Josh Furlong's AP Top 25: Washington makes its case for the top spot in Week 7

SALT LAKE CITY — The game of the week, which was located in the Pacific northwest, lived up to its billing.

The game between top-10 teams Oregon and Washington had brazen coaches going for it on fourth downs, high-flying receivers pulling down passes, back-and-forth scoring, and a dramatic finish that took Heisman hopeful Michael Penix Jr. no time flat to orchestra the game-winning score.

But much like Rocky I being incomplete without the rest of the movies in the series, we need more. As it stands, there's a high likelihood Oregon and Washington could meet up again in the Pac-12 championship game in December, and who wouldn't want to see that?

Until then, it was another entertaining week of college football in what feels like a wide-open race.

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. Washington

Penix is the real deal, and he's unlocked the cheat code in Seattle. The defense still remains a bit questionable at times, which could pose some danger to a playoff run, but there's nothing like the Huskies offense. It can score at will with Penix and the arsenal of receivers around him.

While this is not a perfect fit at No. 1, Washington has been hovering around the top spot for some time in my eyes. All it took was beating a bitter rival at home for me to make this move. But the road does not get any easier for the Huskies, and they'll be tested along the way.

2. Georgia

Georgia woke up last week and then kind of went back to sleep this week against Vanderbilt. It was still another double-digit victory for the Bulldogs as they coast to the SEC championship game, but one that leaves much to be desired. The Georgia resume remains weak, and I see Washington's win over Oregon being better than Georgia's win over Kentucky.

3. Michigan

Michigan took care of business and then some against an outmatched Indiana team. The Wolverines remain one of the best teams in the country and they're another team I'm considering for the top spot, but the resume remains thin. Michigan is an elite team, but we won't really know until late in the season.

4. Ohio State

Ohio State wasn't about to let Purdue pull a 2018 and upset the Buckeyes ... not this year. It was a convincing win for Ohio State, who pitched a shutout until the fourth quarter.

5. Florida State

Florida State made Syracuse look like an average team — maybe they are — en route to a 41-3 victory. The Seminoles aren't short on talent, but consistency will be key.

6. Oklahoma

After a dramatic Red River Rivalry win, Oklahoma got a bye week to rest up for the remainder of the season. On paper, Oklahoma has a comparable resume to Washington, but the Huskies have been more consistent in my view.

7. Penn State

Can we really learn anything from a 63-0 win over UMass? Not really, but that's still a lot of points scored in a game.

8. Texas

Texas also had a bye week, which could serve as a great recharge for the remainder of Big 12 play.

9. Oregon

Oregon had the game in its hands and let it slip away late. There were multiple chances to get a win on the road Saturday, but Dan Lanning will take "100%" of the blame for what was an entertaining game. No reason to drop the Ducks too far.

10. Notre Dame

Notre Dame executed its game plan flawlessly and beat a USC team that had been playing with fire the last couple weeks. The Fighting Irish made Caleb Williams look human and presented a blueprint on how to beat the Trojans. After a loss to Louisville, Notre Dame bounced back with a big win

Checking in: Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma State

Dropping out: Kansas, Kentucky, Miami

In consideration: Fresno State, Kansas State, Clemson, James Madison, TCU, Tulane, Arizona, Kentucky, Florida

If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.

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