College Football Rankings Shakeup After Week 7 Chaos!
The latest Coaches Poll Top 25 rankings are out (https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/football/ncaaf/coaches-poll), and let's just say Week 7 left its mark. Upsets, nail-biters, and blowout victories – it was a quintessential week of college football madness. Buckle up, because these rankings are sure to spark some heated debates!
Let's dive into the top contenders:
1. Ohio State (https://www.on3.com/teams/ohio-state-buckeyes/)
The Buckeyes remain firmly atop the poll after another convincing win. This time, they dominated Illinois on the road, showcasing their offensive firepower with Julian Sayin's two touchdowns and 166 passing yards. While the running game faced some resistance, CJ Donaldson's two rushing touchdowns sealed the deal, keeping Ohio State undefeated.
2. Miami (https://www.on3.com/teams/miami-hurricanes/) (+1)
The Hurricanes enjoyed a bye week, but their 5-0 record and impressive victory over Florida State (despite FSU's recent struggles) keep them firmly in the top tier. They're the team to beat in the ACC right now, and their Friday night showdown against Louisville will be a crucial test.
3. Indiana (https://www.on3.com/teams/indiana-hoosiers/) (+4)
And this is the part most people miss... Indiana is making a serious case for being the best team in the Big Ten. Their 30-20 victory over Oregon in Eugene was a statement win. While Ohio State might still hold the top spot in the Coaches Poll, Curt Cignetti's Hoosiers are a force to be reckoned with. This isn't the same team from last season – they're significantly improved.
4. Texas A&M (https://www.on3.com/sites/aggie-yell/) (+1)
The Aggies are on a roll, sitting at 6-0 after a convincing 34-17 win over Florida. Mike Elko's team demonstrated their balance, overcoming a tight first quarter to pull away in the second half. They're a legitimate SEC contender and a serious threat in the national landscape.
5. Ole Miss (https://www.on3.com/teams/ole-miss-rebels/) (-1)
But here's where it gets controversial... Ole Miss almost stumbled this weekend against Washington State, raising questions about their consistency. However, they escaped with a win, remaining undefeated at 6-0 and tied for the SEC lead. Lane Kiffin's squad is talented, but can they maintain their momentum against tougher opponents?
6. Alabama (https://www.on3.com/teams/alabama-crimson-tide/) (+2)
Alabama continues its resurgence, winning their fifth straight game. Their SEC battle against Missouri was a grind, but they emerged victorious. Kalen DeBoer has engineered a remarkable turnaround after their Week 1 loss to Florida State. The question now is: can they sustain this winning streak?
7. Georgia (https://www.on3.com/teams/georgia-bulldogs/) (+2)
Georgia bounced back from their loss to Alabama with a low-scoring road win against Auburn. Kirby Smart's team is 5-1 at the halfway point and still a top-10 contender. Their upcoming home game against Ole Miss promises to be a pivotal matchup with major implications for the SEC race.
8. Texas Tech (https://www.on3.com/sites/red-raider-sports/) (+2)
The Red Raiders are for real. Their 6-0 start, capped by a dominant win over Kansas, solidifies their position as the team to beat in the Big 12. With a clear path to the College Football Playoff in sight, Texas Tech is a team on the rise.
9. Oregon (https://www.on3.com/teams/oregon-ducks/) (-7)
Oregon suffered their first loss of the season to Indiana, dropping them in the rankings. However, they remain a talented team with a chance to rebound. Dan Lanning's squad faces Rutgers next week, providing an opportunity to regroup and prove their mettle.
10. LSU (https://www.on3.com/teams/lsu-tigers/) (+1)
LSU is back in the top 10 after a 20-10 win over South Carolina. While the victory wasn't particularly flashy, their defense was stellar, forcing two turnovers and limiting the Gamecocks to just 10 points. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had an uneven performance, but he did enough to secure the win.
The Rest of the Top 25:
- Tennessee (https://www.on3.com/teams/tennessee-volunteers/) (+1)
- Georgia Tech (https://www.on3.com/college/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets/) (+1)
- Oklahoma (https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-sooners/) (-7)
- BYU (https://www.on3.com/college/byu-cougars/) (+4)
- Notre Dame (https://www.on3.com/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish/) (+1)
- Missouri (https://www.on3.com/sites/mizzou-today/) (-2)
- Texas (https://www.on3.com/teams/texas-longhorns/) (+2)
- Vanderbilt (https://www.on3.com/sites/the-dore-report/) (+2)
- Virginia (https://www.on3.com/college/virginia-cavaliers/) (+5)
- Memphis (https://www.on3.com/sites/tiger-sports-report/) (+5)
- USC (https://www.on3.com/teams/usc-trojans/) (NR)
- Utah (https://www.on3.com/college/utah-utes/) (NR)
- USF (https://www.on3.com/sites/bulls-insider/) (NR)
- Cincinnati (https://www.on3.com/college/cincinnati-bearcats/) (NR)
- Illinois (https://www.on3.com/sites/orange-blue-news/) (-8)
Dropped Out: Michigan, Iowa State, Penn State, Arizona State
Receiving Votes: Michigan, Nebraska, Washington, UNLV, Navy, Louisville, Tulane, Arizona State, Duke, Iowa, Iowa State, Clemson, Houston, TCU, San Diego State, Pittsburgh
Food for Thought:
Is Indiana truly the best team in the Big Ten, or is Ohio State still the undisputed king? Can Ole Miss maintain their undefeated streak, or will their close call against Washington State prove to be a sign of things to come? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
