 2-0
The Wolverines had no trouble with UNLV, winning 35-7 in their second game without suspended head coach Jim Harbaugh. Still, the Maise and Blue have looked underwhelming through two games and it’s the reason why I have them a couple spots lower than most polls.
Next: vs. Bowling Green
USC, 3-0
The Trojans completely destroyed Stanford 56-10, in a game that was 49-3 at the half. Yes, you read that right. USC still looks like the front runner in what is shaping up to be a quality PAC-12 this year, in the last year of its current existence.
Next: BYE
Penn State, 2-0
The Nittany Lions have actually looked quite good this year, dispatching Delaware 63-7 on Saturday. Their larger tests lie ahead in Michigan and Ohio State, but it’s a promising start in Happy Valley.
Next: @ Illinois
Ohio State, 2-0
Ohio State is another B1G team that has looked pretty pedestrian thus far, albeit having no trouble in beating Youngstown State 35-7. Their fans are looking to see a little more out of the offense - as am I.
Next: vs. Western Kentucky
Washington, 2-0
The Huskies continued to roll, and handled Tulsa 43-10 on Saturday. Led by 5th year senior quarterback Michael Penix, Jr., they pose as a major threat in the PAC-12 race.
Next: @ Michigan State
Notre Dame, 3-0
The Fighting Irish continue to impress, running away with what had been a slugfest in rain-soaked turf after a lengthy weather delay, 45-24 over NC State. Sam Hartman and the Irish will play a big part of the College Football Playoff race, with Ohio State in the wings in week 4.
Next: vs. Central Michigan
Utah, 2-0
Utah grinded out a come from behind victory in Waco over the Baylor Bears, 20-13 on Saturday. Still without recovering starting quarterback Cam Rising, the Utes have a strong all around roster, and this ranking serves mostly as a potential for what they can be once Rising returns.
Next: vs. Weber State
Alabama, 1-1
The Crimson Tide are reeling after suffering a tough home loss at the hands of our Longhorns, and they fall one spot outside my top 10 for this week. Expect Hall of Fame head coach Nick Saban to bounce back, and a return to the Top 10 seems likely. Getting through the entirety of the SEC slate unscathed will determine whether or not Alabama fans consider this season a success or not.
Next: @ South Florida
