Graphic by the College Football Playoff
Georgia gets a scare, Texas faces an injury, Oregon finally looks like they were expected to, and a bunch of rivalry games were played in September! Week 3 was full of fun college football, now let’s see where the best teams are ranked!
1. Georgia (3-0) (Last Week #1) (Ranked #2 and #1 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
Georgia does this all the time against Kentucky. I’m not sure why but it seems like at least every other year, Kentucky takes Georgia to their limit only for the Dawgs to pull away late. That’s what happened here though the margin was even closer than usual. Maybe this time they were looking ahead? Georgia gets a week off before traveling to Tuscaloosa to face Bama.
2. Ohio State (2-0) (Last Week #2) (Ranked #3 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
The Buckeyes had a way-too-early bye week and get Marshall next week before heading to East Lansing to take on the MSU Spartans. This will be the start of a stretch where the Bucks take on five straight teams that should go bowling this year.
3. Texas (3-0) (Last Week #3) (Ranked #1 and #2 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
The Longhorns took care of business against UTSA, but lost Quinn Ewers to abdominal strain. Luckily for them, they have Arch Manning and he didn’t miss a beat for Texas. He was 9 of 12 for 223 yards and four touchdowns through the air and added a 67-yard touchdown run that made his uncles jealous! Next for the Longhorns is UL-Monroe which will give them more time to warm up Manning and heal up Ewers before SEC play.
4. Oregon (3-0) (Last Week #4) (Ranked #9 and #6 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
After close games against Idaho, and Boise, and a close first half against rival Oregon State, the Ducks finally started to look dominant like expected. Their first three wins will age well for them and have prepared them for a tough three-game stretch. Starting next week they go to UCLA before hosting Michigan State and Ohio State. They will be truly tested as they open Big Ten play.
5. Alabama (3-0) (Last Week #5) (Ranked #4 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
In one of their rare trips outside of the south, Alabama rolled to a 42-10 win over a rebuilding Wisconsin team in Madison. Kalen DeBoer’s Heisman candidate quarterback led the way with over five total touchdowns for the Tide. Bama gets a week off before they host the #1 Georgia Bulldogs.
6. Ole Miss (3-0) (Last Week #6) (Ranked #5 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
Lane Kiffin’s guys got out to their usual hot start against Wake Forest. They would cruise to a 40-6 win behind Jaxson Dart and Henry Parrish. The Rebels get Georgia Southern next before hosting the Kentucky Wildcats who just gave Georgia a scare.
7. Penn State (2-0) (Last Week #7) (Ranked #10 and #8 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
Penn State, like their western neighbor, had a bye this week. They get Kent State next week before closing out September with Illinois a team they had nine overtimes against the last time they visited State College.
8. Utah (3-0) (Last Week #8) (Ranked #12 and #10 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
Utah State and former Ute quarterback Bryson Barnes gave Utah a solid game. Isaac Wilson (the little brother of former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson) played fantastic in the absence of Cam Rising. Next week, whoever the quarterback is will have their hands full as the Utes travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma to take on the Cowboys of Oklahoma State.
9. Tennessee (3-0) (Last Week #9) (Ranked #6 and #7 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
The massacre on Rocky Top was in full swing before the first quarter was over against Kent State. It was 37-0 after only a quarter of play. They look to be more than ready for their trip to Norman, Oklahoma next week against the Sooners.
10. Missouri (3-0) (Last Week #10) (Ranked #7 and #8 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
The Tigers got a good test from Boston College and Bill O’Brien. They took the Eagles’ best shot and ground out a good game 27-21. They can’t sleep on playing Vanderbilt next week and will need continued great play from Brady Cook and Luthor Burden III.
11. Miami (3-0) (Last Week #11) (Ranked #8 and #11 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
Another game, another barrage of over 300 yards, and a few passing touchdowns for Heisman candidate Cam Ward. The Canes beat Ball State 62-0. Next, they have a game against USF, but don’t have to leave the state of Florida until October.
12. USC (2-0) (Last Week #12) (Ranked #11 and #12 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
SC had a bye week before they head to Ann Arbor to play a team that so far this season has looked like they really miss Connor Stalions and really hate the Jim Harbaugh Rule.
13. Oklahoma State (3-0) (Last Week #13) (Ranked #14 and #15 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
Teams are stacking the box to stop Ollie Gordon and are daring Alan Bowman to throw on. So far, he’s coming through and doing just that. Bowman had 274 yards and four touchdowns through the air by halftime. The Cowboys cruised to a win over Tulsa 45-10. Next, the Pokes will have a huge Big 12 fight when Utah comes to town next week.
14. Oklahoma (3-0) (Last Week #14) (Ranked #15 and #13 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
Tulane has given two top 15 teams a fight in back-to-back weeks. And Oklahoma weathered their onslaught better than did Houston last week, showing marked improvement by the Sooners. Next week is their first SEC game when top 10 Tennessee comes to town.
15. Kansas State (3-0) (Last Week #15) (Ranked #13 and #14 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
K-State won the Battle of the Wildcats in the Little Apple on Friday night. They shut down the prolific passing attack of Noah Fifita and Arizona. You wouldn’t know that Kansas State lost their starting quarterback in the offseason. They look as good as they ever have and will have their share to say about the Big 12 Championship.
16. Louisville (2-0) (Last Week #16) (Ranked #19 and #20 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
The Cards had a bye week before they welcome Georgia Tech to Louisville and then go on the road. They’ll play Notre Dame who put a 66-7 beating on Jeff Brohm’s former team Purdue this weekend.
17. Nebraska (3-0) (Last Week #19) (Ranked #20 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
Matt Rhule, Dylan Raiola, and the Cornhuskers are making the case that they are back. Maybe not back to the Tom Osborne days but back to a bowl-eligible team that opponents cannot take lightly. Next is an undefeated matchup as they welcome Illinois to town on a Friday night.
18. Iowa State (2-0) (Last Week #20) (Ranked #20 and #21 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
ISU had a bye this week after their big rivalry game victory over Iowa. Next they get an Arkansas State team that forced a lot of turnovers against the defending cheaters in Ann Arbor this week. Then they travel to Houston to open Big 12 play.
19. Illinois (3-0) (Last Week #21) (Ranked #24 and Unranked in the AP and Coaches Polls)
Brett Bielema and Luke Altmeyer have the Illini 3-0 as they prepare for Big Ten play. Next week the travel to Lincoln, Nebraska. There they will take on another Big Ten program that is working hard for a resurgence. And it will be on a Friday under the lights.
20. Liberty (3-0) (Last Week #18) (Unranked in the AP and Coaches Polls)
I don’t like dropping a team that has won but Liberty has struggled a little more than expected. They look a little less explosive this year than they did last year. But the Flames are still the current favorite Group of 5 team to make the playoffs. The biggest reasons are Jamey Chadwell, Kaidon Salter, and the Flames’ favorable schedule.
21. BYU (3-0) (Last Week #23) (Unranked in the AP and Coaches Polls)
The Cougars have started 3-0 and are looking good heading into the game next week against Kansas State. BYU’s chances to upset the Wildcats will depend on Jake Retzlaff taking care of the football. If he can be turnover-free, the night environment at LaVell Edwards Stadium could catalyze the upset.
22. Syracuse (2-0) (Last Week #24) (Unranked in the AP and Coaches Polls)
The ‘Cuse had a bye week ahead of welcoming Stanford from the West Coast to the Atlantic Coast Conference. The schools from California and New York will battle on Friday night.
23. Washington State (3-0) (Last Week #25) (Unranked in the AP and Coaches Polls)
The Apple Cup in September was just as good as it was after Thanksgiving. This was a classic and I’m glad WSU and UW are keeping it going even though they’re in different leagues. It’ll be a fun matchup between the new Big Ten and the new Pac-12. It’s fitting that the winner is in the top 25 rankings this week after a hard-fought game.
24. Arizona State (3-0) (Last Week Unranked) (Unranked in the AP and Coaches Polls)
The Sun Devils have very much been an under-the-radar team. They have already matched their win total from 2023 and September hasn’t even ended yet. Coach Kenny Dillingham has things looking up in Tempe.
25. UNLV (3-0) (Last Week Unranked) (Unranked and #25 in the AP and Coaches Polls)
UNLV has quietly positioned themselves as one of the better Group of 5 teams. They’re also poised to compete for a Mountain West Championship and a possible playoff berth. Vegas fans better enjoy Barry Odom while he’s there. He very well could be picked up by a bigger school during the coaching carousel at the end of the season.
Game of the Week
College Football Playoff Projections
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Utah
- Miami
- Texas
- Oregon
- Alabama
- Penn State
- Ole Miss
- Missouri
- Tennessee
- Liberty
First Round
5. Texas vs. 12. Liberty
Saturday, December 21st, 2024 – Austin, Texas
6. Oregon vs. 11. Tennessee
Friday, December 20th, 2024 – Eugene, Oregon
7. Alabama vs. 10. Missouri
Saturday, December 21st, 2024 – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
8. Penn State vs. 9. Ole Miss
Saturday, December 21st, 2024 – State College Pennsylvania
Quarterfinals
1. Georgia vs. 8. Penn State in the Peach Bowl
Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 – Atlanta, Georgia
2. Ohio State vs. 7. Alabama in the Rose Bowl
Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 – Pasadena, California
3. Utah vs. 6. Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl
Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 – Phoenix, Arizona
4. Miami vs. 5. Texas in the Sugar Bowl
Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 – New Orleans, Louisiana
Semifinals
1. Georgia vs. 5. Texas in the Orange Bowl
Thursday, January 9th, 2025 – Miami, Florida
2. Ohio State vs. 6. Oregon in the Cotton Bowl
Friday, January 10th, 2025 – Dallas, Texas
Championship
Monday, January 20th, 2025 – Atlanta, Georgia
