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SALT LAKE CITY — You bored with college football yet?
Saturday made for a great day of football, with some good matchups played all over the country (unless you cheer for Miami or Michigan State, among other programs). There were Top 10 upsets and games that came down to the wire (or overtime).
Just as we thought we were getting to know many teams, they went and flipped the script to keep us guessing. It's partially why we love the sport: the unpredictability and chaos that comes each week.
Here's the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press that will be counted toward the official consensus poll released later today.
1. Georgia
Look, this wasn't the best week to highlight Georgia as the No. 1 team in the country. But in my eyes they didn't do anything to lose it — even if the Bulldogs allowed Kent State to score 22 points and make the game appear closer than it was. The reality is this was a pay game and the enthusiasm was lacking. But maybe there are hints that Georgia is vulnerable.
2. Ohio State
Without star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State rolled over a Wisconsin team hoping to make the game competitive. It's scary to think what the Buckeyes could do with another talented receiver that is arguably the best in the country at his position. Don't sleep on Ohio State.
3. Alabama
The Crimson Tide made Vanderbilt look like an FCS school with a 55-3 win at home. I'm looking forward to some more competition to see how the team has progressed since a near defeat to Texas in Week 2 of action.
4. USC
Lincoln Riley got his first true test of the season, but his team found a way to leave Corvallis with a win. The dream team offense was limited, but Caleb Williams made plays when it mattered most to keep the Trojans undefeated. It's hard to argue with what USC is putting on the field right now, for that reason, I moved them up to No. 4.
5. Clemson
Phew! Dabo Swinney found a way to win an improbable game again. I don't know how he does it time after time, but the Tigers get it done. In one of the most exciting games of the day, Clemson needed double overtime to stop Wake Forest. And it was the defense that stepped up late to keep Clemson breathing clean for another day.
6. Michigan
We finally got to see a true test for Michigan this season, and it took a bit for the Wolverines to compete. Michigan topped Maryland in the end, but I want to see more (against a team that puts up a fight) before I move them back up in my rankings. For the time being, I'm going with USC and Clemson above Michigan — but that could change quickly.
7. Tennessee
Hendon Hooker is a fun quarterback to watch, and he's pretty good, too. In a hostile game, where Florida has made a mockery of Tennessee over the last several years, it was the Vols that got the last laugh. They knock Florida out of my ballot this week, and that's largely because I think Tennessee has a lot of opportunities ahead of itself.
8. Oklahoma State
It was a bye week for Oklahoma State. Good job not losing.
9. Penn State
No, I didn't have Penn State in my ballot last week, but they were supposed to be there. A mistake in how I submitted it kept them off, but here they are in my Top 10. I've been burned the last few years after buying the Penn State stock, but I'm willing to give them a chance again. There's still some lingering questions, but for now they're getting it done.
10. Utah
Utah's offense is tough to stop when it's clicking; match that with its defense that is significantly limiting teams, and it's tough to beat the Utes. Arizona State was a Power Five team, but it's hardly the toughest team Utah will face this season. All signs point to a strong season for the Utes, but let's see it against stiffer competition.
Checking in: Penn State, Kansas State, Florida State
Dropping out: Florida, Oregon State, Texas
In consideration: Minnesota, Syracuse, UCLA, Oregon State, Texas, Cincinnati, Florida, Mississippi State, Coastal Carolina, TCU, James Madison
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
Want to create your own Top 25 ballot, go create one with the KSL.com College Football Top 25 Fan Poll.
