Top 10 Rankings: Week 6
Oklahoma stands alone atop the Big 12 standings and is in position for a playoff run. Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press
Michigan, 6-0
A dominant 52-10 win at Minnesota keeps the Wolverines in my top spot. They’ve won every game by at least 24 points, so despite the poor strength of schedule it’s that point differential that stands out to me. The first test probably won’t come until they travel to Happy Valley in November.
Next: vs. Indiana
Georgia, 6-0
Georgia finally looked like Georgia. Or what we expected the Bulldogs to look like this season. They hammered a ranked and previously unbeaten Kentucky team 51-13 and the game was never close. The path to an SEC title looks pretty clear now at the halfway point of their schedule.
Next: BYE
Oklahoma, 6-0
The Sooners looked sharp and efficient offensively, and showed a lot of strides on defense in forcing 3 turnovers and a goal line stand. They defeated our Longhorns 34-30 with a last minute drive and should be favored to win out in the regular season.
Next: BYE
Ohio State, 5-0
The Buckeyes won 37-17 against Maryland, but weren’t overly impressive in the process. The win over Notre Dame loses a little bit of luster as well with the Irish falling. It should be a warm up game before they host Penn State in a couple weeks - although Purdue has been known to cause a bit of chaos.
Next: @ Purdue
Washington, 5-0
Washington was off, but now faces its real benchmark for the season - Oregon comes in. Time to see if Michael Penix and this group are for real this year.
Next: vs. #7 Oregon
Penn State, 5-0
The Nittany Lions had the week off and now have a tuneup game with the Minutemen before traveling to Columbus.
Next: vs. UMass
Oregon, 5-0
The Ducks have their next great chance to prove themselves with a date at Washington. Both teams are coming off a bye. The winner will have a leg up in the PAC-12 race.
Next: @ #5 Washington
Florida State, 5-0
I’m not necessarily buying what the Seminoles are selling, but given some of the upcoming matchups, they will slide up as they continue to beat up on inferior ACC opponents. A 39-17 victory over Virginia Tech moved them to 5-0 on the season.
Next: vs. Syracuse
Texas, 5-1
This was a really crushing defeat after grabbing the lead with a little over a minute to go. The Horns suffer their first loss this season, 34-30 to the rival Sooners. Still very much alive for many of the team’s goals, they remain in my top 10 for this week. A much needed breather awaits before playing last-placed Houston.
Next: BYE
USC, 6-0
Yep, the undefeated Trojans are behind the Longhorns. Until they show they can put away inferior competition (or their defense improves) they will not earn my respect in this ranking. Got away with a 43-41 win over Arizona in triple overtime, at home. Going to South Bend could spell the end of their undefeated season.
Next: @ Notre Dame
Alabama, 5-1
Could have easily put UNC or Louisville here as well - but the strength of the ACC remains to be seen, and the Tide have been looking stronger. A win in College Station was hard work, but Nick Saban’s squad prevailed 26-20 and move to 5-1.
Next: vs. Arkansas
Dropped out: Notre Dame
