Post-Week 7 CFB Top 25
1) Alabama (6–0) ( — )
The Crimson Tide earned a quality win as they went into Kyle Field and handled Texas A&M rather smoothly. This win is enough to keep Alabama at the top spot.
2) LSU (6–0) (+1)
The Tigers hosted Florida and pulled away late after a back and forth battle. Victories over Florida and Texas have propelled LSU into the Top 2. Could we see ‘The Game of the Century’ 2.0 when LSU travels to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama on November 9th?
3) Clemson (6–0) (-1)
The Tigers took care of rival Florida State with ease on Saturday but as a whole, their resume just does not match up with that of LSU and thus, Clemson falls to #3.
4) Ohio State (6–0) ( — )
Bye week.
5) Oklahoma (6–0) (+1)
In their biggest test of the season to this point, the Sooners put together an impressive showing and thoroughly beat a very good Texas team. Thanks to Georgia’s loss, Oklahoma slides up one spot into the Top 5.
6) Wisconsin (6–0) (+2)
In one of the more impressive victories of the weekend, the Badgers dominated a quality Michigan State team as their defense pitched yet another shutout (their fourth of the season).
7) Penn State (6–0) (+4)
No team benefitted more from losses by Georgia, Texas and Florida than Penn State. The Nittany Lions went into Iowa on Saturday night and grinded out a win over a very good Hawkeyes team and as a result, jump up four spots in the rankings.
8) Georgia (5–1) (-3)
Our first huge upset of the season comes at the expense of Georgia. The Bulldogs home loss against South Carolina is not a good look at all, and could prove very costly in the SEC race.
9) Notre Dame (5–1) (+1)
The Irish were nearly caught by the upset monster as well, but they were able to squeak by USC to earn their 5th win of the season. Georgia’s loss certainly does not help Notre Dame, but if they continue to win and take care of business, they will not go anywhere.
10) Florida (6–1) (-1)
Despite a double digit loss, the Gators actually impressed me. A back-and-forth battle with LSU in Death Valley, ultimately resulting in a loss, is no reason to allow Florida to freefall. Thus, they settle in at #10, just ahead of Auburn, a team they beat just one week ago.
11) Auburn (5–1) (+1)
Bye week.
12) Oregon (5–1) (+1)
Oregon squashed a quality opponent in Colorado, by a score of 45–3. The Ducks have not been talked about much early on but they are definitely a team to watch down the stretch, with a wide-open Pac-12.
13) Texas (4–2) (-6)
Texas hung around fairly well in the Red River Showdown this weekend but ultimately proved to me that they do not belong in the same category as the likes of Oklahoma; that’s why they slide down six spots.
14) Utah (5–1) ( — )
Utah continues to dominate their inferior competition. This week, this domination came at the expense of Oregon State. Their loss to USC continues to hold the Utes back from taking that big leap into Top 10 conversation.
15) Michigan (5–1) ( — )
The Wolverines played with fire a bit, as they let Illinois back into the game for a short while. Ultimately though, Michigan pulled away and came through with a fairly easy victory. This upcoming week will make or break Michigan’s season as they head into whiteout conditions in Happy Valley to take on Penn State.
16) Boise State (6–0) ( — )
The Broncos keep churning out wins as they now sit at 6–0. Some of these wins haven’t been the most convincing but this one certainly was. Even after losing star freshman QB Hank Bachmeier, Boise State flexed their muscles and dominated Hawaii.
17) Arizona State (5–1) (+1)
After falling down early, the Sun Devils rallied big and ultimately beat a quality opponent in Washington State. Arizona State is another one of those teams that I could see making a splash in the wide-open Pac-12.
18) Baylor (6–0) (+1)
It took overtime, but the Bears were able to avoid disappointment as they snuck past Texas Tech. Baylor will be tested next week as they travel to Oklahoma State.
19) Minnesota (6–0) (+5)
It went under-the-radar but the Golden Gophers absolutely dominated Nebraska. Minnesota is yet to be truly tested but matchups coming up against Penn State, Iowa and Wisconsin next month, we’ll see just how good PJ Fleck’s team is.
20) SMU (6–0) ( — )
Bye week.
21) Iowa (4–2) (-4)
The Hawkeyes played Penn State tough on Saturday night but were unable to pull out a victory. At 4–2, Iowa’s season could go a number of ways, but with two conference losses already and Wisconsin and Minnesota remaining on the schedule, it’s hard to see a scenario where the Hawkeyes can play for a conference championship.
22) Tulane (5–1) ( — )
The Green Wave rolled over UConn to improve to 5–1 on the season. Tulane is one of a number of teams who have a shot at taking home the AAC crown.
23) Cincinnati (5–1) (+2)
The Bearcats took care of business yet again and continue to lead the AAC East. Losses by Texas A&M and Virginia allow Cincinnati to jump two spots.
24) Appalachian State (N/A)
The Mountaineers make their season debut in the Top 25 after beating a very solid UL-Lafayette squad last Wednesday night. App State remains the clear favorite in the Sun Belt.
25) Iowa State (4–2) (N/A)
The Cyclones climb back into the Top 25 after cruising to a victory over West Virginia. Iowa State’s two losses came to ranked opponents (Iowa and Baylor) in a pair of tightly contested match-ups.
- Tyler Benenati (Sports Throne Contributor)
