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SALT LAKE CITY — It's getting serious now.
Each season the joke is that Texas is back, only to see them stumble where they shouldn't. But it's looking like the Longhorns under Steve Sarkisian are serious this year. It's time to sit your kids down and have a serious conversation about Texas being good again.
It may be difficult to grasp, but this is uncharted territories as of late, so we're not exactly sure what to do moving forward. Though I kid — mostly — Texas appears to be back (for now) and looks like a complete team. As a result, I made a change to my top team this week.
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. Texas
With two wins over AP Top 25 teams — Alabama and Kansas — the Longhorns have one of the best early resumes in the country. And for that reason, I've decided to make a change at the top of my rankings. Texas is not a perfect team, but it's one of the most complete teams in the country and has staying power. But troubled waters loom.
We're looking at you Red River Rivalry this week.
2. Michigan
The Wolverines have two wins over Power Five opponents and appear to be back to 2022 form. Nebraska is still not ready for primetime, but Michigan doubled up its expected win margin in a 45-7 blowout win. There's a case to be made for Michigan as the top team, but I'm not ready to crown them just yet.
3. Georgia
Admittedly, Georgia is getting a more critical eye from me based on the last few season's of success. Fair or not, the Bulldogs haven't shown the same level of competitiveness as the previous two seasons. Georgia remains one of the best teams in the country and is still in the national title conversation, but there's other team's playing better.
4. Washington
In the #Pac12AfterDark game Saturday night, Washington allowed Arizona to hang around and needed a first down with just over a minute left to play in the fourth quarter to secure the win. It's the first real vulnerability the Huskies have shown, but I'm willing to give a pass against a much-improved Arizona team playing on their how field.
5. Ohio State
What a great week for a bye. The Buckeyes return to action against an undefeated Maryland team ready for a fight.
6. Florida State
The Seminoles also had a bye, but an LSU loss put a dent into Florida State's Week 1 win.
7. Penn State
Penn State probably should (and could) be higher in my top 10, but it's a crowded slate with several good team. The Nittany Lions let Northwestern hang around through halftime before pulling away, but I see Penn State as a potential sleeper candidate ready to prove its value.
8. Oregon
Oregon is probably the most complete team in the Pac-12 right now, even if it takes a bit to show up on the field at times. Bo Nix and company have a well-oiled offensive machine in motion, and the defense is capable to keep the margins big. USC and Washington may get all the love because of Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr., respectively, but Nix may be the best equipped right now.
9. Notre Dame
Has anyone found Notre Dame's 11th man yet?
The Fighting Irish have a thing for keeping games close down to the wire. A week after failing to stop Ohio State on the goal line (with 10 players), Audric Estime found a hole and escaped for a 30-yard touchdown to beat a previously undefeated Duke team. Don't sleep on Duke ... if not for just the drama the team brings to the games.
10. USC
USC is literally one of the most talented teams in college football. Reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams looks improved this season while effortlessly dicing up opposing defenses. But the Trojans defense remains a vulnerability to all the success the team sees for itself. USC will dazzle you with its offense, but allow the game to be close with its defense.
Checking in: Fresno State, Kansas State, Missouri, Texas A&M
Dropping out: Colorado, Florida, Kansas, TCU
In consideration: Maryland, Kansas, Iowa, West Virginia, BYU, Louisville, Wyoming
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
