As the college football season continues down the track, headed toward the College Football Playoff, the pretenders are being separated from the contenders weekly. Several teams thought to be legitimate threats to dethrone Ohio State have just about eliminated themselves after a wild week six in the top ten.
James Franklin and Penn State inexplicably fell to 0-4 UCLA in Pasadena. And Texas? What has happened to the Longhorns? Both teams were considered serious title contenders, ranking No. 1 and No. 2 in the preseason polls. Now the Longhorns and Nittany Lions are in danger of not even making the CFP.
Ohio State rolled to an easy win over Minnesota, so there’s no danger of Joel Klatt dropping them out of his No. 1 spot, but what about others? With a week of upsets, there’s bound to be some newcomers. Let’s see how Klatt ranks his top 10.
No. 10 – Oklahoma Sooners
Last week’s ranking – NR
What we think
The Sooners lost quarterback and Heisman hopeful John Mateer for at least a month after breaking his hand in a win over Auburn. Oklahoma was able to cruise to a victory over lowly Kent State as it prepares for the Red River Rivalry against Texas. The Longhorns are reeling after a stunning defeat to Florida, so the Sooners should get the best of the ‘Horns this week, but the second half of their schedule is brutal. We could see them easily losing 3-4 games before it’s all said and done.
No. 9 – Georgia Bulldogs
Last week’s ranking – No. 10
What we think
Georgia recovered nicely after Alabama ended the Dawgs’ 33-game home winning streak a week earlier, taking care of Kentucky with relative ease. A date with Auburn on the road is on the docket for Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs. The Tigers have dropped two in a row, but never underestimate the underdog in a rivalry game.
No. 8 – Texas Tech Red Raiders
Last week’s ranking – NR
What we think
Texas Tech makes its first appearance on Klatt’s top 10. The money that oil tycoon Cody Campbell is spending is starting to pay off with wins on the field. The Red Raiders have looked the part of contender, but the schedule hasn’t been all that difficult. With only two ranked teams left on the schedule, Tech could find itself in the thick of the College Football Playoff.
No. 7 – Alabama Crimson Tide
Last week’s ranking – No. 8
What we think
Alabama looks like it has got things back on track since a week one loss to Florida State. However, the Tide defense was supposed to be elite, and we haven’t quite witnessed that level of dominance just yet. With several ranked opponents left on the schedule, along with Auburn in the Iron Bowl, there is little room for error the rest of the way.
No 6 – Indiana Hoosiers
Last week’s ranking – No. 7
What we think
Are the Hoosiers for real? We’re about to find out when Indiana takes a trip to Eugene to take on the Oregon Ducks. The experts keep doubting the Hoosiers, and the Hoosiers keep rising to the occasion. If they come away from Autzen with a win, they’ll skyrocket up the rankings.
No. 5 – Ole Miss Rebels
Last week’s ranking – No. 6
What we think
Ole Miss gets a practice week agains Washington State before a two game stretch that will define the Rebels season. If they can win at least one on the road at Georgia or at Oklahoma, Lane Kiffin’s club will be in excellent shape rounding out the season.
No. 4 – Texas A&M Aggies
Last week’s ranking – No. 4
What we think
The Aggies are taking care of business and have moved all the way up to No. 5 in the AP poll. Mike Elko’s club has looked elite at times and at others not so much. Anything can happen at any time in the SEC, but the schedule is very manageable down the stretch.
No. 3 – Miami Hurricanes
Last week’s ranking – No. 3
What we think
Miami passed its last tough test of the regular season with a win over Florida State in Tallahassee. The Hurricanes should be favored in every game the remainder of the way.
No. 2 – Oregon Ducks
Last week’s ranking – No. 2
What we think
With an off week, we didn’t learn much other than the fact that maybe Oregon’s win over Penn State wasn’t as impressive as we once thought. Undefeated Indiana comes to town this week for another top-10 showdown in the Big Ten.
No. 1 – Ohio State Buckeyes
Last week’s ranking – No. 1
What we think
The Ohio State offense is looking more and more comfortable with first-year starter Julian Sayin under center. And the Buckeye defense continues to be dominant. Another tough matchup awaits as OSU travels to Illinois.
