Top 10 Rankings: Week 5
Has Michigan’s dominance been enough to merit a #1 ranking? Photo: Steven Branscombe, Getty Images
Michigan, 5-0
Look, my rankings are evaluated on a week-by-week basis, looking at the total resume of each team. So Michigan jumps up from 5 to 1? Yes, I now think this team has won convincingly enough, with a couple conference games thrown in now, to merit the top ranking. In a 45-7 win at Nebraska, Michigan showed once again that it has the best defense in college football. It also has proven in the last couple years that the program as a whole is one of the top few in the nation.
Next: @ Auburn
Texas, 5-0
The Horns stay at #2 after a convincing 40-14 win over Kansas. This team probably has the best resume in the nation with multiple top 25 wins including a top 10 road win. The only thing it doesn’t have is the rapport built up over years that it is a national contender. A win in Dallas would ensure the #1 ranking in next week’s column.
Next: vs. Oklahoma (Dallas)
Ohio State, 4-0
The Buckeyes had the week off - their win over Notre Dame and the way they have dominated the other games gives them this spot. Next test comes against undefeated Maryland.
Next: vs. Maryland
Washington, 5-0
The Huskies won somewhat unconvincingly against Arizona 31-24, but the game was never really in doubt. They get a week off to prepare for their first real test in the Oregon Ducks.
Next: BYE
Georgia, 5-0
Okay, I have seen enough. Georgia is not the best team in the country this year - not right now, anyway. After surviving another comeback win 27-20 with Auburn, the Bulldogs drop several spots in my ranking. A very good Kentucky team awaits and Georgia will have to play better than it has been in order to win.
Next: vs. Kentucky
Penn State, 5-0
Penn State pulled away late on the road at Northwestern, a game that was tied at half, for a 41-13 win. Their defense is definitely good enough to hang around in some of the toughest games in the Big 10. With an off week and a glorified scrimmage (UMass) after that, they have some time to prepare before going to Columbus.
Next: BYE
Oregon, 5-0
The Ducks continue to roll right along, picking back up right where they left off in the Colorado win with another 42-6 victory over Stanford. A week off before the showdown with Washington awaits this team.
Next: BYE
Florida State, 4-0
The Seminoles had the week off but it’s clear now they deserve a higher ranking than USC so they move up a spot. They should cruise with a home game against the 2-3 Hokies this Saturday. If not there will be more questions.
Next: vs. Virginia Tech
USC, 5-0
USC led their game against Colorado 41-14, and then 48-21 late in the 3rd. And then they let the Buffs back in the game, ultimately prevailing 48-41. That’s not inspiring any confidence that this is a championship level team, and it’s back-to-back week’s they’ve raised questions against inferior opponents.
Next: vs. Arizona
Notre Dame, 5-1
The Irish flipped the script from last week and won in Durham in the final minute, 21-14. It was their second consecutive slugfest type of game, so there are no questions about their defense. The road doesn’t get any easier as they travel to undefeated Louisville now.
Next: @ Louisville
Alabama, 4-1
With Utah falling out after their loss to Wazzu on Friday - the Crimson Tide sit just one spot outside my top 10. Nick Saban is starting to get things going again in Tuscaloosa, and this team is a real threat defensively as they win 41-17 in Starkville. A very tricky matchup with the surging Aggies at Kyle Field will answer a lot of remaining questions.
Next: @ Texas A&M
Dropped out: Utah
