AP Poll Top 25 released after Week 7 of college football
The Associated Press released its newest Top 25 rankings after Week 7 of the 2023 regular season of college football.
The Pac-12 was the biggest reason for movement this week. Namely, it was Washington’s massive win over Oregon to put itself into the national title conversation.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the AP’s latest top 25 rankings after Week 7.
1. Georgia
Georgia had some problems with Vanderbilt early on but eventually pulled away in the second quarter and coasted from there. The Bulldogs have a habit of playing with their food, no pun intended.
Carson Beck played well enough but after a blowout victory over Kentucky, Georgia might’ve taken a step back. Still, it’s not enough to knock the team off from the ranks of the unbeaten or No. 1.
2. Michigan
Guess what, Michigan trailed Indiana Saturday at home in the Big House. However, that was only after the first quarter and the Wolverines ended up winning 52-7 over another Big Ten foe.
Michigan registered another blowout, big shocker. Again, the schedule doesn’t look great on paper, but the Wolverines can only play who’s in front of them, particularly in the Big Ten.
3. Ohio State
Ohio State rolled through Purdue for yet another victory. No upsets over here as the Buckeyes are now ready for Penn State coming to town next weekend, a battle of top 10 teams.
Kyle McCord looked pretty good, throwing for 276 yards and three touchdowns while Dallan Hayden finally got his shot this year. He ran for 76 yards and a touchdown.
4. Florida State
Florida State took care of business against Syracuse in this one. It was pretty much no contest and once again, the Seminoles look like the top team in the ACC.
The 41-3 win over Syracuse was led by Jordan Travis and Keon Coleman. Travis had 284 passing yards and a touchdown while Coleman couldn’t be stopped: nine catches for 140 yards and a score.
5. Washington (+2)
The Huskies earned arguably the biggest win of the weekend by knocking off Pac-12 rivalry Oregon. In a battle of undefeated teams, Washington got the last laugh. Oregon was close though, missing a field goal to send it to overtime.
Michael Penix Jr. overcame a first half pick and threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns. Dillon Johnson added 20 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown. This should propel Washington to the top tier of national title contenders.
6. Oklahoma (-1)
A week off after winning Red River was either a good thing for rest or a bad thing for momentum. Either way, Oklahoma remained a top 10 team and the best in the Big 12.
The Sooners get back in action this coming weekend when UCF comes to town for the Knights’ first game as a Big 12 opponent. Look for them to keep it rolling.
7. Penn State (-1)
Penn State returned from a week off with a 63-0 win over UMass to get warmed back up. It’s nothing against UMass, but this game was virtually no contest from the first whistle.
Quarterback Drew Allar threw touchdowns in this one, so it was good to see him back and efficient before the game against Ohio State. Can the young gun stun the Buckeyes on the road next week? He has the talent.
8. Texas (+1)
Texas had, maybe, a much needed week off following the loss to Oklahoma in Red River. This is still one of the better teams in the country but there’s a slim margin for error.
Out in Austin, the Longhorns have to reset for the rest of the Big 12 schedule. However, it sets up nicely to make a run to the Big 12 Championship for a potential rematch with Oklahoma.
9. Oregon (-1)
Oh so close for the Ducks but this loss now puts pressure on Oregon to win out in order to make the playoff. This is still the second best team in the Pac-12, by virtue of other results.
Could Oregon score a rematch with Washington in the Pac-12 title game? It’s certainly possible, but the Ducks have to fight through a very hard schedule. Don’t rule it out folks.
10. North Carolina (+2)
North Carolina took care of business at home against ACC foe Miami and gave the Hurricanes their second loss. Drake Maye went off for the Tar Heels to keep UNC undefeated.
Transfer wide receiver Tez Walker had six catches for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Welcome back to football. That was simply awesome and he can truly be a difference maker for the Tar Heels down the stretch.
Rest of AP Poll Top 25
11. Alabama
12. Oregon State (+3)
13. Ole Miss
14. Utah (+2)
15. Notre Dame (+6)
16. Duke (+1)
17. Tennessee (+2)
18. USC (-8)
19. LSU (+3)
20. Missouri
21. Louisville (-7)
22. Air Force (NR)
23. Tulane (NR)
24. Iowa (NR)
25. UCLA (-7)
Others receiving votes: James Madison 70, Clemson 35, Florida 12, Washington St. 11, Fresno St. 6, Liberty 5, Kentucky 4, Wyoming 4, Kansas 2, West Virginia 1, Oklahoma St. 1, Miami 1.
Another week in the books and we couldn’t be happier as observers of the sport. It’s just too good. There aren’t many games left since we’re in the second half, so enjoy it before the postseason!