1. Oklahoma
Oklahoma wallops Baylor with a score of 49-17 to remain at the top of college football. Sam Bradford was 23 for 31, passing for 372 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for another. With their match up with No. 5 Texas just around the corner, Oklahoma made sure to send a loud and clear message that they aren’t going down without a fight.
2. LSU
LSU stands still after a bye week. Tim Tebow and Co. will be looking to regain some respect in the rankings when they host the Tigers this coming Saturday. LSU’s quarterbacks Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch have combined for seven TDs and four interceptions, while Tebow has recorded eight TDs and only one interception. This noon ET game should be an exciting one.
3. Missouri
Missouri pulled off their first win at Nebraska in 30 years, and they sure made a statement by downing the Cornhuskers 52-17. Derrick Washington ran for 139 yards and two TDs, then caught a seven-yard pass for a third touchdown. Mizzou gave up one penalty to Nebraska’s 14 and was also able to force two turnovers. The Tigers will defend their 5-0 record against No. 17 Oklahoma State this weekend.
4. Alabama
Alabama was able to fend off a second half comeback from Kentucky this weekend with a field goal at 2:12 left in the game that put them ahead 17-14. Alabama quickly scored 14 points in the first quarter but remained scoreless until the 24-yard field goal, giving up a Kentucky TD in the third and fourth quarters.
Alabama has outscored opponents 88-0 in the first quarter thus far this season. The telling stat of the game is the Crimson Tide amassing 282 rushing yards while holding the Wildcats to a paltry 35. Up next for the Tide: Ole Miss, a team looking for a repeat of their upset win against Florida two weeks ago.
5. Texas
Texas controlled the clock in their 38-14 victory over Colorado, having possession for almost 14 minutes more than the Buffaloes. Chris Ogbonnaya had 187 total yards for two touchdowns, one receiving and one rushing.
With his two passing TDs Colt McCoy jumped up to second on Texas’ Most TD Responsible list, and is now only five touchdowns away from surpassing Vince Young as No. 1. The Longhorns have a tough two weeks ahead of them, first hosting No. 1 Oklahoma and then traveling to Missouri.
6. Penn State
Penn State chomped Purdue 20-6 this weekend. The game started off with a controversial first touchdown for Penn State after the Boilermakers successfully held the Nittany Lions inside of their five-yard line. Joe Paterno went for it on fourth down but was unable to punch the ball into the end zone.
However, the referees signaled that the booth had called for review on the third down play. After review, the call on the field stood and Penn State repeated their fourth down and got a touchdown. The call didn't appear to make a difference, though, as Purdue recorded their 15th consecutive loss to a ranked opponent under Joe Tiller.
7. Brigham Young
Brigham Young extended the nation’s longest win streak to 15 games this weekend as they defeated Utah State 34-14. WR Austin Collie caught eight passes for 132 and two touchdowns in the game against the Aggies. BYU led 34-0 going into the fourth quarter after two passing TDs, a fumble return for a touchdown, a rushing TD by Harvey Unga and two field goals from Mitch Payne. Up next for the Cougars: New Mexico.
8. Texas Tech
Graham Harrell became Texas Tech’s all-time leading passer during the second quarter of Texas Tech’s 58-28 victory over Kansas State. The quarterback has reached 12,709 yards in his third year as a starter. In this last game alone Harrell threw for 454 yards and six touchdowns. The 5-0 Red Raiders host Nebraska this weekend.
9. USC
The Trojans bounced back from their Oregon State upset to beat the Oregon Ducks 44-10 at home in Los Angeles. It was shaky at first, when USC didn’t lead until a touchdown late in the second quarter put them head 17-10. They shutout the Ducks from that point on with 598 total yards and 10 third down conversions. The Trojans will host Arizona State this weekend, a team is coming off of three straight losses.
10. Ohio State
Ohio State visited then-ranked No. 18 Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium this weekend. The Badger’s were coming off an upset loss to Michigan, which was only made worse as their Big Ten title hopes came to an end, losing to Ohio State 20-17. In typical fashion the Buckeyes jumped ahead with a huge 33-yard run from RB Beanie Wells to go up 7-0 a little over three minutes into the game.
But it took two field goals and a last minute rushing TD from Terrelle Pryor to seal the Buckeye’s 12th straight Big Ten road win. The loss ends Wisconsin’s 16-game home win streak. Ohio State hosts Purdue this weekend, while Wisconsin faces a tough matchup against Penn State.
11. Florida
Florida annihilated Arkansas 38-7 as they gear up to host LSU. The only low note of the game was that Tim Tebow gave up an interception after having thrown 203 passes without one. Chris Rainey and Jeffrey Demps ran for 103 yards each and combined for three TDs. The loss was Arkansas' third straight.
12. Georgia
Coming off a bye week, Georgia is looking to regain some respect after their previous week’s devastating loss to Alabama. Georgia will host Tennessee, a team that is 0-2 on the road, this weekend.
13. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt jumps up in the rankings after beating then No. 13 Auburn with a score of 14-13. Vandy sealed the deal when Myron Lewis picked off Chris Todd with only a few minutes remaining in the game, ending Auburn’s final drive. QB Mackenzi Adams threw for 152 yards and two touchdowns to end their 13-game losing streak to the Tigers. Next up for Vandy: Mississippi State.
14. Utah
Utah preserved their unbeaten season with a 31-28 win over Oregon State. The Utes had a touchdown and two-point conversion with 1:29 remaining in the fourth to tie the game at 28-28. Then with time expiring after the snap, Louie Sakoda nailed a 37-yard field goal to win the game for Utah. The 6-0 team faces Wyoming this Saturday.
15. Boise State
Boise State had a Wednesday showdown with Louisiana Tech and beat the Bulldogs 38-3. Kellen Moore threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns while D.J. Harper added two more over 35 rushing yards. The Broncos will visit Southern Miss this coming Saturday.
16. Kansas
Kansas came from a 20-point deficit at the half to beat Iowa State. The Jayhawks had an explosive second half, with 343 total yards compared to amassing only 93 in the first half. Todd Reesing threw for two TDs in the third quarter to jumpstart Kansas. They’ll need a better first-half performance when they face Colorado this weekend.
17. Oklahoma State
The Cowboys kicked off their 56-28 win over Texas A&M with a 6-yard interception return for a touchdown from Ugo Chinasa. The Aggies turned the ball over five times over the course of the game, giving Oklahoma State a second interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter. The Cowboys visit Missouri this weekend.
18. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech got their fifth straight win after a season-opening loss to ECU, when they beat Western Kentucky 27-13. Dexter Taylor was 10/15 for 125 yards and one touchdown. Although the win vaults them up in the top 20, the Virginia Tech offense failed to gain 300 total yards for the fourth game this season. Next up: Boston College on Oct. 18.
19. Michigan State
Michigan State improved to 5-1 after beating Iowa 16-13, in their best start since 2003. The Spartans were able to pull off the win despite the fact that Javon Ringer, the nation’s No. 2 rusher entering the game, was held to 91 yards on 25 carries.
The difference maker was Brett Swenson who made three field goals at 29, 32 and 25 yards to bring the Spartans on top after an early game TD. Michigan State will visit Northwestern, of the other Big Ten undefeated teams this weekend looking to hold their no-loss conference standing.
20. South Florida
South Florida drops after being upset by Pittsburgh in a 26-21 loss. The Bulls gave up 374 yards to Pitt, allowing Bill Stull to throw for 228 yards and a TD. South Florida has a week to recuperate before hosting Syracuse on Oct. 18.
21. Wake Forest
Wake Forest had the week off after losing to Navy 24-17 on Sept. 27. They will face Clemson at home on Thursday night.
22. North Carolina
North Carolina jumps into the rankings after beating then No. 24 Connecticut 38-12. Bruce Carter blocked three punts, one of which resulted in a touchdown, as UNC showcased their special teams.
To add to that advantage, Shawn Draughn ran for 109 yards on 19 carries, his longest being a 39-yard touchdown run. North Carolina hopes to remain in the top 25 when they host Notre Dame this weekend.
23. Northwestern
The Northwestern Wildcats are 5-0 with a bye week, their last win coming against Iowa on Sept. 27. They round out the four undefeated Big Ten conference teams with a 1-0 conference record. They host No. 19 Michigan State this weekend to determine who will remain unbeaten in the Big Ten.
24. Ball State
The Cardinals reached 6-0 this weekend with a 31-0 shutout of Toledo. Ball State amassed 482 yards and 24 first downs in the win. MiQuale Lewis ran for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Ball State will travel to 4-2 Western Kentucky this weekend.
25. California
Under the guidance of Nate Longshore, who has returned to starting for the Golden Bears, Cal beat Arizona State 24-14. Longshore was 17 for 28 with three touchdowns and an interception. California travels to Arizona this weekend for a match up with the Wildcats.
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about 1 month ago
still dont know how u do this each week =)
great job Molly. It was a pretty good weekend overall.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Thomas! I had a lot of fun watching college football this weekend. Ohio State won, BYU won, and Michigan lost which makes for a great Saturday in my book!
about 1 month ago
Great as usual. 5 stars.
I see that you dropped Auburn out altogether! I still had them at No. 15. Call me crazy, but I think they can beat most of the bottom half of the Top 25.
from about 1 month ago
After losing to the two ranked teams I felt that I had to since I have no else with two losses in my rankings. Hopefully they can jump back in when they play Georgia and Alabama at the end of the season but we'll see!
about 1 month ago
Awesome stuff!! I hope my Hawkeyes crack this list by seasons end but if not, GO VANDY
from about 1 month ago
I hope you aren't referring to the 3-3 Iowa Hawkeyes Sayre! Because I hate to disappoint you again after sweeping the Cubs ;). Unless you guys can upset Penn State in a few weeks I don't see you jumping into the rankings. And even then, I don't believe Penn State will come out on top of both Wisconsin and Ohio State in the next two weeks so beating them won't be as impressive on Nov. 8.
from about 1 month ago
If Oregon State can beat USC!!....
about 1 month ago
Good stuff, Molly. All four Big Ten teams that remain undefeated in conference play face off this weekend. These rankings could look very different in a week.
from about 1 month ago
Actually, Penn State is playing Wisconsin (who has lost a conf. game) and Ohio State is playing Purdue (who has lost a conf. game) but with Michigan State facing off with Northwestern there will be at most three teams left undefeated! Should be very exciting!
about 1 month ago
I'm sure you loved seeing Longshore do well. Other than that pick he threw right to the ASU backer, he did a pretty good job managing the game. It was also a very impressive offensive game for Cal without Jahvid Best.
from about 1 month ago
Daniel, you're right, I loved seeing Nate's three TDs!!
from about 1 month ago
Thought you would be. It was a great game overall.
about 1 month ago
Molly, I really like the way these rankings set up. While they aren't necessarily in an order that is going to make everyone happy they are inclusive enough that it won't take such drastic maneuvering if a few upsets happen. I really think this is your best to date.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Mitch! I've tried to improve week by week. I saw your comment on Kristofer Green's poll, and was interested in why you had Tulsa ranked so high? I had considered them but it doesn't seem to me like they have played anyone of merit...
from about 1 month ago
A lot of teams haven't played much but Tulsa has handled everyone they've played very easily, sort of like what Penn State has/had done with the exception of Illinois when they did beat a good team. You can't fault a team for their competition if the schedule D-1 teams, if they schedule 1-AA team then it shoud be held against them. In short, I think TUlsa has done the best they can do with what tehy've been given to work with and could beat a lot of teams many have ranked ahead of them. I'm sure they could give Texas Tech or a Missori a real run for their money.
from about 1 month ago
Ya I noticed that they racked up a ton of points so far, their lowest score was 45 wasn't it?
from about 1 month ago
Oh yeah... we had Tulsa for our opening game till they ditched us.
BTW, I'm pretty sure the Longhorns host Mizzou and not the other way round as your article says.
about 1 month ago
Ohio State as the highest ranked 1 loss team? They have 1 quality win and an extremely embarassing loss.
from about 1 month ago
Nick, in case you forgot USC has one loss and they are above Ohio State and they lost to an UNRANKED team. Ohio State lost a game that they were never supposed to win against the best team in college football at the time, while the other one-loss teams lost to UNRANKED opponents, whom they should have blown out.
Granted Georgia lost to Alabama, but other than that game they really haven't played anyone, a win over Wisconsin at Camp Randall for Ohio State is much more impressive than a win over Arizona State, which is just about all Georgia has to their name right now.
Meanwhile, Florida lost to Ole Miss. Ole Miss!! They should be able to gain back some respect when they play LSU, but for now their games haven't been very impressive.
about 1 month ago
Good job, Molly. This is a hard piece to bring together each week, but you continue to pull it off.
Should be interesting to see how things shake out after this weekend's big match-ups, particularly OK-Texas and LSU-FL. What happens if both Sooners and Tigers lose??? Another mixed up top five for sure.
At the same time, there are some other games of interest as well: Missouri-OK State, Penn State-Wisconsin, and Mich State-Northwestern.
So, there is going to be at least four top 25 teams going down this weekend, with a good possibility of two or three more. This thing just keeps getting more and more interesting as each weekend passes.
I look forward to seeing who makes it out alive and how the top ten shapes up after this BIG weekend!
from about 1 month ago
I'm really looking forward to the Penn State-Wisconsin game, Wiscky has something to prove that's for sure and I know for a fact Penn State wants to come to Ohio State undefeated to try and earn the outright Big Ten title. Heck, that's what we Buckeyes are hoping for too so we can have a second chance at facing a top ten team. But I don't think the Badgers will go down easy after the last two emotional losses, or then again they could have been exposed in those two games as a less-than-stellar team and will get walked on by the Lions. That's what I love about college football, games like these can be so up in the air that you never really know until it's over.
about 1 month ago
Nice! OSU in front of Florida and Georgia sounds good to me :)
from about 1 month ago
Like I said above, OSU lost to the No. 1 team on the road, Florida lost to an unranked team, and Georgia lost to a lower ranked team and hasn't beaten anyone who's anyone except Arizona State which has turned out to be a lot less impressive than I expected. Ohio State definitely earned more respect beating Wisconsin on the road than did Georgia by beating ASU.
about 1 month ago
Can the 'Noles get some love?
from about 1 month ago
I have to say that I was impressed with the win over Colorado 39-21, but I just don't think FSU has been top 25 quality yet this year and their schedule doesn't lend them to jump into the rankings either with games against NC State, Clemson, and Maryland. However, show me what you guys can do against Virginia Tech and against Florida (depending on how they are ranked at the end of the season) and maybe you can make it into the bottom of the rankings.
about 1 month ago
I agree, I'm not used to not seeing them in the top 25. Good list though.
about 1 month ago
Great Article Molly, I would love to see Bradford beat out Chase for a Heisman!
from about 1 month ago
That's definitely a possibility, especially if Bradford makes a good case for himself against Colt McCoy and a strong Texas team this weekend.
about 1 month ago
Not that it matters on a neutral field, but technically, OU is hosting Texas this year. All this means is that Texas will call the coin toss.
Good analysis, Molly.
about 1 month ago
wow one sloppy win and you doudt the Alabama Crimson Tide, I seem to remeber a team that lost last year by the name of LSU and still won the title, I'm not saying that LSU deserves #2 either, but Alabama deserves it, really Oklahoma will prove they are number ! once they play Texas. I mean Alabama has played quailty opponets, who has Oklahoma played TCU??? Please Ball State could beat TCU, by the way first time for them in the top 25, and really SEC teams knock eackh other off the pedistal all year where Big 12, Big 10, ACC, do it once every 2 weeks. So really if you think that Oklahoma is better than Alabama or that even Missouri is your sadly mistaken, ya Missouri has a great offense and may have a Heisman winner at QB, but again reallt stack their opponets up against Alabama's. Its no competition. I'm a Bama fan, but more of a football fan, I know SEC is best, and Alabama right now is the best in the SEC, which means that they deserve to be number ! but since thats not going to happen until Texas beats Oklahoma they at least deserve #2, definatly not #4, they still won. Sure they score was close at the end but they scored at the end, it was All Bama, and I'll leave you on this, they have not trailed once all year long. Can many other teams say that, LSU??
from about 1 month ago
Joe, I respect your opinion, but if you go back to my week five rankings, I had Alabama at No. 3, and the only reason that they dropped down one spot was because of Missouri's performance. I am in no way doubting the Crimson Tide, if you read what I wrote about the team you'll see how much I commend their offense and how great of a team I think they are. However, I think Missouri had an excellent game on Saturday and these are power rankings. The Tigers gave up ONE penalty throughout the whole game for only 15 yards and had no turnovers. [Alabama had five penalties (still a great low number) and two turnovers just for comparison.] Missouri has put up huge numbers on the offensive and seem to me a stronger, more powerful team. Missouri has outscored their opponents by 167 points over five games while Alabama has outscored their opponents by 121 points over six games. Don't get me wrong, I think Alabama is a great team but in my opinion Missouri is stronger right now.
from about 1 month ago
ya Molly but look who they played, Alabama played and beat a good up and coming Kentucky team, and Mizzo didn't play anybody no offense to them, Chase Danile and that offense is the best in the country, byut they have not yet played a team that could make them worthy of it, if your going week by week, by points then maybe Mizzo is your best, because they put up easily 40 a game, but if your talking beating the best every week in and out, Alabama even beats Oklahoma in that.
about 1 month ago
Molly, you do an awesome job on this every week, and I appreciate the hard work. I have the same teams in the top 10 (just in a little different order). I enjoy seeing how things shake out in the rankings, with the top teams getting the recognition they deserve. I am also looking forward to the Penn State - Wisconsin game. It should be one to remember.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks 12! That really means a lot to me coming from you! I too am looking forward to the Penn State-Wisconsin game, I'm hoping that Penn State can pull off the W so that Ohio State has another shot at playing a top ten team.
about 1 month ago
Your rankings are good. Can't wait for Oklahoma and Texas this week, I think. This could be a BCS buster.
from about 1 month ago
It should be a great game, hopefully much better than the first No. 5 vs. No. 1 this season...
about 1 month ago
Molly I love your writing and opinions and i think you are one of the best on here! BUT haha... I am not sure if you watched the florida gators vs arkansas but it was wayy wayyy closer than the score. It was 17-7 in the middle of the 3rd quarter and arkansas received a punt to possibly pull within 3 points of the gators when arkansas, as young teams tend to do, fumbled and gave UF the ball inside Ark's 20. From that point on it was over....but Arkansas who couldn't mov the ball at all vs Texas or Bama, moved it easily on UF and just made a ton of mistakes. UF's defense is shaky! I understand this is power rankings so USC has to be below Texas Tech, BYU and Penn St. because of their one loss and the others have no losses, but USC would soundly beat any of those 3 teams haha....thanks molly! i enjoyed it!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Jonny! And no I didn't watch the Florida/Arkansas game but if what you are saying is true about the score being 17-7 in the middle of the third quarter than in my opinion Florida is even more powerful for racking up that many points that late into the game. One of the things I have always looked for in a team is the ability to remain strong, and turn out even stronger efforts in the fourth quarter, which it seems like Florida did during that game. I definitely respect your opinion tho, but that is just what I look for in a football team (which frustrates me a lot about Ohio State lately too make you feel better haha)
about 1 month ago
Still doggin' Missouri.
Good job this week aside from that. ;-)
about 1 month ago
I have my top ten a bit different, but let's get ole' Ball State movin' up in those rankings, and thank you for dropping Auburn! Good job Molly!
about 1 month ago
Great article. I like how you have underrated Northwestern, North Carolina, and Ball State in your rankings. I think you should've dropped Kansas into about the 20th spot for their near loss to Iowa State. I like how Alabama is not at 2 because they almost lost to Kentucky. That game was Kentucky's first loss, so keep track of them. They might be able to break the Top 25 pretty soon.
about 1 month ago
I would still like to see Texas Tech perform against some worthy competition before buying them as a top ten team. It seems to me they are a pass happy system taking advantage of poor opposition and the misfortunes of others in the rankings. Please, let's just remember that they have piled up stats against not one but TWO 1-AA/FCS schools (UMass and Eastern Washington).
about 1 month ago
look for Oregon to hop right back into the top 25 this week with a strong showing against UCLA, Oregon will rebound with style and class after the embarrassment in the Coliseum.
about 1 month ago
Glad to see four teams from the Big Ten on the poll. Penn State-Ohio State's going to be one hell of a matchup
about 1 month ago
Great read.
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