Top 10 Rankings: Week 3
Washington has been dominant in their 3-0 start to the season, rising after a 41-7 win on the road in East Lansing. Photo: Jennifer Buchanan, The Seattle Times
Georgia, 3-0
Trailing 14-3 at the half, the Bulldogs recovered for a 24-14 win over South Carolina. Keeping an eye on this one as it’s the first time in a while that Georgia has looked vulnerable.
Next: vs. UAB
Michigan, 3-0
The Wolverines have won every game decisively with their smothering defense - prevailing 31-6 on Saturday. They are the only one of the top few teams to not have had any question marks about the result of their games to this point, and thus jump up to my #2 spot this week.
Next: vs. Rutgers
Texas, 3-0
The Longhorns beat Wyoming 31-10 on Saturday night in what was a tie game at the end of the third quarter. Longhorn fans will come away with a few lingering doubts about the inconsistent play from the offense and quarterback Quinn Ewers, but should be encouraged by the Horns’ ability to finish this year. Texas is 3-0 for the first time since 2012.
Next: @ Baylor
Washington, 3-0
Washington has been one of the most impressive teams for me thus far, thrashing Michigan State 41-7. Penix continues to rack up big numbers as the Huskies continue to roll, improving to 3-0 on the season.
Next: vs. California
USC, 3-0
The Trojans had a bye week and will prepare for a road matchup this week where they should be heavy favorites.
Next: @ Arizona State
Florida State, 3-0
Beating Boston College by 2? Yeah, that will raise a few questions for me in a game the Noles should have put to rest much earlier than they did. They get the win 31-29 and move to 3-0 but fall in this week’s rankings.
Next: @ Clemson
Penn State, 3-0
The Nittany Lions took care of business on the road at Illinois in a 30-13 win. They’ll face their first real test of the season as they welcome a tough Iowa defense to Happy Valley.
Next: vs. Iowa
Ohio State, 3-0
The Buckeyes had no problems in dispatching Western Kentucky 63-10, and finally showed off some offensive prowess for the first time this season. The game of the week looms next as they go on the road to take on my next team in these rankings.
Next: @ #9 Notre Dame
Notre Dame, 4-0
Notre Dame improved to 4-0 and have won every contest convincingly, including a 41-17 win on Saturday. They’ll have every opportunity to prove they belong in this year’s playoff conversation this week with Ohio State coming to South Bend.
Next: vs. #8 Ohio State
Utah, 3-0
I still feel that Utah is a very good team and will factor heavily in the Pac-12 race. The Utes improved to 3-0 after a 31-7 win over Weber State. They welcome UCLA this Saturday in a decent benchmark game for this team. Still waiting on the return of Cam Rising.
Next: vs. UCLA
Oregon, 3-0
Just outside of my top 10 is Oregon, who dominated in a 55-10 win over Hawaii. They’ll be doing their best to limit the distractions this week as Coach Prime and Colorado come to Autzen Stadium.
Next: vs. Colorado
Dropped out: Alabama
