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SALT LAKE CITY â A total of eight Top 25 teams lost this last weekend, including No. 3 Georgia to unranked South Carolina. That helped teams like LSU move up in my ballot this week.
As the season progresses, itâs to be assumed there will be a lot more shakeups in the weekly rankings. Now midway through the season, weâre getting a better look at how each team fares against better competition.
Hereâs a look at my ballot for Week 8:
Rising: Clemson, LSU, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin
The LSU Tigers are playing some great football right now and look like one of the best teams in the country. Of the Top 5 teams, the Tigers have certainly had the best test, and theyâve been solid. And both Oregon and Utah took care of business against lesser opponents. When they are playing within their game plans, itâs hard to stop either program.
Falling: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Memphis, Texas, Virginia, Wake Forest
Well, Georgia is the biggest disappointment this week. The Bulldogs had arguably one of the best programs in the country and I thought theyâd finally challenge Alabama this year. They could still, but dropping a game to a bad South Carolina team is not promising. Jake Fromm looked rattled and there were a lot of poor coaching decisions late in the game, which puts in question their standing in the Top 10.
Added: Appalachian State, Cincinnati, Missouri, Tulane
Appalachian State and Tulane have been patiently waiting for their turn to get some Top 25 love. I still have my hesitations about Appalachian State, but now seems like as good a time as any to give the Mountaineers a spot in my ballot. The Mountaineers have one of the weaker schedules of the Top 25 teams, so I make no promise to keep them ranked.
Dropped out: Iowa, Memphis, Virginia, Wake Forest
This group of teams, particularly Iowa and Virginia, have shown theyâre mediocre teams that can flirt with success, but theyâre not quite there. Iowa played Penn State well and is the most likely to stay on the fringe of the Top 25, but two consecutive losses is hard to ignore.
Teams in consideration: Iowa State, Navy, Temple
As always, hit me up on Twitter (@JFurKSL) if you have any questions about my ballot.