Week 5 of the college football season is upon us, and now it’s time to take a look at this weekend’s updated power rankings.
Half a dozen teams in the ` rankings won the L on Saturday, meaning more changes in the polls from week to week.
But who really belongs in the national title discussion?
Forget the `’s Top 25, the Coaches’ Poll or the College Football Playoff Ladder, let’s take a look at the top 10 teams competing this weekend.
College football power rankings for week 5
In theory, the teams in these rankings should beat the lower-ranked teams and lose to the higher-ranked teams on a neutral field
10. Utah. The front seven is still one of the most physical in college football, with more depth and experience passing off the ledge and arguably more athletic than last year. That power, combined with the Utes’ proven stealth moving the ball behind Cam Rising and Tavion Thomas, and this team should be at the forefront of the Pac-12 chase all year.
9. State of Oklahoma. The Cowboys got a week off at the right time with a date against Baylor next Saturday. The same Baylor who kept OSU inches from the goal line in the Big 12 title game. Spencer Sanders is playing confident football at the moment and offense is coming from a 500+ yard streak that showed the week before.
8. Tennessee. As expected, the Vols offense was in full swing as Hendon Hooker caught 22 of 28 passes for 349 yards and 2 scores while leading the team by another score. And that without a top goal, Cedric Tillman. Two statement drives stand out: a 99-yard TD attack to close out the 1st half and a 73-yarder to open the 2nd half. UT took control in the fourth quarter, rushing for 87 yards after forcing a fumble from Anthony Richardson. Now comes the really hard games.
7. Oklahoma. Brent Venables’ project to rebuild the Sooners’ defense took a step back after a home loss to Kansas State, but OU still has the perimeter speed and power inside to keep this team well in the thick of the Big 12 chase the mix for a New Years Eve bowl, if not the College Football Playoff.
6.USC. Closer than expected en route to Oregon State, but the narrow win with a late touchdown drive and another takeaway shows this team has matured early in the season. Caleb Williams, who was stalled for most of the night, helped plan the winning streak with over 1 minute left, and Southern Cal is also playing elite defense.
5. Klemson. After all of the overanalysis of this offense since last season, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei had his best game, nabbing five touchdowns in an OT win at Wake. Clemson’s secondary has to start from scratch, but most DBs look bad against Sam Hartman. It’s good that the Tigers are slowly but surely building offensive momentum in a crucial division game that’s one small step closer to the college football playoffs.
4.Michigan. After rolling through a soft non-conference board, the Wolverines got a test against Maryland’s speed offense. It eventually passed, forcing the defense into 3 turnovers while leadback Blake Corum shredded the terps for 243 yards on the ground and 2 points. Michigan has plenty of power and speed, but as last season’s College Football Playoff game against Georgia showed, there’s still a gap between them and the title contenders.
3. State of Ohio. CJ Stroud threw 5 touchdowns and the Buckeyes hit on their first 4 drives while throwing Wisconsin at home in the Big Ten opener. Once again, the disparity between the type of athletes Ohio State has versus its opponents on the field is a testament to its incredible recruiting success over the past several years. The test is whether OSU can maintain that lead when taking on a national opponent of their caliber.
2. Alabama. Another loss for Tide over Vandy as Bryce Young made 4 touchdown passes including 2 for Jacorey Brooks in another big win to open the SEC schedule. Aside from the Texas game, Alabama shot fish in a barrel. Now comes the fun part: 3 straight against likely conference opponents: in Arkansas against Texas A&M and in Tennessee, three SEC freshmen who have made serious improvements this season.
1. Georgia. It was disconcerting to see the Bulldogs hold a 12-10 lead over Kent State at home, even as they clinched the eventual 39-22 win. But there are concerns: namely, three turnovers on offense, fights in the red zone, and a few allowed big plays on defense, including a fake punt. Suddenly, college football’s champions are looking mortal after being showered with good headlines earlier in the year.
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