Post-Week 5 CFB Top 25
- Alabama (5–0) (+1)
The Crimson Tide continue to steamroll opponents and reach the top spot for the first time this season.
2. Clemson (5–0) (-1)
The Tigers did not look good at all as they escaped defeat at the hands of North Carolina by one mere point.
3. LSU (4–0) ( — )
Bye week. The strength of wins so far, including at Texas, allows the Tigers to stand their ground.
4. Ohio State (5–0) ( — )
The Buckeyes went into the hostile territory at Nebraska and dominated the Cornhuskers from the first snap. They are surely primed to jump into the Top 2 if someone slips up.
5. Georgia (4–0) ( — )
Bye week. I am not as sold on Georgia as I am on the likes of LSU but if they continue to take care of business, they’ll have no problems staying in the playoff chase.
6. Oklahoma (4–0) ( — )
The Sooners continue to roll with ease through their opponents as Jalen Hurts continues his Heisman campaign, but with no real damage in the Top 5, they remain at #6 this week.
7. Auburn (5–0) ( — )
The Tigers are not the flashiest of teams but they that doesn’t stop them from continuing to beat down their opponents; this time it was Mississippi State. Nowhere to climb for Auburn this week but a tough stretch ahead comes great opportunity to move up.
8. Texas (3–1) ( — )
Bye week. I expected to see Wisconsin leapfrog the Longhorns this week but they benefit from a not-too dominating performance by the Badgers.
9. Wisconsin (4–0) ( — )
As mentioned, the Badgers did come out victorious against Northwestern, but it wasn’t all that pretty. Wisconsin stands pat at #9.
10. Notre Dame (3–1) ( — )
Virginia hung around for a little over a half but the Fighting Irish impressively pulled away in the second half, improving their record to 3–1 and standing their ground in the Top 10.
11. Penn State (4–0) (+1)
In a similar situation to Ohio State, the Nittany Lions went into Maryland for a night matchup and had their way with the Terrapins. Many saw this as a game that could be dangerous for Penn State, on the road, but from the start, they dominated in every phase of the game. This impressive showing allows Penn State to leapfrog Oregon.
12. Oregon (3–1) (-1)
Bye week. Penn State’s dominant victory was enough to overpower the Ducks as they slide down one spot in the bye week.
13. Florida (5–0) ( — )
Florida did what it was supposed to against FCS Towson. The 5–0 Gators remain at #13.
14. Iowa (4–0) ( — )
The Hawkeyes, too, took care of business nicely as they beat Middle Tennessee and moved to 4–0 on the season. Iowa’s next two games come at Michigan and home against Penn State; this is where we’ll really see what the Hawkeyes are.
15. Washington (4–1) (+1)
The Huskies, rather smoothly, handled USC en route to their fourth win of the season. Cal’s loss to Arizona State vacates the 15 spot for Washington to claim.
16. Utah (4–1) (+2)
The Utes victory over Washington State was one of the more impressive showings of the week. A dominant second-half allows Utah to climb two spots. A pre-season dark horse candidate, Utah remains a team to watch in the PAC-12.
17. Michigan (3–1) ( — )
A victory over Rutgers is not going impact anyone’s Top 25 stock and this holds true for the Wolverines. Michigan has a tough month ahead as they host Iowa and Notre Dame, and travel to Happy Valley to take on Penn State.
18. Oklahoma State (4–1) (+5)
I say it time and time again but, I really like this Oklahoma State team. A victory over a solid Kansas State team, with losses and byes ahead of them, allows the Cowboys to be the highest climbing team of the week as they return to the Top 20.
19. Boise State (4–0) ( — )
Bye week.
20. Army (3–1) ( — )
Bye week.
21. Arizona State (4–1) (N/A)
The Sun Devils snuck past ranked Cal in a PAC-12 showdown Friday night. This win combined with Arizona State’s early-season victory at Michigan State allows the Sun Devils to crack the Top 25 for the first time this season.
22. Cal (4–1) (-7)
The Golden Bears had climbed into the Top 15 before this week’s loss vs Arizona State. A close loss to a Top 25 caliber team is no reason to completely be bumped from the rankings but Cal is the biggest faller of the week, settling in at #22.
23. UCF (4–1) (+2)
The Golden Knights dominated UConn in the final Civil ConFLiCT rivalry game. It’ll take some time to rebuild their national credibility but UCF is out to show that their loss to Pitt was nothing but a fluke.
24. SMU (5–0) (N/A)
The Mustangs of Southern Methodist University made their return to the AP Poll this week after nearly 33 years. SMU also scratches the surface in my ranking. Led by Texas transfer Shane Buechele at QB, the Mustangs sit at 5–0, including a win over TCU.
25. Virginia (4–1) (-3)
The Cavaliers hung around against Notre Dame but ultimately did not have what it took to beat the Irish. Virginia drops 3 spots but ultimately hangs on tightly to the #25 spot.
-Tyler Benenati
Sports Throne Blogger
