Kirk Herbstreit names top 10 performing teams from Week 9

Following an exciting Week 9 of college football, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit released his list of the top 10 performing teams. Michigan State’s win over rival Michigan is sure to make the cut, but where will the Spartans land?

Below is Herbstreit’s complete list of team performances ranked from 10 to 1.

Kirk Herbstreit top 10 teams from Week 9

10. Washington State Cougars, 34-21 over Arizona State: The final score of this game was a lot closer than it was in real time. Washington State jumped out to a 28-0 lead against Arizona State behind three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) from quarterback Jayden de Laura. The Cougars have a bye in Week 10 ahead of a huge matchup against No. 7 Oregon on Nov. 13.

9. California Golden Bears, 39-25 over Oregon State: After starting 0-3 in Pac-12 play, Cal has reeled off back-to-back conference victories. Quarterback Chase Garbers looked fantastic, throwing for 262 yards and scoring four total touchdowns. The Golden Bears have a road game against Arizona on Saturday.

8. Baylor Bears, 31-24 over Texas: Baylor outscored the Longhorns 14-3 in the final quarter to pull out a big conference win. The Bears have a shot to play for the Big 12 title, but will need to win out and hope for Oklahoma to beat Oklahoma State on Nov. 27.

7. Fresno State Bulldogs, 30-20 over No. 21 San Diego State: The Aztecs suffered their first loss of the season Saturday to Fresno State. Running back Jordan Mims controlled the game on the ground, with 29 carries for 186 yards and two touchdowns. The victory was huge, as the Bulldogs now sit atop the Mountain West standings along with Utah State.

6. Mississippi State Bulldogs, 31-17 over No. 12 Kentucky: Mike Leach’s team earned another top 25 victory this past week, moving its way up the SEC standings. The defense came through in a huge way, holding the Wildcats to just 66 rushing yards on 20 carries.

5. West Virginia Mountaineers, 38-31 over No. 22 Iowa State: Big 12 teams continue to beat up on one another, and the Cyclones were the latest victim. Following a win against previously unbeaten Oklahoma State, Iowa State failed to stop Mountaineers quarterback Jarret Doege. He finished with 370 yards, three touchdowns and two picks in the win.

4. Houston Cougars, 44-17 against No. 19 SMU: Following an opening week loss to Texas Tech, Houston is undefeated. They handed the Mustangs their first loss of the season in Week 9. Although Tanner Mordecai came into the game with more hype, it was Cougar quarterback Clayton Tune who won the passing duel. He finished with 412 yards and four touchdowns.

3. Auburn Tigers, 31-20 over No. 10 Ole Miss: Sure, Matt Corral went down with injury, and though he came back, likely wasn’t 100% healthy. But the victory against the Rebels was still the biggest to date for Tigers coach Bryan Harsin. The defense will look to keep things going in a game against No. 13 Texas A&M on Saturday.

2. Miami Hurricanes, 38-34 over No. 17 Pittsburgh: It hasn’t been a great season to be a Hurricanes fan, but Saturday was a rare good moment. Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett still passed for more than 500 yards, but also threw two interceptions. They’ll look to keep winning Saturday against Georgia Tech.

1. Michigan State Spartans, 37-33 over No. 6 Michigan: There were plenty of questions surrounding the Spartans entering this week, and they answered all of them. Running back Kenneth Walker III propelled himself to the top of the Heisman race with a 197-yard, five-touchdown performance. Michigan State will continue its race to a Big Ten championship Saturday against Purdue.