USA Today Coaches Poll Top 25 released after Week 1 of college football
The USA Today Coaches Poll Top 25 was released after Week 1 with some changes after a great first weekend in college football.
The top of the rankings stayed pretty much the same as the best teams in the sport just went about their business. However, some other big programs had huge missteps and it’s going to be a long business week.
Without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s coaches poll beginning with the top 10 teams in college football.
1. Georgia
Georgia didn’t waste any time in Week 1. The Bulldogs took care of business over Tennessee-Martin and barring anything out of the ordinary, this was always a win for Georgia.
Carson Beck was solid, throwing for 294 yards and a touchdown and Gunner Stockton and Brock Vandagriff both received playing time. Can’t ask for too much more offensively or defensively to start the year.
2. Michigan
Even without Jim Harbaugh, Michigan cruised to a 30-3 win over East Carolina. One down, two to go without the head coach amid his self-imposed suspension.
JJ McCarthy was solid, so was Blake Corum and the defense nearly pitched a shutout at home. A prime recipe for success and you can expect Michigan to keep its foot on the gas in non-conference play.
3. Alabama
Alabama did the same thing as SEC foe Georgia: just take care of business. Jalen Milroe looked like the entrenched starting quarterback but the pressure is on this coming week.
Everyone, basically, knew the Crimson Tide would get the win over Middle Tennessee. But all eyes were on Alabama’s mystery quarterback against Quinn Ewers and Texas in Week 2. At least it’s in Tuscaloosa.
4. Ohio State
The Buckeyes were on shaky ground in Week 1. Yes, it was a Big Ten opponent in Indiana, but Ohio State didn’t impress many during the weekend.
Kyle McCord got his first start and wasn’t anything special. Could it get better throughout the season? Absolutely. But first things first, where was Marvin Harrison Jr.?
5. Florida State (+3)
The Seminoles made a statement and the rest of the college football world heard it. The dominant win over LSU showed huge strides compared to last season.
Yes, it’s one game, but Jordan Travis and the Florida State offense does not want to be trifled with. Good luck guarding Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman when they’re on the field at the same time. Oh yeah, Jaheim Bell and Trey Benson too.
6. USC
The Caleb Williams show is fantastic and two games proved it once again. Yes, both opponents were outside the Power Five for USC, but there’s no denying the talent of the offense.
The Trojans will go as far as Williams will take them. Can the defense hold up? That seems to be the biggest question, yet again, as USC attempts a playoff run this year.
7. Penn State
Penn State rolling through West Virginia? That must feel good for Nittany Lions’ fans, considering it’s a Power Five win, regardless of the Mountaineers’s status this year.
Drew Allar was solid, James Franklin wants to use a second quarterback in Beau Pribula as well, so we’ll see how that goes. But overall, Penn State was impressive and could be a thorn in the side of Michigan and Ohio State.
8. Washington (+3)
Michael Penix Jr. was fantastic once again, proving his resurgent year was no fluke. The Huskies completely outplayed an overmatched Boise State squad.
Penix Jr. threw for 450 yards and five touchdowns, just an average day at the offense. Tulsa is next followed by a road date against Michigan State. The schedule definitely plays in the Huskies’ favor.
9. Tennessee (+1)
Joe Milton showed off his rocket arm against Virginia to open the season. He tossed 201 yards and two touchdowns and freshman Nico Iamaleava got an opportunity to play too.
Is this team better than last year? It’s going to take the meat of the SEC schedule to really determine that, but the Volunteers didn’t miss a beat in the opening week.
10. Texas (+2)
You gotta love Texas this week. Or at least, the fact that the Longhorns are going to Alabama to play the most anticipated game of the week.
Just like with the Crimson Tide, the Longhorns didn’t prove much in Week 1 other than they look sharp and Week 2 will be the measuring stick for both squads. Get your popcorn ready for primetime as Quinn Ewers looks to lead a huge upset.
Rest of Coaches Poll Top 25 after Week 1
11. Notre Dame (+2)
12. Utah (+2)
13. Oregon (+2)
14. LSU (-9)
15. Kansas State (+2)
16. North Carolina (+4)
17. Oklahoma (+2)
18. Oregon State
19. Wisconsin (+2)
20. Ole Miss (+2)
21. Clemson (-12)
22. Tulane (+1)
23. Texas A&M (+2)
24. Duke (NR)
25. Colorado (NR)
There were some upsets so we saw some massive movement, but it was mostly status quo in Week 1. Now that Week 2 is upon us, let us embrace more chaos this college football season.