Week 9 JP Poll: Top 20 power rankings undergo major changes after wild college football slate

Through eight weeks, the college football rankings have seen multiple big-time shakeups after crucial upsets. That was again the case in Week 8 as multiple ranked teams fell, meaning the Week 9 JP Poll saw major changes.

Josh Pate unveiled the new-look JP Poll on Tuesday, which saw its No. 2 team from last week fall. Miami suffered an upset loss to Louisville at Hard Rock Stadium – a result that not only impacted the ACC race, but also the College Football Playoff picture.

The Hurricanes weren’t the only notable team to fall in Week 8, though, which is why there were so many changes in the power ratings. Here is the full Week 9 JP Poll, as unveiled on Josh Pate’s College Football Show.

1. Ohio State (-)

Staying put at No. 1 in the Week 9 JP Poll, Ohio State dominated again last time out. The Buckeyes flew past Wisconsin in a 34-0 shutout victory on the road in Madison.

Julian Sayin continues to shine and put up his best numbers yet as he goes through his first season as the starter. He completed 36 of 42 passes for 393 yards and four touchdowns to lead the charge.

2. Indiana (+1)

Up one spot to No. 2, Indiana is still firing on all cylinders entering Week 9. The Hoosiers once again cruised to a conference victory, taking down Michigan State last time out.

Fernando Mendoza remains one of the top names in the Heisman Trophy race and added to his resume with the Week 8 win. He went 24 of 28 for 332 yards and four touchdowns as he stays efficient in the IU offense.

3. Oregon (+4)

The biggest riser in this week’s JP Poll is back in the Top 5. Oregon is up to No. 3 after last week’s resounding win over Rutgers in Piscataway – meaning three Big Ten teams make up the Top 3 teams in the power ratings.

The Ducks put up 750 yards of offense in the 56-10 victory, led by another efficient day from Dante Moore. He went 15 of 20 for 290 yards and four touchdowns while Noah Whittington totaled 125 yards and two scores on the ground.

4. Alabama (-)

Holding strong at No. 4 in the JP Poll, Alabama picked up yet another ranked victory. This time, it came in a rivalry as the Crimson Tide took down Tennessee in the Third Saturday in October game.

Ty Simpson stayed red-hot in the 37-20 victory, going 19-for-29 for 253 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense. Alabama has now won four straight games against ranked opponents, bringing plenty of momentum into this week’s game at South Carolina.

5. Georgia (-)

After a thrilling back-and-forth affair in Week 8, Georgia stayed put at No. 5 in the JP Poll. The Bulldogs got into an old fashioned shootout against Ole Miss before holding on for the 43-35 win.

Gunner Stockton put on a show in the victory as he completed 26 of 31 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns to go with 59 rushing yards and a touchdown. UGA will now enter the bye week before the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party game against Florida in Week 10.

6. Notre Dame (-)

Following a rivalry win over USC, the Jeweled Shillelagh is staying put in South Bend. As a result, Notre Dame is also standing pat in the JP Poll at No. 6 entering Week 9.

The Fighting Irish got a monster performance from Jeremiyah Love to lead the charge in last week’s win at Notre Dame Stadium. He set a new career high with 228 rushing yards and a touchdown while adding 37 receiving yards – giving him 265 total yards in the effort.

7. Miami (-5)

The biggest faller in this week’s JP Poll, Miami suffered the first upset loss of Week 8. The Hurricanes fell to Louisville in a Friday night primetime game at Hard Rock Stadium – their first of the year.

Carson Beck struggled mightily in the game, recording his first four-interception game. Miami will now look to bounce back this week against Stanford as the ACC race saw a major shift.

8. Texas A&M (+1)

Moving up one spot to No. 8 in the JP Poll, Texas A&M is the last remaining undefeated team in the SEC. The Aggies improved to 7-0 last week as they held on for a victory over Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Both offenses were on full display as Texas A&M won 45-42, led by 280 passing yards and three touchdowns – along with 55 rush yards and a rushing touchdown – from Marcel Reed. The Aggies have another marquee game awaiting this week as they head to LSU for a primetime matchup.

9. Ole Miss (+1)

Despite the loss to Georgia last week, Ole Miss moved up a spot in the JP Poll. The Rebels now come in at No. 9 heading into Week 9 after their offense showed out in the thrilling game a week ago.

Trinidad Chambliss remains impressive as he leads Lane Kiffin’s offense. He threw for 263 yards and a touchdown while rushing for a team-high 42 yards and two touchdowns last time out. There’s plenty at stake this time around, though, as Ole Miss heads to Oklahoma for a crucial matchup.

10. Texas (-2)

Although Texas held on for a victory against Kentucky last week, the Longhorns fell in the JP Poll. They round out the Top 10, dropping two spots to No. 10 heading into Week 9.

Texas’ offense struggled mightily in Week 8, totaling just 179 yards on the day. The Longhorns’ running game stalled out and Arch Manning threw for 132 of those yards, but they were still able to get the win to improve to 5-2 on the year.

Week 9 JP Poll: 11-20

11. Oklahoma (+1)
12. Missouri (+1)
13. Tennessee (+2)
14. Texas Tech (-3)
15. LSU (+1)
16. Utah (-2)
17. USC (-)
18. Vanderbilt (+2)
19. Louisville (NR)
20. Penn State (-1)

With multiple upsets, the JP Poll has shifted dramatically since the beginning of conference play. Of course, the stakes are getting higher with the standings tightening up, meaning more changes could be coming as November approaches.