ESPN shakes up Top 25 Power Rankings after Week 2 of College Football

There might have been as much hype heading into Week 2 compared to college football’s opening slate. However, the games certainly delivered in a big way in every single window. Some interesting storylines continue to develop when looking at the landscape across the country.

Rankings have drastically changed from the preseason as well. Even week-over-week, just as the writers over at ESPN. Monday brought a new set of the Worldwide Leader’s top 25 power rankings following Week 2’s action.

Multiple changes inside the top-10 feature. Three teams that were previously unranked worked their way into the rankings due to key wins. You can check out the full top 25 from ESPN here, with the numbers inside parentheses indicating movement from the previous week.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (-)

Ohio State took the top spot after the massive Week 1 win over Steve Sarkisian‘s team. A Week 2 cupcake turned into a dominant performance, keeping the Buckeyes at No. 1.

ESPN: “All the defending national champions have done through two weeks is defeat the No. 1 team in the country before hammering Grambling, 70-0. So, it’s not easy to nitpick the Buckeyes thus far.”

2. LSU Tigers (+1)

Saturday was not the most pleasant performance for LSU against Louisiana Tech. Still, ESPN moved the Tigers up one spot, knowing repercussions could be on the way if they cannot fix things next week.

ESPN: “The Tigers got away with it, but with a frustrated Florida team visiting next week, the offense will need to dial back in next Saturday.”

3. Penn State Nittany Lions (-1)

For the second straight week, Penn State went into a game expecting to win big. At least on the scoreboard, missions accomplished. A nice 2-0 start for head coach James Franklin.

ESPN: “The Nittany Lions have the goods to win a national championship. But they need to improve on third down, especially ahead of a big Sept. 27 clash against Oregon.”

4. Oregon Ducks (+2)

Looking at a final score of 69-3, you would have thought Oregon played another FCS team. Instead, Oklahoma State was on the other end. The Ducks receive a nice bump into the top five for completely dismantling a power conference program.

ESPN: “There’s not much to nitpick when a team outgains its opponent by over 400 yards, scores 69 points in three quarters and only allows a field goal on defense. But if there is anyone out there who will still find things to improve, it’s Oregon coach Dan Lanning.”

5. Miami Hurricanes (-)

There was never really a doubt about Miami taking down Bethune-Cookman. However, ESPN is still sending out a couple of warning signs based on the offense’s inability to put together drives.

ESPN: “Miami had a double-digit lead in the third quarter, but its offense stalled on four straight drives, and the Hurricanes had a hard time getting consistent yards out of their run game. The next time the Hurricanes are in a close game, that will be a key area to monitor for improvement.”

6. Georgia Bulldogs (-2)

Weather played a factor in Athens against Austin Peay. A long delay took both teams off the sidelines before wrapping up at a final score of 28-6. Now, all attention for Georgia is traveling to Knoxville.

ESPN: “Georgia’s defense continued its hot start, limiting the Governors to only 10 first downs and 196 yards of offense. It will need a similar performance if the Bulldogs are going to beat the Vols for a ninth straight time.”

7. Texas Longhorns (-)

Arch Manning put together explosive plays, guiding Texas to a blowout victory over San Jose State. Even so, the Longhorns are just a smidge off offensively. Not fully impressing keeps them at No. 7 for ESPN.

ESPN: “The defense is championship-caliber. If the offense catches up, Sarkisian will feel good about the SEC stretch coming up.”

8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-)

Two weeks into the season, the Irish enjoyed a bye. Another headliner matchup is set to take place in South Bend, giving Notre Dame an opportunity to respond. But as for this week’s power rankings, nothing has changed.

ESPN: “If Notre Dame can topple the Aggies, the rest of the schedule sets up nicely for a playoff run. If it doesn’t, an 0-2 start could have the Irish playing to an inside straight the rest of the way.”

9. Florida State Seminoles (+4)

Mike Norvell could not have dreamed of a better who weeks if he tried. Florida State scored early and often against inferior competition, adding to the Week 1 upset. ESPN was convinced enough to bump the Seminoles into the top 10.

ESPN: “It is hard to find too many early areas of concern for the Seminoles, who are riding high after following up their upset win over Alabama with a 77-3 win over East Texas A&M.”

10. Iowa State Cyclones (+2)

For the second time in three weeks, Iowa State took down a rival. Winning the Cy-Hawk Trophy inside Jack Trice Stadium broke a lengthy drought as well.

ESPN: “The Cyclones out-Iowa’d Iowa to snap their six-game home losing streak to their in-state rivals in a 16-13 win.”

ESPN top 25 power rankings: Nos. 11-25

11. Oklahoma Sooners (+12)
12. Texas A&M Aggies (-1)
13. Illinois Fighting Illini (+2)
14. South Carolina Gamecocks (-4)
15. Tennessee Volunteers (+3)
16. Clemson Tigers (-7)
17. Utah Utes (+4)
18. Ole Miss Rebels (+1)
19. USF Bulls (NR)
20. Alabama Crimson Tide (+2)
21. Texas Tech Red Raiders (NR)
22. Indiana Hoosiers (+3)
23. TCU Horned Frogs (+1)
24. Michigan Wolverines (-10)
25. Missouri Tigers (NR)