Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — What happened in Week 6?
Mario Cristobal probably wishes he could go back and take a knee with Miami, and USC is thankful it has Caleb Williams on its side after a debacle at the end of regulation against Arizona. Oh, and then there's the prevent defense from Texas ... that prevented Texas from getting a win.
In all, six teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 had the week off — hard to disagree with that when looking at the carnage of the weekend — and seven other teams found themselves on the other side of the win column.
Even the top three teams in the "receiving votes" section of last week's poll ended the weekend with a loss.
In short, it was a wild weekend, but one that reminds us that college football is phenomenal. After the Arizona-USC triple overtime late-night show — popcorn included — it's difficult to believe there will soon be no more #Pac12AfterDark episodes.
At least we're getting some fireworks in the season finale.
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
Welcome to the 2023 season, Georgia! The Bulldogs woke up from hibernation and decided to play serious football again. Admittedly, there wasn't really much of a problem to Georgia sleepwalking through the first part of its schedule, but a blowout win over a good Kentucky team goes a long way.
2. Michigan
Michigan showed no mercy against a decent Minnesota team at put up 24 points in the first half ... and then added another 28 in the second half for good measure. The competition is improving, but Michigan won't really be tested until November. The Wolverines are taking care of business, though.
3. Ohio State
Ohio State is growing before our eyes and is learning to fight through adversity. Facing a 10-10 halftime score against Maryland, Ohio State allowed only 7 points in the second half and pulled away for a double-digit win. Ranked third, there's still more to prove, but it's potentially coming together ... for now.
4. Florida State
Florida State did everything it was supposed to against Virginia Tech. There's not much to read from this week's game other than the Seminoles still remain one of the best teams in the country.
5. Washington
Michael Penix Jr. and company had a bye week to set up for a rivalry showdown with Oregon. Let the Pac-12 fun begin!
6. Penn State
Penn State also had a bye week ... and the defense pitched a shutout. Kudos to the Nittany Lions.
7. Oregon
Oregon, too, was on a bye week as it prepares for Washington. I view Oregon as the most complete team in the Pac-12, but we'll see how the Ducks fair next week when the emotions are turned up to 11.
8. Oklahoma
Dillon Gabriel cemented his name in Red River Rivalry lore after he orchestrated a game-winning touchdown drive to take down a Texas team that was supposed to be back. Texas is back ... just to losing to Oklahoma. The question for the Sooners is can the emotions of the rivalry game be carried forward.
9. Texas
Well, Texas, it was a fun ride at the top of my poll. For a defense that was supposedly improved — and I believe it still is — it wilted in the waning minutes of the game as Oklahoma made it look like tissue paper. I dropped the Longhorns more than they probably deserve, but it's crowded at the top and the margins are razor thin.
10. Alabama
Nick Saban may have turned the corner with his team. After a shaky start to the season, the Crimson Tide have been much improved. It's still not the dynasty teams of the past, but it's still Alabama. And how do you count Saban out when going against Jimbo Fisher, who riled up the NIL landscape last season?
Saban 1, Fisher 0
Checking in: Louisville, UCLA, Kentucky, Kansas
Dropping out: Missouri, Texas A&M, Fresno State, Kansas State
In consideration: Wyoming, Air Force, Maryland, Missouri, Texas A&M, Fresno State, West Virginia, Iowa, BYU
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
