AP Poll Top 25 released after Week 5 of college football
The latest AP Poll Top 25 rankings are here following Week 5 of the college football season and we saw some changes.
Nothing massive this week, but we did see some significant wins Saturday. The battle for the top is very enticing with some eye opening results. We’re about to be at the halfway point of the season, so it’ll heat up.
Let’s dive into this week’s AP Poll top 25, beginning with the 10 best squads through Week 5.
1. Georgia
Georgia is looking a little shaky at this point. The Bulldogs edged Auburn 27-20 on the road to remain undefeated. But are there questions mounting about a three-peat attempt?
The Bulldogs host Kentucky next week and that’ll certainly be a challenge and a very intriguing game in the SEC East. But as we say every week, you have to truly beat the champs to knock them down.
2. Michigan
Michigan ran away from Nebraska so fast, the Wolverines got to use four different quarterbacks. JJ McCarthy looked good, going 12-of-16 passing for 156 yards and two touchdowns.
The Wolverines rolled to this victory and put the entire team on cruise control. Ohio State may have the best win of the year in the Big Ten, but Michigan remains at the top of the conference.
3. Texas
The Longhorns’ defense did not have to deal with Jalon Daniels Saturday after a pregame injury was revealed. That really set the Jayhawks back and Texas took advantage.
Quinn Ewers tossed for 325 yards, one touchdown and an interception. But it was Jonathon Brooks who could be a true difference maker later this year. He ran for 217 yards and two touchdowns.
4. Ohio State
Ohio State’s win over Notre Dame looks even better after the Fighting Irish took care of Duke Saturday. The Buckeyes got a week off before resuming Big Ten play, so maybe Ryan Day cooled down a bit.
A week off is good to reset of course and the Buckeyes return home for a Big Ten contest. Maryland should not be overlooked next weekend, especially with quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
5. Florida State
Florida State was also off this week following an emotional overtime win over Clemson last week. Just like Ohio State, Florida State avoided any chaos this weekend.
Florida State resumes ACC play with Virginia Tech next week. The Seminoles will certainly be a heavy favorite and clearly remain the top team in the conference. We’ll all be excited to see the team back on the field.
6. Penn State
Things didn’t look good for Penn State at first against Northwestern. Yes it was a 41-13 win, but it was tied 10-10 at halftime, putting Nittany Lions fans on edge.
It wasn’t pretty for Penn State, but the team took care of business. Onto the next one for the Nittany Lions and James Franklin. We’re all waiting for the matchups against Michigan and Ohio State.
7. Washington
A 31-24 win over Arizona was a little too close for comfort for Washington. However, the Huskies remained undefeated and kept pace in the Pac-12.
Michael Penix Jr. and the offense usually boat race teams, but on this night, he did not throw a touchdown. Still, he tossed for 363 yards while the running game put points on the board, including two from Dillon Johnson.
8. Oregon (+1)
Oregon’s 42-6 win didn’t come without a little drama. Stanford led 3-0 after the first quarter and it was only 14-6 at the halftime break. But that’s when the Ducks took over.
That’s what great teams do of course. Bo Nix was awesome in this one, finishing the game 27-of-32 passing for 290 yards and four touchdowns. Heisman time for Nix? Definitely in the mix.
9. USC (-1)
USC beat Colorado, so that was pretty much expected if you were just waiting for a result Sunday morning. But, the 48-41 score was indicative of problems on the Trojans’ defense.
USC has to be able to put teams away. Sure, it was a tough environment in the revived Boulder, Colorado, but the Trojans could’ve had this game in hand. At least Caleb Williams played outstanding again.
10. Notre Dame (+1)
This was much needed for Notre Dame after the heartbreaking loss to Ohio State last weekend. The Fighting Irish were in a big spot, going on the road and facing a ranked Duke team.
Sam Hartman didn’t put up absurd numbers, but was solid throughout the night. Audric Estime also grinded it out on the ground and kept the offense moving. Overall, a solid win for the Irish.
Rest of AP Poll Top 25
11. Alabama (+1)
12. Oklahoma (+2)
13. Washington State (+3)
14. North Carolina (+1)
15. Oregon State (+4)
16. Ole Miss (+4)
17. Miami (+1)
18. Utah (-8)
19. Duke (-2)
20. Kentucky
21. Missouri (+2)
22. Tennessee (-1)
23. LSU (-10)
24. Fresno State (+1)
25. Louisville (NR)
Others receiving votes: Maryland 81, Kansas St. 44, Texas A&M 31, UCLA 19, Tulane 8, Air Force 7, Wisconsin 6, Clemson 5, West Virginia 5, Kansas 3, James Madison 3, Colorado 1.
Another week in the books and the halfway point of the regular season is just about here. Get ready for things to get whacky as conference play keeps going. Plus, we could see the best finally rise to the top and separate.