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SALT LAKE CITY — Four weeks into the season and no one team looks unbeatable — a case could maybe be made for Washington, though.
Even Georgia, the two-time reigning national champs aren't immune to the foibles of the season, even if the Bulldogs remain undefeated on the season. But with six games this week that featured ranked-on-ranked battles, the separation is starting to take some shape.
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 certainly had its mistakes against a bad UAB team, but tight end Brock Bowers helped the Bulldogs to another win with two touchdowns after a slow start. Teams around Georgia already have better wins, but I see no reason to move the Bulldogs from the top spot ... for now. There's still trust in the two-time champs.
2. Michigan
In Jim Harbaugh's return game, Michigan wasn't exactly quick to put up points against a decent Rutgers team. No real reason to expend all the energy this early in the season when there will be tougher games, but not for quite some time.
3. Texas
Texas had a 28-point first half on the road against a Baylor team still trying to find an identity. The Longhorns still hold one of the best wins of the season, but that can only go so far.
4. Washington
Is there a team better than Washington right now? I ranked three above them, but I'm coming around to the idea that the Huskies may be one of the best team's in the country. I'd like to see Michael Penix Jr. go against a great defense to really test the team's mettle, but the offense is like a hot knife slicing through butter. IYKYK.
I still have some questions about defense, but Penix may erase those doubts with his arm and bevy of talented wide receivers.
5. Ohio State
Football is a game of inches, and Ohio State is living proof of being on the good side of that battle. In an improbable final drive, the Buckeyes managed a touchdown over Notre Dame for the win. The pieces are there for Ohio State to be great, but even a win over Notre Dame hasn't sold me completely. Right now, I like the teams above the Buckeyes.
6. Florida State
Florida State snapped a seven-game losing skid to Clemson Saturday, but it was anything but certain. The Tigers had the win seemingly locked up, but a missed 29-yard field goal gave the Seminoles life, and they eventually took it to overtime and got a win. This game felt more like missed opportunities by Clemson rather than Florida State winning the game.
To the Seminoles' credit, the effort in overtime was worthy of praise (and staying in the game).
7. Penn State
Penn State, again, feels like one of those teams that is quietly lurking, ready to pounce. There's not a lot of talk about the Nittany Lions, but they're quietly taking care of business with a low profile (and a great defense). Penn State blanked Iowa, which is obviously know for its offense — well, for everyone tracking to see if Iowa can actually score points. But the Nittany Lions did it in convincing fashion.
8. USC
I dropped USC even after a win, but Washington deserved to move up and there's still some questions about the Trojans defense — case in point, its game against Arizona State where there were several blown tackles against a bad team. There's no reason to doubt the offense with Caleb Williams under center, but I still have some doubts.
When USC eventually plays Washington, it feels like the first to score 60 wins that game.
9. Oregon
Dan Lanning only wants wins, and a win is even sweeter against Deion Sanders' national phenomenon Colorado. The Ducks put on a show, and then some, in a humbling win over the Buffaloes. Colorado is still must-see-TV, but Oregon made sure to show everyone why the attention should be on Bo Nix (have you seen his Heisman ads yet?) and the Ducks.
10. Utah
Some people like offense, Kyle Whittingham prefers defense. The Utes still need to find an identity on offense, especially with starting quarterback Cam Rising still sidelined. The wins haven't always been pretty, but Utah currently has three wins over Power Five teams, including two over Top 25 programs, without several starters in the lineup.
The defense has also only allowed, on average, 9.5 points per game (10.3 points in games against Power Five competition).
Checking in: Florida, TCU
Dropping out: Iowa, UCLA
In consideration: Kansas State, Fresno State, Tulane, Syracuse, Louisville, Texas A&M, Wyoming and Missouri
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
