‘Bama is still #1. Iowa State pops into the Top 25 after beating Texas Tech.
1. Alabama [8-0]: The Tide had the week off going into their pivotal road matchup against LSU. This week will give us a good idea of just how good Bama really is.
2. Clemson [8-0]: Travis Etienne has been stellar, averaging 7.8 yards per carry (2nd-best in the Power 5). Trevor Lawrence has done a great job taking the reins at quarterback.
3. Notre Dame [8-0]: The Irish have looked a bit shaky in recent weeks with close encounters against mediocre teams. The Northwestern may tell us what to expect from ND going forward.
4. LSU [7-1] (+1): I moved LSU up to #4 this week as their dominant victories over Miss St. With a physical defense and balanced offense, LSU team can definitely give trouble to the defending champs this week.
5. Michigan [7-1] (-1); Michigan can now say it’s the favorite to win the B1G–something that hasn’t been said in a very long time. With the nation’s best overall defense and solid offense with Higdon and Shea Patterson, this team can play with just about anyone.
6. Georgia [7-1]: An impressive 2nd-half performance against hated Florida puts UGA in a perfect position to repeat an appearance in Atlanta. UK now stands in the way.
7. Oklahoma [7-1] (+3): Blunders from other teams have given OU a clear path to a Big XII title game. Kyler Murray and a prolific corps of receivers enable OU to stay in games with anyone.
8. Central Florida [7-0] (-1): An abysmal schedule hinders the Knights’ from getting into the Playoff.
9. West Virginia [6-1] (+3): WVU wowed me by dominating Baylor last Thursday. Could this team really crash the party in the Big XII title race?
10. Kentucky [7-1] (+1): This defense is flat-out scary! They allow the fewest PPG in the country at 13.4 and only give up 4.4 yards per play.
11. Ohio State [7-1] (+2): The Purdue loss was ugly, but the Buckeyes still control their destiny in the B1G race. Nebraska, the winner of its last two, now looms.
12. Washington State [7-1] (+2): Wazzou is the Pac-12’s last hopes for a Playoff spot. The nation’s best passing offense is complemented by a top-20 defense.
13. Florida [6-2] (-5): The Georgia loss all but eliminates Florida from the division race, but make no mistake; this is a very capable team. Dan Mullen’s squad could easily make a New Year’s Six bowl game.
14. Penn State [6-2] (+4): Penn State finally managed to defeat a good opponent at home. But the Lions now go from the frying pan (Iowa) into the fire (at Michigan).
15. Utah [6-2] (+6): Utah is now the favorite to win the Pac-12 South. With a defense that places 13th in scoring and 16th in yards per game, FPI has the Utes heavily favored to win all of their remaining games.
16. Texas [6-2] (-7): Texas isn’t back just…yet. The Okla State loss was the last thing the ‘Horns needed before hosting WVU.
17. Fresno State [7-1] (+6): The Bulldogs have been dominant since experiencing a one-possession road loss to Minnesota. FPI has them decisively winning their remaining games … except at Boise State on Friday.
18. Utah State [7-1] (+6): Much like their 17th-ranked counterparts in the MWC West, Utah State has been dominant since losing at Michigan State. Should both teams win out, they may end up playing each other for a New Year’s Six berth.
19. Houston [7-1] (NR): With the nation’s 3rd-best scoring offense and a decisive victory over then-unbeaten USF, this team is poised for a return to the conference championship game. Their toughest remaining game is a tricky one at Memphis.
20. Iowa [6-2]: That Penn State loss stings, but thanks to Wisconsin (losing to Northwestern), the Hawkeyes still have a good chance to win the B1G West. First, though, the Hawkeyes need to take care of Purdue.
21. Boston College [6-2] (NR): An impressive showing against Miami has put the Eagles back into the rankings. But a formidable November schedule is unforgiving. Four opponents have a combined record of 22-9.
22. Virginia [6-2] (NR): Believe it or not, the Wahoos that lead the ACC Coastal. Even better, a doable November schedule will help get them to Charlotte.
23. Georgia Southern [7-1] (NR): The only loss is a road defeat at Clemson and GSU blew out a ranked App State team. How so? It’s an option offense (4th in rushing yards per game) and a stingy defense (ranked 21st nationally).
24. Mississippi State [5-3] (NR): The Bulldogs may be the hardest team to figure out in the FBS. When Nick Fitzgerald throws the ball decently, this team can play with anyone. When he doesn’t? Well….
25. Iowa State [4-3] (NR): The Cyclones are the most underrated team in the nation in my opinion. With Brock Purdy at QB, ISU has become a threat offense.
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Others Receiving Votes: UAB, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Texas A&M, Washington, USF, Northwestern, Syracuse
