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SALT LAKE CITY — The week featured five games where Top 25 teams played each other, setting up for a massive shift in the rankings once the games were final.
And while there were some surprises, most games were ask expected. Outside of the games that featured two ranked teams, Oklahoma was the biggest surprise of the day. Sonny Dykes and his new TCU team were in a race to get to 62 before MLB's Aaron Judge, but stopped at 55 for good measure over an outmatched Sooners team.
Here's the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press that will be counted toward the official consensus poll released later today.
1. Ohio State
It's time to make the change to a different No. 1 team in the country this week, though a case could still be made for a handful of teams. The Buckeyes continue to roll over teams and show no signs of stopping, even if their signature wins so far in the season — Notre Dame and Wisconsin — look different than what was expected.
2. Georgia
Georgia is still very much so one of the best teams in the country, and moving the Bulldogs down to No. 2 wasn't easy. But in back-to-back weeks, it hasn't always been a crisp showing for Georgia. Sure, they eventually rolled over Kent State for a 17-point win, but it was then followed it up with a come-from-behind win over a Missouri team that is decent but nothing special. The schedule is admittedly bland right now.
3. Alabama
It's difficult to know the impact quarterback Bryce Young's injury (AC sprain to his shoulder, per Nick Saban) will have on the Crimson Tide moving forward. There was a brief moment in the third quarter where Arkansas looked like it was going to push Alabama, but the Tide found its offense in the fourth quarter to pull away. Alabama is another team that could be No. 1, but I'm reserving judgement pending Young's status.
4. Clemson
It's not always pretty for Clemson, but the Tigers continue to get it done on the field. And on Saturday, the Tigers looked like a team putting it together on both sides of the ball against a solid NC State team. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is starting to take charge of the offense and the defense has been nothing short of impressive. The Tigers held NC State to only 279 total yards and forced two turnovers.
5. Michigan
Getting past Iowa for Michigan wasn't always an easy feat, especially when five of the last six top 5 teams to play in Iowa have been beaten. But the Wolverines weren't to be deterred from another potential great season and scored on four of the team's first five possessions. Iowa was a good test for Michigan, but tougher tests will soon come — maybe.
6. USC
I previously moved USC up to my top 4 but have since reconsidered. The offense still has its weapons and can seemingly turn it on in a moments notice, but the defense continues to be a little suspect. The Trojans aren't in a slide by any means, but they're facing stiffer competition and have struggled a bit more the last two weeks. We'll soon find out if USC or Utah is the best team in the conference.
7. Tennessee
The Volunteers had a bye week, and it appears everything went well there. Moving on ...
8. Oklahoma State
Remembering last year's dramatic meeting with Baylor, Oklahoma State wanted nothing to do with a close finish in the rematch in 2022. The Cowboys are in a class of their own and continue to be the team to beat from the Big 12. The game against Baylor got a little crazy in the third quarter — 39 combined points — but Oklahoma State remained the better team.
9. Ole Miss
In the team's first true test of the season, Ole Miss came up on the winning side against Kentucky in a low-scoring affair. The Rebels jumped to a 14-0 lead and looked like they were going to run away with a win, but Kentucky battled and made it a game. Ole Miss forced two turnovers in the final minutes to hold onto a 22-19 win over the Wildcats. For that, they move inside my top 10 for the week.
10. Utah
The Utes have some things they need to clean up — the run game, special teams, stalling at times on offense — but they're finding ways to come up big against each opponent. Outside of their Week 1 loss, which hasn't helped Utah based on Florida's record, no final result has been close as the defense and offense work together to smother teams.
Checking in: LSU, Mississippi State, TCU, Syracuse, UCLA
Dropping out: Arkansas, Florida State, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M
In consideration: Arkansas, Washington State, Cincinnati, Florida State, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Coastal Carolina, James Madison, Illinois
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.
