AP Poll Top 25 released after Week 6 of college football
The latest AP Poll top 25 rankings were released after a wild Week 6 of the 2023 college football season.
The Red River Rivalry highlighted the weekend as Oklahoma knocked off Texas to create a big shakeup in the rankings, namely the top 10. How does that determine playoff aspirations? Well we’ll find out soon enough.
For now, let’s dive into the latest AP Poll top 25, starting with the two-time defending champions.
1. Georgia
This was the best Bulldogs game of the year, at least so far. Georgia looked like it’s usual dominant self, but this was the first time we saw it this season. That’s scary.
After the Wildcats moved into the top 20 last week, they had something cooking. But not in Athens as Georgia ran away with it 51-13, including a 34-7 lead at halftime.
2. Michigan
Hey there Michigan, just keep on winning. The Wolverines don’t have the strongest schedule in the world, but you play who you play.
JJ McCarthy was responsible for three total touchdowns in this one as the Wolverines cruised to a 52-10 win over Minnesota. They’ll keep cruising it seems, but those games against Penn State and Ohio State are going to be must-see TV.
3. Ohio State (+1)
After some first half struggles, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes woke up. Boy, there would’ve been a lot of questions if Ohio State dropped this one. But woulda, shoulda coulda.
It was a popular upset pick this week, but the Buckeyes did what the Buckeyes do and kept pace with Michigan this season. Kyle McCord had his moments and the defense made life miserable for Taulia Tagovailoa.
4. Florida State (+1)
Florida State went on cruise control after a while in the 39-17 win over Virginia Tech. The Seminoles were up 22-0 after the first quarter.
Jordan Travis was solid once again but it was Trey Benson who carried the load on offense. The running back ran for 200 yards and two touchdowns to lead the blowout victory.
5. Oklahoma (+7)
The Red River Rivalry was back and forth and basically three games in one. At the end of it all, Oklahoma got payback for last year’s blowout loss and it was the biggest win of the season, for now.
Dillon Gabriel was the hero and now the Sooners are the top dogs in the Big 12. We could very well see this matchup once again in the conference title game, but for now, it’s Sooner time.
6. Penn State
Penn State had the week off so the Nittany Lions could watch the chaos unfold in front of them. PSU is still undefeated and return to action this weekend hosting UMass.
That’s basically a warmup, so to speak, before the team heads to Columbus to take Ohio State. This is one of the best teams in the country this season, but it’s almost time to truly prove it.
7. Washington
Washington had the weekend off but the Huskies will take on Oregon this coming weekend in a much anticipated top 10 showdown in college football. Good thing for the Huskies? They host.
Michael Penix Jr. is in the Heisman conversation and he could very well win this coming game on his own. Get your popcorn ready.
8. Oregon
Speaking of Oregon, the Ducks had the weekend off as well. Even with these two teams off, it’s fair to say Oregon and Washington could be the best two in the Pac-12.
Could this be a Pac-12 title eliminator? It might be close and obviously eyes need to be on USC for the remainder of the year as well. The Pac-12 just better hope not everyone beats each other up to keep the CFP hopes alive.
9. Texas (-6)
Texas drops down after a tough loss to its rival Oklahoma. The Longhorns certainly didn’t get boat raced, they just got outplayed in the end, but still, this one hurts.
It was a tough pill to swallow, but the College Football Playoff is not out of the realm of possibility. A rematch with the Sooners in the Big 12 title game could do wonders for Texas. But this team can’t lose again en route to a potential payback type of game.
10. USC (-1)
USC is still hanging in there despite a triple-overtime win over Arizona. What’s worse though, USC had to get this done at home and had to pull out all of the stops.
The WIldcats came to play and nearly pulled off the upset, if it weren’t for a failed two-point conversion attempt. Caleb Williams is great. The Trojans’ defense? Not so much and it seems like we talk about this every week.
Rest of AP Poll Top 25
11. Alabama
12. North Carolina (+2)
13. Ole Miss (+3)
14. Louisville (+11)
15. Oregon State
16. Utah (+2)
17. Duke (+2)
18. UCLA
T-19. Washington State (-6)
T-19. Tennessee (+3)
21. Notre Dame (-11)
22. LSU (+1)
23. Kansas
24. Kentucky (-4)
25. Miami (-8)
Others receiving votes: Missouri 69, Wyoming 42, Air Force 41, Wisconsin 41, Tulane 27, West Virginia 26, Clemson 17, Maryland 9, Iowa 7, James Madison 7, Texas A&M 5.
Well another week is in the books. Since we are halfway through the season, we have a nice window into who the top teams are, but there’s still plenty of football to play. Get ready for the second half!