Top 10 Rankings: Week 8
Ohio State won the top 10 matchup of the week, smothering Penn State’s offense and getting another huge game from Marvin Harrison, Jr. Photo: Jay LaPrete, Associated Press
Michigan, 8-0
Michigan rolled 49-0 on the road against rival Michigan State. There hasn’t been any team even close to them as they go right into the bye week. They’re my clear #1.
Next: BYE
Ohio State, 7-0
The Buckeyes now own one of the best resumes in college football, even if some of the wins have been ugly. The 20-12 victory over Penn State adds to their road win over Notre Dame for a pair of top 10 wins. With everything going on with the Michigan program off the field, this team is waiting in the wings - and they also get the Wolverines at home this year.
Next: @ Wisconsin
Georgia, 7-0
Georgia had the week off and now enters a more difficult stretch of the schedule without star TE Brock Bowers.
Next: vs. Florida
Washington, 7-0
Washington looked vulnerable and even had the win in doubt until a late pick six, ultimately prevailing over Arizona State 15-7. Is that going to be a blip on the radar or a sign of things to come in the tough PAC-12 schedule? For now, this team still controls its destiny for a CFP spot.
Next: @ Stanford
Oklahoma, 7-0
Didn’t see that one coming, if I’m being honest. UCF had the lead in the 4th quarter and was only out of the game after a late 2-point conversion failed, along with the ensuing onside kick. Coming off a bye week, I expected the Sooners to roll. For now they remain atop the Big 12 standings after hanging on for a 31-29 win.
Next: @ Kansas
Florida State, 7-0
The Noles were the next of a slew of top teams to struggle with their opponent on Saturday. They finally pulled away from Duke to win 38-20 after trailing entering the 4th quarter. Their schedule still sets up favorably to win out until at least the conference title game.
Next: @ Wake Forest
Texas, 6-1
The Longhorns squandered a 21-0 lead, then overcame an injury to Quinn Ewers to win 31-24 at Houston. Ewers is not lost for the season but will be out several weeks most likely. Survive and live to play another day. Next man up, Maalik!
Next: vs. BYU
Oregon, 6-1
The Ducks handled Washington State just fine in a 38-24 win. Get the feeling this team wants another shot at Washington in December. A stiff test at Rice-Eccles awaits, however.
Next: @ #11 Utah
Alabama, 6-1
A 27-0 second half run propelled the Tide to a comeback victory over Tennessee, 34-20. It’s not Nick Saban’s best team by any stretch, but they still have that innate ability to win that his teams so often have. The SEC West, as it often does, will come down to a matchup with LSU in a couple weeks.
Next: BYE
Oregon State, 6-1
The Beavers find themselves in my top 10 for the first time. They had the week off, but owning wins over Utah and UCLA is hard to ignore. It’s a team to watch out for and one that could cause some chaos in the final year of the PAC-12.
Next: @ Arizona
Utah, 6-1
Utah is my first team out - and only due to the head to head loss to Oregon State. The Utes put together a brilliant final drive to down USC, 34-32. They have another chance for a statement win to climb back into the top 10 as they host Oregon this week.
Next: vs. #8 Oregon
Dropped out: North Carolina, Penn State
