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SALT LAKE CITY — It's always the week you least suspect that provides the most entertainment and drama.
If you stayed up to watch Colorado come from behind to beat rival Colorado State in double overtime, you know what I'm talking about. It still makes no sense how that game ended, but Deion Sanders will not be denied ... or the gritty effort from his son, Shedeur Sanders, who threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns in the win.
There was also Alabama struggling to pull away from a mediocre South Florida team. Or Georgia finding itself down 14-3 at halftime against South Carolina. Or what about Florida upsetting rival Tennessee in the Swamp in a game where the Gators looked significantly improved.
It was a week of chaos all around the sport, and it was felt in nearly every game.
Also, while we're talking about chaos, I have to admit that I may have allowed the BBQ food I ate in Austin, Texas, last week to infiltrate my brain and make me believe that Texas was really back. For now, I'll say the jury is still out. But also, is Alabama just not very good this year?
Here's the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press this week that will be counted toward the official consensus poll released later today.
1. Georgia
Georgia finally played somebody this season and had to find a way to fight through early adversity to pull out a win. Shutting out the Gamecocks in the second half was certainly a good way to bounce back. On paper, Georgia still appears to be the top team, but there may be some cracks showing up this season. But it's still too early to tell.
2. Michigan
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy didn't have his best day and threw three interceptions to keep the game closer than expected. But in the final week without Jim Harbaugh calling plays on the sideline, the Wolverines used a 17-point third quarter to get the job done.
3. Florida State
For a moment, there was real worry that Florida State would lose its star quarterback in Jordan Travis. The worry faded when he came back out to start the second half. Even then, this was not an easy win for Florida State, who saw a 21-point lead evaporate as Boston College made it a 2-point game. If not for several Boston College miscues and poor decisions, this could have been dangerous for the Seminoles. #SurviveAndAdvance
4. USC
The Trojans had a bye week — probably a great week for that.
5. Texas
Is Texas really back? Is Wyoming just that tough? I'm holding out judgement for at least another week before contemplating a move for the Longhorns. It probably helps that everyone around them struggled, too.
6. Ohio State
In one of the only games without some drama, Ohio State finally looked like the Buckeyes we're used to seeing against an inferior opponent. Ohio State reeled off 35 points in the second quarter en route to a 63-10 win over Western Kentucky. The opponent doesn't buy the Buckeyes any bump in the my rankings, but it gives me more to contemplate.
7. Washington
At this point, Washington appears to have one of the best offenses in college football — maybe second only to USC at this point. Against Michigan State on the road, Michael Penix Jr. had his way with the Spartans' defense. This Michigan State team is going through some major stuff, so who knows how good they really are, but Washington looks elite on offense.
8. Penn State
Penn State's defense managed five turnovers and got past a decent Big Ten team. The Nittany Lions need a quality win before I can accurately judge them, but there's no question the defense is stout.
9. Notre Dame
Notre Dame is 4-0 on the season and doesn't appear as if it's slowing down anytime soon, though a matchup with Ohio State next week should be the true test as to how good the Fighting Irish can be this season. In my eyes, they're better than Alabama — which might not be saying a lot given this week's results — but how good remains to be seen.
10. Alabama
Nothing makes sense in 2023, especially since I could make a case that Alabama shouldn't even be in my top 10. But I'll give Nick Saban the benefit of the doubt this week. The Crimson Tide need a consistent quarterback in the worst way, and surprisingly need better play in the trenches. Will the slide continue?
Checking in: UCLA
Dropping out: Kansas State
In consideration: Kansas State, Clemson, Fresno State, Florida, BYU, South Alabama, Wake Forest, UCF, TCU and Texas A&M
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
