College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 9
Chaos reigned in Week 9 as multiple unbeaten teams fell from perfection. What will happen to the winners and the losers in the next AP Top 25?
A half-dozen teams had bye weeks in Week 9, and it might have been the best week to do so after a slew of upsets completely reconfigured the college football landscape. Four Top 25 teams lost their first game of the season, while at least two other schools will likely drop out of the poll this week after sustaining a second or third defeat. Any number of teams could have fit into multiple spots, and there are others waiting in the wings as well who might end up disappointed by their spot among the others receiving votes.
While Alabama kept a stranglehold on its position in first place, and several other teams got a bump up in our Top 25 projections despite not playing this weekend, there are bound to be some surprises that we ultimately fail to see. But given the course of the games from Thursday through Saturday, here is our hypothesis of how teams will fare when the new AP Top 25 is released on Sunday.
Oct 29, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; Wyoming Cowboys wide receiver Austin Conway (25) runs against the Boise State Broncos during the fourth quarter at War Memorial Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Broncos 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Boise State Broncos
(7-1)
Last week: lost 30-28 at WyomingLast rank: 13th
Boise State no longer controls its own fate in the Mountain West after losing to Wyoming on Saturday evening. The Broncos fell after conceding a late safety against the Cowboys, and the showdown put the hosts in the driver’s seat as the only team left in the MWC Mountain with an unbeaten conference record. The Boise State defense allowed Josh Allen to throw for 274 yards and three scores, and Brian Hill ran for 146 yards against the Broncos. Brett Rypien was sacked in the endzone with 1:25 remaining, costing Boise State the chance at a perfect season.
Despite no longer being undefeated, Boise State will likely benefit from attrition all around them to remain in the Top 25 as a one-loss Group of Five team. The Broncos now need Wyoming to lose twice to win the MWC Mountain, meaning that they are likely out of the Access Bowl picture as well. Neither San Jose State, Hawaii, nor UNLV is likely to deal Bryan Harsin’s team a second defeat. Only Air Force is likely to present any threat to Boise State in the regular season finale, but even then they will still need help to get back in the New Year’s Six discussion.
Oct 22, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Gabe Marks (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Washington State Cougars
(6-2)
Last week: winning 28-24 at Oregon StateLast rank: not ranked
After falling behind 24-6 in the first half at Oregon State, it looked like the Cougars had no chance of pulling off a victory to keep pace with Washington in the Pac-12 North. Whatever Mike Leach did at halftime seemed to work, though, as the Cougars came out to score three straight touchdowns in the third quarter to claim its first lead of the game. Gabe Marks and Luke Falk connected for the go-ahead score, and it looks like WSU will make its way back into the AP Top 25 this week.
The Cougars remain unbeaten in conference play, but they have four tough tests to close out the regular season in November. Over the first two weeks of the month the Cougars remain in Pullman, where they welcome Arizona and California. Washington State finishes its road schedule with a trip to Boulder to face Colorado in a game that both teams could need to remain in contention for their respective divisions. If WSU wins those first three, the Apple Cup showdown against the Huskies would become a de facto division title game
Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Clemson defensive back Jadar Johnson (18) intercepts a second quarter pass over Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Auden Tate (18) at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports
Florida State Seminoles
(5-3)
Last week: lost 37-34 v. #3 ClemsonLast rank: 12th
The Seminoles lost any chance of winning the ACC this season after failing to secure their upset over Clemson on Saturday night. Florida State entered the fourth quarter with an eight-point lead, but the defense sputtered against Deshaun Watson and crew. Deondre Francois showed his inexperience as he finished under 50 percent completion rate and tossed an interception. Dalvin Cook was a bright spot, rushing for 169 yards and four scores, but it wasn’t enough to preserve victory in the end.
Given the attrition all around, Florida State is likely to remain in the AP Top 25 this week despite suffering its third loss of the year. All three losses have come against teams that are currently ranked, making it harder to completely punish the Seminoles. Jimbo Fisher’s team needs just one more win to secure bowl eligibility, which is the one goal still within their reach. FSU plays at NC State next week, then hosts Boston College in a Friday night showcase game on November 11. The Seminoles conclude their ACC slate at Syracuse before finishing the regular season at home against non-conference rival Florida.
Oct 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Jaylen Johnson (92) tackles Utah Utes running back Joe Williams (28) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Washington won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Utah Utes
(7-2)
Last week: lost 31-24 v. #4 WashingtonLast rank: 17th
The Utes lost their second game of the season, but because it came by just a touchdown against fourth-ranked Washington they should remain in the Top 25 another week. Joe Williams had another monster game after returning from his abbreviated retirement, racking up 172 yards and a score. The defense kept quarterback Jake Browning in check, but had a harder time with tailback Myles Gaskin. In the end it wasn’t enough to overcome the Huskies, as Dante Pettis returned a punt 58 yards for the winning score in the final four minutes.
Utah cannot mourn the defeat too long, as they still control their own fate in the Pac-12 South. Next week Kyle Whittingham’s team gets a bye before playing a Thursday night game at Arizona State in Week 11. Their home finale is the following week against Oregon, before they face Colorado in Boulder in what will likely be a winner-take-all affair for the division title. If Williams can keep pounding the rock on the ground and Utah’s defense can close out the year strong, the Utes could set up a rematch with the Huskies in Santa Clara on the first weekend of December.
Oct 29, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Chris Lacy (15) makes a catch defended by West Virginia Mountaineers cornerback Rasul Douglas (13) during the second half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Cowboys won 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma State Cowboys
(6-2)
Last week: won 37-20 v. #10 West VirginiaLast rank: not ranked
Mike Gundy’s team became bowl eligible on Saturday with an upset of West Virginia. Playing a disciplined game against a tough Mountaineers team, Oklahoma State racked up just 358 total yards of offense yet still came away with a comfortable victory. That was thanks to a defense that forced three turnovers by WVU quarterback Skyler Howard, as well as taking only three penalties all game. Everything came together to push Oklahoma State back into the AP Top 25 after several weeks’ absence.
The Pokes still have three conference road games in their final four contests of the regular season. Next week they face Kansas State in Manhattan. The home finale comes against Texas Tech on November 12, and then the season closes away from Stillwater. A game against TCU in Fort Worth on November 19 will determine whether or not Oklahoma State is still in the running for a conference title when they take on Oklahoma in Norman on the first weekend of December in Bedlam. After losing to Central Michigan and becoming an afterthought in September, the Cowboys could still win the Big 12.
Oct 27, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Cam Phillips (5) rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Virginia Tech Hokies
(6-2)
Last week: won 39-36 at PittsburghLast rank: 25th
Virginia Tech survived a test at Pittsburgh on Thursday night to move to 6-2 on the season. Jerod Evans had a career-high 406 passing yards, threw two touchdowns, and added 33 rushing yards to spark the offense. The Hokies defense allowed 141 rushing yards and three touchdowns to Pitt running back James Conner, but snagged an interception and recovered a fumble to win the turner battle. The victory made the Hokies bowl-eligible for the 24th straight season and kept them in the ACC Coastal driver’s seat.
The earlier win over North Carolina could prove pivotal at the end of the year, as both are tied atop the division. For the Hokies to reach the ACC title game in Fuente’s first season after replacing Frank Beamer, they just need to close out a November slate against opponents that will all be scrambling to reach bowl eligibility. A road game against Duke and home games against Georgia Tech and Virginia close out conference play. In between the Georgia Tech game and the Commonwealth Cup, the Hokies face Notre Dame in South Bend.
Oct 29, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Miles Sanders (24) drags the defenders in the 2nd half at Ross Ade Stadium. Penn Sate won the game 62-24. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Penn State Nittany Lions
(6-2)
Last week: won 62-24 at PurdueLast rank: 24th
After beating Ohio State in Week 8, the Nittany Lions returned to the AP Top 25 for the first time since Joe Paterno was head coach. Penn State flipped the switch in the second half at Purdue to ensure they remained in the poll another week. Saquon Barkley was the star of the show for PSU, rushing for 207 yards and two touchdowns and catching three passes for another 70 yards. The Boilermakers were held under 50 rushing yards by Penn State, and forced four turnovers to pace the comfortable victory.
At this point the Nittany Lions could still ostensibly win the Big Ten East thanks to their head-to-head tiebreaker over Ohio State. But James Franklin has likely curbed such talk at this point, with a tough November schedule remaining. They open the month with a home game against Iowa. then face Indiana and Rutgers on the road over the following fortnight. Theoretically a New Year’s Six bowl is still in play for Penn State even if they fail to win the conference, with the Orange Bowl a possible postseason destination.
October 22, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Isaiah Oliver (26) celebrates with defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (23, left) after Oliver intercepted the football against the Stanford Cardinal during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Colorado Buffaloes
(6-2)
Last week: idleLast rank: 23rd
Despite losing Sefo Liufao to injury for part of the season, the Buffaloes are in the hunt for the Pac-12 title for the first time since moving conferences in 2011. It is actually the first time they’ve been in the hunt for a championship since Gary Barnett was coaching Colorado in the Big 12. The Buffaloes have featured both a balanced offense and one of the best 20 defenses in the country. After reaching bowl eligibility for the first time since 2007, they returned to the Top 25 last week after first appearing earlier this season.
It won’t be easy given their November schedule, but as long as they win out Colorado will be playing at Levi’s Stadium on the first weekend of December. UCLA comes to Boulder next week for a Thursday night game, and then Mike McIntyre’s team gets an extended break before playing Arizona in Tucson the following Saturday. If they beat the Bruins and Wildcats, Colorado will have a chance to win the Pac-12 South by winning out at home. Washington State visits Folsom Field on November 19, and then Colorado closes out the regular season with what will likely be a winner-take-all finale against Utah.
Oct 22, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Dominique Ross (20) and Tar Heels defensive back K.J. Sails (9) celebrate after their game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. The Tar Heels won 35-14. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
North Carolina Tar Heels
(6-2)
Last week: idleLast rank: 21st
North Carolina took a rest to finish out its October schedule after reaching bowl eligibility before in Week 8. Coming out of the break the Tar Heels are in good position to contend for the ACC Coastal in the last month of the regular season. Mitch Trubisky was one of the ten most efficient quarterbacks through the first eight weeks of the season, and as long as he keeps producing at a high rate UNC should be favored in all of their final four November games. Of course, winning out might not be enough for a Tar Heels team whose one ACC loss could prove costly.
That one loss came at home against Virginia Tech on a day when Hurricane Matthew was producing adverse weather conditions through the Carolinas. The loss dropped the Tar Heels out of the Top 25, but they have recovered to upset Miami and win over Virginia. UNC needs another Hokies loss, but if it happens they just need to win out to play in a second straight ACC championship game. Their last road game is at Duke on November 12, with a home game against Georgia Tech the week before and FCS The Citadel and NC State coming to Chapel Hill over the final fortnight of the regular season.
Sep 17, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; The Western Michigan Broncos defense celebrates after the interception by Western Michigan Broncos linebacker Robert Spillane (10) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Western Michigan beat Illinois 34 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Western Michigan Broncos
(8-0)
Last week: idleLast rank: 20th
Western Michigan is one of just nine undefeated teams remaining in the country. They are now two-thirds of the way through a perfect regular season as they take their first break of the season. As long as they keep winning they will remain in the Top 25 as well as in the hunt for the Group of Five’s automatic bid into the Cotton Bowl. Like Boise State, the only other unbeaten mid-major left, WMU has knocked off two Power Five teams in the course of arriving at 8-0.
To reach the school’s first MAC championship game since 2000, P.J. Fleck’s team will need to win out against a November schedule in which they will be favored in every contest. They open the month with road games at Ball State and Kent State, then return home to face Buffalo. The only game that might provide any real test is the regular-season finale against Toledo. The Thanksgiving weekend showdown in Kalamazoo will be for the MAC West title if both teams win out.
Oct 29, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D’Onta Foreman (33) runs in a touchdown against the Baylor Bears at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Baylor Bears
(6-1)
Last week: lost 35-34 at TexasLast rank: 8th
After West Virginia had lost at home earlier on Saturday, Baylor had a chance to become the only unbeaten team remaining in the Big 12. Instead, the Bears sputtered against Texas on the road in Austin. Seth Russell was outdueled by Shane Buechele at quarterback, completing just 50 percent of his passes for just 226 yards with two scores and a pick. The Bears ran for 398 yards, but one of the nation’s highest-octane offenses couldn’t convert all that yardage into points and are destined to drop hard in the Top 25 this week as a result.
Baylor’s still has to play Oklahoma and West Virginia, and both of their toughest remaining tests on the schedule come on the road. The Bears also has three home games left in Waco, beginning with next week’s showdown with TCU. If they run the table, the Bears can still win an outright Big 12 title thanks to head-to-head results. But Baylor probably blew any chance of reaching the College Football Playoff this season after blemishing their perfect record.
Oct 29, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Skyler Howard (3) sacked by Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive tackle Vincent Taylor (96) during the second half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Cowboys won 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
West Virginia Mountaineers
(6-1)
Last week: lost 37-20 at Oklahoma StateLast rank: 10th
The Mountaineers looked like the one team in the Big 12 with a competent defense as they rolled to a 6-0 start. Then they faced Oklahoma State in Stillwater, and West Virginia had no answers for Mike Gundy’s team. The WVU defense held the Pokes to just 85 rushing yards, but Mason Rudolph completed 26 of 36 attempts for 273 yards and three scores to pace the upset. Skyler Howard had a rough day for West Virginia, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble to tumble down the Top 25.
Now Dana Holgorsen’s team will need to deal out some upsets of its own if it is to play its way back into the Big 12 race. Next week they get the chance to rebound at home against Kansas, but the Mountaineers still face both Baylor and Oklahoma and also have potential trap games on the road at Texas and Iowa State. If they run the table, they will also need the Cowboys to lose once more. If both teams win out, the head-to-head win by the Pokes would hand them the confernece title.
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers players celebrate with the Magnolia Bowl trophy following a win against the Mississippi Rebels in a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
LSU Tigers
(5-2)
Last week: idleLast rank: 19th
LSU gets to rest ahead of next week’s showdown against Alabama. After Les Miles was terminated at the end of September following the Auburn loss, the Tigers have responded to go 3-0 under interim head coach Ed Orgeron. The winning streak has returned LSU to the Top 25, and they will try to remain in the SEC West race once November begins. The Tigers have a five-game losing streak against the Tide, but if they pull off the upset they would make it a four-way tie in the division standings.
If they manage to get past Alabama, LSU would still have to win three more tough conference games to have a shot at appearing in their first SEC championship game since 2011. Following the Tide contest, LSU play on the road against Arkansas. Then they take on Florida at home, in a game that was originally scheduled in Gainesville. Postponed due to Hurricane Matthew, the game was rescheduled in Baton Rouge to ensure it gets played. Orgeron’s charges close out the year on the road at Texas A&M.
Oct 29, 2016; Norman, OK, USA;Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook (11) runs after a catch while pursued by Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Mike Lee (11) during the third quarter during the second quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma Sooners
(6-2)
Last week: won 56-3 v. KansasLast rank: 16th
While Baylor and West Virginia still have better overall records, Oklahoma is now alone atopthe Big 12 standings. The Sooners moved to 5-0 in conference play after knocking off Kansas 56-3 at home on Saturday. The OU defense held Kansas under 200 total yards of offense. Baker Mayfield threw for 236 yards and four touchdowns, while the Sooners gave carries to nine different runners on a day when victory was secured quickly.
Bob Stoops’ team opens November on the road at Iowa State on a Thursday night. The Cyclones should have no chance at home, yet this still screams trap game with Baylor and West Virginia looming right afterward on the schedule. The Bears come to Norman on November 12, and Oklahoma follows it up with a trip to Morgantown the following Saturday. If they manage to win against both Baylor and the Mountaineers, and Oklahoma State also keeps winning, the Bedlam game at home against the Cowboys would become a Big 12 title game.
Oct 29, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Marcus Davis (80) carries the ball as he is defended by Mississippi Rebels defensive back Zedrick Woods (36) during the second half of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Auburn won 40-29. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Auburn Tigers
(6-2)
Last week: won 40-29 at Ole MissLast rank: 15th
After losing two of its first three games to open the season, Auburn has been on a tear to return to relevance in the SEC West. Though Ole Miss held the lead through most of the first half at home, Gus Malzahn’s team came out of the locker room after the intermission and flipped the script. Sean White threw for 247 yards and a touchdown, while Kamryn Pettway racked up 236 yards and a rushing score on 30 carries. While Chad Kelly threw for 465 yards and three scores for the Rebels, they were never able to get much going consistently on the ground.
Now Auburn is in great position to arrive at the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa on Thanksgiving weekend with a shot at making that game a winner-take-all affair for the division. The Tigers open November at home against Vanderbilt, then face Georgia on the road. Before they face the rival Crimson Tide, they get a virtual bye week against an FCS Alabama A&M team that is under .500 two-thirds of the way through its season. If they arrive at Bryant-Denny Stadium with nine wins, Auburn could set up a three-way tie for the division with a win.
Oct 29, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) is tackled by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Ryan Connelly (43) during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nebraska Cornhuskers
(7-1)
Last week: lost 23-17 (OT) at #11 WisconsinLast rank: 7th
Nebraska suffered its first defeat of the season on its road trip to Madison. The Badgers effectively neutralized the dual-threat skills of Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr., who finished with fewer than 200 combined passing and rushing yards and two interceptions. Though they had the ball for five more minutes than the Badgers, Mike Riley’s team will definitely drop a few positions in the Top 25 this week after going four and out on their overtime drive to fall six points short against Wisconsin.
Nebraska technically remains ahead of Wisconsin in the Big Ten West standings, but there is no margin of error for the Huskers. They head to Columbus to face Ohio State next week, a game in which they will be a definite underdog. If they lose, Wisconsin will take the lead in the division by virtue of their head-to-head win. If they get past the Buckeyes, Nebraska spends two straight weeks at home against Minnesota and Maryland before concluding the regular season at Iowa.
Oct 29, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Lamical Perine (22) runs with the ball as Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Trenton Thompson (78) attempted to defend during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Florida Gators
(6-1)
Last week: won 24-10 v. Georgia (in Jacksonville)Last rank: 14th
Florida took care of business in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, winning by two touchdowns over Georgia to consolidate its position atop the SEC East. The Gators didn’t look very formidable on offense, but they still managed to win handily. Luke Del Rio threw for only 131 yards with a touchdown and a pick, and the ground game combined for just 100 rushing yards. But the Florida defense held the Bulldogs to just 21 total rushing yards and 164 yards from scrimmage on offense and only spent 23 minutes on the field.
After Tennessee lost to South Carolina, Florida could lose one of its three remaining conference games and still play in the SEC championship game in December. The Gators play at Arkansas to begin November, then finish the home schedule against South Carolina on November 12. The rescheduled game against LSU is now in Baton Rouge, and if they win out in league play they will reach the title game regardless of what happens in the regular season finale against Florida State.
Oct 29, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes with the football during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Wisconsin Badgers
(6-2)
Last week: won 23-17 (OT) v. #7 NebraskaLast rank: 11th
After shanking the extra point after scoring a touchdown in overtime, Wisconsin’s defense came up big to stuff the Cornhuskers and secure a key tiebreaker in the Big Ten West. The Badgers managed to deal Nebraska their first defeat of the season despite having quarterbacks Alex Hornibrook and Bart Houston combine for just 112 passing yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. The defense picked off Tommy Armstrong Jr. twice, and held the dual-threat quarterback under 200 yards from scrimmage.
As a result, Wisconsin is set to jump back up into single digits in the AP Top 25. The Badgers’ only losses have come to Michigan and Ohio State, and they are now on track to have a shot at a rematch against one or the other. Paul Chryst’s team needs Nebraska to lose once again, but as long as they do Wisconsin will need only to keep winning to reach Indianapolis. Next week the Badgers head on the road to face Northwestern. They then play at home versus Illinois and at Purdue before closing out the regular season against Minnesota in the Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe.
Oct 29, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; New Mexico State Aggies running back Larry Rose (3) is tackled by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Justin Evans (14) and linebacker Shaan Washington (33) in the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Texas A&M Aggies
(6-1)
Last week: SAT v. New Mexico StateLast rank: 9th
The Week 8 loss to Alabama probably closed the door for an SEC title this year, but Texas A&M could still be in line for a New Year’s Six bowl berth if they continue winning. This week they took down a New Mexico State team that never had a chance. NMSU managed to gain over 300 yards against the A&M defense, but that translated to just 10 points. Christian Kirk had another monster game, returning two punts for touchdowns and catching another TD reception from Trevor Knight. The six-touchdown win allowedKevin Sumlin to get his reserves plenty of playing time.
The Aggies head to Mississippi State to open November, and once they return from Starkville they won’t have to leave College Station for the rest of the regular season. Ole Miss and LSU visit Kyle Field to close out the SEC slate, and in between those two tests Texas A&M hosts UT-San Antonio. The Rebels and Bayou Bengals are hardly guaranteed victories, and even UTSA has been a tough out for teams this year. But if chalk holds, Texas A&M will probably be playing in either the Sugar or Cotton Bowls this postseason.
Oct 29, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Mike Weber (25) scores against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State Buckeyes
(7-1)
Last week: won 24-20 v. NorthwesternLast rank: 6th
The Buckeyes followed up their first loss of the season to Penn State by nearly suffering a second straight defeat at home. Northwestern held its own against Ohio State in Columbus, keeping the game win 10 points throughout the entire day. J.T. Barrett once again played sound but underwhelming football, throwing for 223 yards without either a touchdown or an interception. The OSU defense allowed more than five yards a carry to the Wildcats, and only a Clayton Thorson interception derailed Northwestern.
Ohio State has dropped off a bit in the past few weeks, but thanks to the losses of others all around them they are still in strong position in the AP Top 25. Urban Meyer and his staff have done a great job coaching up a young team, but they are hardly guaranteed to run out the table after the way they’ve performed over the past fortnight. They start November with Nebraska coming to Columbus, then take to the road on consecutive weeks for away games against Maryland and Michigan State. Get through those three tests, and they should manage to set up a winner-take-all affair for the Big Ten East.
Oct 29, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws the ball to Cardinals tight end Micky Crum (83) against the Virginia Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Cardinals won 32-25. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Louisville Cougars
(7-1)
Last week: SAT at VirginiaLast rank: 5th
Louisville nearly lost their second conference game of the season on Saturday. While the first defeat came against top-five Clemson, their Week 9 showdown was against a Virginia team that has shown improvement in 2016 but which came into the contest just 2-5 on the season. The Cavaliers were down 17-7 in the third quarter, but Lamar Jackson heated up for 451 total yards and four touchdowns to fuel the comeback win. The Cardinals defense also allowed less than 100 rushing yards against Virginia.
While an ACC title is a long shot at this point, Louisville could still earn its way into the Orange Bowl with an 11-1 season. They have a winnable slate in November, one which opens the door for Jackson to seal up the school’s first Heisman Trophy. They have another road game next week at Boston College before returning home for their conference finale against Wake Forest. The season concludes with a road game against a Houston team that fell out of the Top 25 in Week 8 and the Governor’s Cup at home against Kentucky.
Oct 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Dante Pettis (8) returns a punt for a touchdown during the second half against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Washington won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Huskies
(8-0)
Last week: won 31-24 at #17 UtahLast rank: 4th
Jake Browning had a less than stellar day for Washington, throwing for just 186 yards and an interception on the day. But the Utes also managed to hold Troy Williams under 200 passing yards as well. Myles Gaskin ran for 151 yards and a score, and Dante Pettis returned a punt 58 yards for the winning points. As a result the Huskies managed to pull off the victory on the road at Utah. They will continue to sit in playoff position in this week’s Top 25 as they remained undefeated two-thirds of the way through their regular season.
Only four games stand between the Huskies and their first unbeaten regular season since winning a share of the national championship in 1991. Chris Petersen’s crew heads to Berkeley next weekend to face California, then plays USC and Arizona State at home before the season-ending Apple Cup in Pullman against Washington State. While any one of these four teams would certainly have a chance to upset the Huskies, it would definitely be an upset if they managed to deal Washington its first loss of the season.
Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Clemson tight end Jordan Leggett (16) scores the winning touchdown at Doak Campbell Stadium. Clemson beat the Florida State Seminoles 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson Tigers
(8-0)
Last week: won 37-34 at #12 Florida StateLast rank: 3rd
Clemson pulled off the great escape in Tallahassee on Saturday night. Scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter, the Tigers came back against the Seminoles to remain undefeated. Deshaun Watson threw for 378 yards and two scores, but in the process he also tossed two costly interceptions. The Clemson defense allowed Dalvin Cook to run rampant, as the halfback finished with 169 yards and four rushing touchdowns. But they kept Deondre Francois under a 50 percent completion rate, a critical component of their survival.
Dabo Swinney’s team has hardly looked as dominant this season as they did last year. But they have continued to win games and are now effectively guaranteed a spot in the ACC championship in Orlando. They are at home over the next two weeks, where they will take on Syracuse and Pittsburgh. Clemson’s conference schedule ends with a road game against Wake Forest on November 19, and the following week the Tigers welcome South Carolina to Death Valley for the annual Battle for the Palmetto State. Clemson would now have to lose two of its games against the Orangemen, Panthers, and Demon Deacons to fall out of the ACC Atlantic lead.
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) breaks the tackle of Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) during the first half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan Wolverines
(8-0)
Last week: won 32-23 at Michigan StateLast rank: 2nd
The Wolverines are certainly back under Jim Harbaugh. They had a tougher game against Michigan State than might have been expected, but Michigan still pulled off the victory against their state rival on Saturday. Wilton Speight was never really in rhythm, completing 16 of his 25 passes but finishing with no touchdowns and one interception. No single player dominated in the running game, but the Wolverines finished with 192 yards and three rushing scores. And while they allowed running back L.J. Scott to gain 196 combined yards and a score, the Wolverines kept the rest of the MSU offense in check.
The biggest thing that could be standing between Michigan and a shot at the national championship is complacency. Maryland comes to the Big House to open November, and while the Terrapins have been better this year they aren’t likely to upset the Wolverines. A road game at Iowa or the home finale versus Indiana could be possible trap games. But the biggest test is undoubtedly the rivalry game against Ohio State in Columbus on Thanksgiving weekend. The game will almost certainly serve as a de facto Big Ten East championship.
Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) celebrates his sack of Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Trevor Knight (8) during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama Crimson Tide
(8-0)
Last week: idleLast rank: 1st
After playing the first eight weeks of the season, Nick Saban’s team finally takes its first break of 2016. Given the lead they have in the AP Top 25, after earning 60 of the 61 first-place votes each of the past two weeks, there is no way that the voters are going to knock down the Crimson Tide this week. Entering Week 9, Alabama was ranked seventh in both scoring offense and points allowed. The defending national champions have been humming on all cylinders so far this season. Barring an upset the Tide are on track to return to the College Football Playoff for a third straight year.
They play against resurgent LSU in Death Valley next weekend, but that will be the last road game they play during the regular season. Alabama closes the season out with home games against Mississippi State, FCS Chattanooga, and the Iron Bowl against rival Auburn. The Tide’s schedule strength to this point has been a bit of a mirage, as only two of their five opponents that were ranked at the time of the game remain in the Top 25. But that won’t stop the CFP committee from picking them and AP voters from keeping them at number one.
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