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SALT LAKE CITY — If there was a week to do housework or run errands before the chilly weather soon encompasses the sport, it was Week 8 of action.
There were eight teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 poll that were on a bye week and five games where both teams were ranked, but there wasn't as much excitement as we've been used to this season. Still, there were entertaining games spread throughout the day.
One of the highlights of the day was a thrilling Clemson-Syracuse game where the Orange looked to dethrone a perennial playoff contender and had a 21-10 lead at halftime. But Clemson changed its quarterback in the third quarter, flexed its muscle, and came away with a 27-21 win to give Syracuse its first loss of the season.
And then in primetime, TCU took another step forward and collected another Top 25 win in a 10-point victory over Kansas State, and Oklahoma State bounced back from a loss to TCU the week prior to silence Texas and its ranked aspirations.
Oregon also dominated UCLA at home to give the Bruins its first loss of the season, and Alabama bounced back from its loss to Tennessee last week and rolled over Mississippi State.
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
For a very brief moment, Iowa matched Ohio State on the field in a 7-7 game. But that was as close as Ohio State let Iowa sniff anything close to a close game. Against a stout defense, C.J. Stroud was just too much for Iowa, as the Heisman hopeful threw for 286 yards and four touchdowns on 20-of-30 passing. Ohio State remains a real threat, and beating Iowa's defense was a good test to give me confidence of a No. 1 spot in my ballot.
2. Georgia
After building up a 7-0 record, Georgia was on a bye week. Nothing changes here for the Bulldogs.
3. Tennessee
There was a risk of a hangover after Tennessee secured an emotional win over Alabama last week, especially with UT Martin coming to town. Outside of the 17 points scored in the second half against a second unit, Tennessee showed no signs of slowing down. I'm waiting for the two teams above the Vols to slip up, and it's a quick jump to No. 1 for me. I like Tennessee's resume more for the top spot, but it's difficult for me to drop Ohio State just yet.
4. Michigan
Michigan got a week to rest up with a bye before a home meeting with in-state rival Michigan State next week.
5. Clemson
I was tempted to drop Clemson below Alabama, but the Tigers continue to find a way to get it done and I want to reward that, especially against a good Syracuse team. Clemson is walking on egg shells, though, especially with inconsistent QB play from DJ Uiagalelei. I want to believe that Uiagalelei has made progress this season, but it seems whenever he plays against tougher competition he struggles and is replaced by Cade Klubnik.
6. Alabama
Alabama wasted no time putting Mississippi State to bed on Saturday. The Crimson Tide bounced back well and secured a Top 25 win in convincing fashion. More importantly, the defense only allowed Mississippi State 293 yards of total offense and no scores until the final seconds of the game — a 1-yard rushing TD by Jo'quavious Marks as the game time expired.
7. TCU
TCU is by no means a perfect undefeated team, but Sonny Dykes' team has wins over four teams that were ranked in the AP Top 25 when the Horned Frogs played them (two currently ranked) and a Week 1 win over an SMU team that took Cincinnati down to the wire this week. TCU keeps winning an doing it against good competition. If anything, they make for entertaining games watching TCU.
8. Oregon
After a dismal Week 1 showing against Georgia, Oregon has been a force in the Pac-12 with a renewed Bo Nix leading the charge. It's getting easier to forget Week 1 with how well the Ducks are playing. With ESPN's College GameDay and its former head coach in town, Oregon delivered on the national stage. Oregon is now playing like one of the most dangerous teams in the country, though it has stiff competition above it in the rankings.
9. Oklahoma State
Texas is not back, even with Quinn Ewers under center, and Oklahoma State made sure of that on Saturday. It was a hard-fought victory for the Cowboys and took a comeback effort — penalty free, too — to beat Texas. Oklahoma State is a quiet contender and one that has seemingly gone unnoticed, but sleep on the Cowboys at your peril.
10. Wake Forest
I'm still a bit uneasy about Wake Forest inside my Top 10, but it's a solid team that took care of business against Boston College on Saturday and has been competitive in every game they've played in, including a heartbreaking loss to Clemson. The Demon Deacons don't quite have the resume other teams around them do, but they're winning. Wake Forest's spot remains fluid, though, and could change in my eyes with any of the teams immediately around it.
Checking in: Tulane, North Carolina, South Carolina
In consideration: Texas, Purdue, Mississippi State
In consideration: Oregon State, Maryland, Liberty
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.
