Trying to produce scientific and unbiased college football rankings is getting harder by the week this year.
Halfway into the season and with the conference dates opening up, it’s evident that teams are changing very quickly week-to-week.
You are not who you were last Saturday and you will be someone else next Saturday. With only a few elite exceptions, and sometimes not even then.
Forget the AP’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.
Where do things stand in the new college football power rankings?
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.USC. That up-and-down defense finally took the big turn this week after falling to Utah in the Trojans’ first loss of the Lincoln-Riley era, but Caleb Williams is a key contributor to a game with his arms or legs, and is backed by a support group of ability targets that can find creases in any seven backs. But until that other problem is solved, this team won’t be going into the college football playoffs. What’s next: in Arizona on October 29th
9.UCLA. The win over Utah two weeks ago was the biggest of Chip Kelly’s tenure at Westwood after the Bruins’ 1-2-3 hit on offense put in another solid performance: dynamic quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, lead back Zach Charbonnet and receiver Jake Bobo. UCLA has the pieces to make room and the ability to cast it with an aggressive style reminiscent of Kelly’s teams in Oregon. What’s next: in Oregon on October 22nd
8. Ole Fraulein. Another strong rushing display from the Rebels, who had nearly 450 yards on the ground to fend off Auburn. That’s good enough for the school’s second 7-0 start since 1962, their last national championship, but we’ll learn more about this team when they head into a backward SEC West panel. What’s next: at LSU on October 22nd
7. Klemson. This elite running stop held his own against the Seminoles’ talented backs while DJ Uiagalelei placed three touchdowns on the board and Will Shipley went down for 100 yards. More of the same from Clemson, who found the right pieces in the right places to regain the lead in the ACC title chase. What’s next: vs. Syracuse on October 22nd
6. TCU. Freshman coach Sonny Dykes has placed the Horned Frogs as the league’s only undefeated team atop the Big 12 after beating Oklahoma State in a dramatic double overtime duel. TCU withstood an early deficit at home and made a statement comeback, drawing on their diversity of proven skills to get through the day and never give up. What’s next: vs. Kansas State on October 22nd
5.Michigan. Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards are still running. They ran over Penn State’s once-respected rush defense for 418 yards, an aggregate length that surpassed what PSU allowed on the ground all season. Corum scored from 61 and Edwards from 67, both finding big holes behind an offensive line that dictated conditions of size and power. Michigan can run all the way to Columbus and make The Game a college football playoff play-in. What’s next: vs. Michigan State on Oct. 29
4. Alabama. A defense that Nick Saban called “soft” and another string of penalties doomed Tide on Rocky Top: The 52 points allowed is the fourth-highest all-time for that program, and the 17 flags are the highest under Saban. But don’t overlook the fact that this offense can still slice in half any defense in the country if it chooses to. Trailing 28-10, Bama came back with a series of well-placed passes and another strong performance from Jahmyr Gibbs, who was aiming for three touchdowns. What’s next: vs. Mississippi State on October 22nd
3. Tennessee. Big Orange made the statement of the season by repelling the Crimson Tide while showing the No. 1 spot on college football offense. Jalin Hyatt rushed for 200 yards and won 5 touchdowns; Now imagine what that will be like when Cedric Tillman – who went 200+ against Georgia a year ago – finally comes back. At the moment it’s enough to cover up a Vols pass defense that leaves a lot to be desired. What’s Next: vs. UT Martin on October 22nd
2. State of Ohio. On paper, no defense in the Big Ten has the velocity to stop this group of skill threats, and Jim Knowles has placed the Buckeyes’ defenses in the top 15 in key categories, a big improvement from a year ago. Ohio State has an advantage over the Vols at the moment as they have the slightly more efficient offense per game and superior pass coverage unit, which has improved greatly since last season. What’s next: vs. Iowa on October 22nd
1. Georgia. The defending champions in college football are still probably the most complete team in the nation right now and have the firepower at skill positions, consistency at quarterback, and the speed and power through all phases of defense to lead this team to the SEC title game a perfect record, but not without some testing along the way. What’s Next: vs. Florida on October 29th
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