We’re into the middle of October and chaos has hit the college football landscape. A goalpost was thrown into the Cumberland River in Nashville on Saturday after one of the biggest upsets in recent memory and the top of the AP Poll now has some massive changes because of top 10 teams getting beat.
This weekend gives us two of the biggest games of the season. New No. 1 Texas faces No. 18 Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, and Oregon travels to Columbus to face Ohio State with both teams ranked in the top three. There will be more significant changes to the polls next week because of some huge conference matchups.
Here’s how the new AP Poll lines up for the week of Oct. 7.
1. Texas (5–0, SEC)
Remember when the top of the poll was full of SEC teams? Texas—yes, Texas—is now the lone SEC representative in the top four. The Red River Rivalry comes with huge implications on Saturday afternoon with the Longhorns looking to hold onto the top spot in the SEC and the country.2. Ohio State (5–0, Big Ten)
This ranking is good for six days, until the Buckeyes and Oregon face each other. Ohio State has one of the more talented rosters in the country and some of their fans already feel they deserve the No. 1 spot. A win this weekend might get them to the top next week.3. Oregon (5–0, Big Ten)
Welcome to the bright lights of the Big Ten. The Ducks travel to Columbus for a night game against one of the two teams ahead of them in the poll. This game, with Texas-Oklahoma, will have immediate playoff implications.4. Penn State (5–0, Big Ten)
With the two Big Ten teams ahead of them playing each other, a tough trip to USC is what stands between Penn State and a potential top-three ranking. Their path to a playoff berth is in front of them.5. Georgia (4–1, SEC)
Even with a loss to Alabama, Georgia climbs ahead of the Crimson Tide this week. They host Mississippi State in a midafternoon affair. Like the rest of the SEC, their eyes will be on the Texas-Oklahoma game while working for a win of their own.6. Miami (6–0, ACC)
The Hurricanes crossed the country and got a scare at Cal. But their comeback win elevates them two spots in the poll and gives the ACC a team that could be in the top five at this time next week pending the result of the Ohio State-Oregon game.7. Alabama (4–1, SEC)
The loss at Vanderbilt costs the Crimson Tide six spots in the rankings. With their trap game loss in the rearview mirror, Alabama will host South Carolina on Saturday in a get-right game.8. Tennessee (4–1, SEC)
The Volunteers lost at Arkansas and fall four spots in the poll. And while Danny Wuerfful and Peyton Manning aren’t dressing this weekend, a home game against rival Florida still has a lot of emotion for both sides. Tennessee needs a win.9. Mississippi (5–1, SEC)
Ole Miss moves up three spots with a win at South Carolina. But this weekend presents one of the big matchups that isn’t getting as much attention in the SEC. They travel to LSU for a game with a lot of significance between two teams with one loss already.10. Clemson (4–1, ACC)
Clemson will travel to Wake Forest this weekend. They got off to a slow start but have been rolling lately. Don’t sleep on the trap games, however. They’ve cost a fair share of top 10 teams already this season.11T. Iowa State (5–0, Big 12)
A big win against Baylor has the Big 12 knocking on the door of the top 10. Any trip to West Virginia is tough, and Iowa State will have pressure on them to remain in the race to win the Big 12.11T. Notre Dame (4–1, Independent)
The Fighting Irish are tied with Iowa State for 11th in this week’s poll after a win against Louisville. They’ll host Stanford this weekend. With the matchups of teams ahead of them this week, they could get back into the top 10 if the cards fall right.13. LSU (4–1, SEC)
The Tigers got blown out in their first game of the season, but got off the mat and have won their last four games. This week they’ll host a huge contest with No. 9 Ole Miss.14. BYU (5–0, Big 12)
Undefeated with the top of the Big 12 in their sights, BYU hosts a talented Arizona team on Saturday. Only Iowa State stands between BYU and the top spot in the conference and a guaranteed playoff berth.
California linebacker Xavier Carlton (44) sacks Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) during the second quarter of their game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP
