College Football Top Ten: Week 8
If you thought week six was crazy, week seven was the unthinkable. Friday the 13th was not kind to top ten teams including Clemson, and Washington State as they both were upset big time. It seems to me that my rankings need a fresh start, as teams continue to fall out as the contenders are starting to separate themselves from the pretenders. Here are week eight’s rankings:
- Alabama (LW: 1)
It truly is a everyone against ‘Bama this year. I really thought Clemson could compete with them again this year, but with the loss to Syracuse everyone is trying to catch the Crimson Tide. They continue to roll over the SEC. Sounds familiar right? The scary part is that this could Saban’s best team he has every had. Gulp. Their toughest game left in the regular season is the Iron Bowl at Auburn, but that should be a breeze right? The SEC Championship awaits Alabama, with a potential 2013 rematch against Georgia.
2. Georgia (LW: 5)
Jacob Eason who? The Bulldogs continue to climb up the ranks with true freshman at quarterback Jake Fromm replacing Jacob Eason after his injury. Kirby Smart has this team ready for a showdown against Alabama in Atlanta with the SEC East clearly in Georgia’s hands. The defense continues to be the one of the best in the country, and you know what they say, defense wins championships. Sure Jake Fromm has been impressive. But when you have two star backs on your side with Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, who can stop the ‘Dogs?
3. Penn State (LW: 4)
College Gameday comes to town this week as the Nittany Lions host a struggling Michigan squad. The reason why Penn State is #3 on this list is they have no quality wins. You could make an argument for their thriller against Iowa, but Georgia beat the Irish on the road. Barkley is the Heisman front runner, but can their defense make plays when the game is on the line is the real question yet to be seen for Penn State. Not to mention that Penn State’s schedule the next three weeks is #19 Michigan, at #6 OSU, at #18 MSU. Ouch.
4. Ohio State (LW: 6)
The Buckeyes have shown no sign of slowing down. This team is on a mission and they will face some tough tests coming up. Ohio State has a bye week this week, but they have a matchup against Penn State next week that could decide who goes to the playoff. With Penn State, Michigan State, and Michigan on the schedule, it would be hard to keep them out of the playoff if they finish 12–1 and Big Ten Champs. But, J.T Barrett has to be better if they want to even have a shot at the playoff.
5. TCU (LW: 9)
It’s time to start talking about TCU. With a road win last week against Kansas State, they have a chance to go undefeated. Their schedule is in their favor as their one tough test remaining is in Norman with the Sooners. If they can win that game, TCU could be in the playoff after getting snubbed in the past. One shouldn’t overlook Texas next week, as they gave Oklahoma all kinds of trouble last week. One thing is for certain with TCU: there is no margin for error. If they lose, they are out.
6. Miami FL (LW: 8)
Playing against Georgia Tech in a rainstorm is case for disaster for any team in the nation. Miami managed to pull out a victory and remain undefeated. The Hurricanes showed Saturday that they have a long road ahead of them if they want to be crowned ACC Champs. Syracuse comes to town this week who we all know are capable of an upset. Still on their schedule as well are Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech.
7: Wisconsin (LW: UR)
Wisconsin makes their first appearance in the top ten this week, and rightfully so as they are a perfect 6–0. I was so reluctant to put them in the top ten in weeks past because they have no quality wins, and none you can even make an argument for. But the Badgers just keep on winning, and they could up to the Big Ten Championship game. One thing to note is that Wisconsin does not play Ohio State, Penn State, or Michigan State all year. Their toughest test will be in November when Michigan comes to Camp Randall Stadium.
8. Clemson (LW: 2)
Clemson stays in the top ten besides an embarrassing loss to the Orangemen. The injury of Kelly Bryant is a concern for Tiger fans as he was beaten up against Syracuse with a concussion and sprained ankle. They are on a bye this week which is couldn’t come at a better time for them. Dabo Swinney will get his guys ready for another run at the playoff, and it starts with Georgia Tech next week.
9. Oklahoma State (LW: UR)
The Cowboys have not had an easy road so far, but they have battled the storm. They stand at 5–1 with their lone loss to TCU, but they travel to Texas this week to take on the Longhorns who almost beat Oklahoma. Mason Rudolph is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation though, and he is hungry for a playoff run. They are still left with West Virginia and Oklahoma on their schedule, which could cause some problems.
10. USC (LW: UR)
The Trojans snuck by with a win last week against Utah, but they face a much tougher test this week when they play their rival on the road in South Bend. This game is an elimination game for the playoff, and the Irish are ready to pick up another quality win on their resume. Sam Darnold is looking for a much similar result as a year ago they pounded the wounded Irish. If the Trojans beat the Irish this weekend, they could sky up the rankings and talk about the playoff, but the Irish stand in their way.
Dropped Out: (3) Washington (7) Washington State (10) Auburn
Newcomers: (7) Wisconsin (9) Oklahoma State (10) USC
Waiting List: Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech
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