We’re heading into November, college football fans. It’s the best time of year for the gridiron on campuses all over the country. Conference races are white-hot and the College Football Playoff picture is starting to take shape. And, now, we’re getting significant games and rivalries almost every weekend.
There is one game that should have everyone’s attention on Saturday. No, not Northwestern at Purdue. No. 4 Ohio State heads east to visit No. 3 Penn State in a game that could have a huge impact on the Big Ten race and the College Football Playoff.
Here’s how this past weekend’s games impacted the AP Poll and what’s on tap for the coming weekend.
1. Oregon (8–0, Big Ten)
The Ducks hammered a ranked Illinois team in Eugene this past weekend to retain the top spot this week. Looking to remain undefeated, Oregon heads to the Big House at Michigan this Saturday.2. Georgia (6–1, SEC)
Coming off a bye week, Georgia hosts Florida. It’s a great rivalry, even if Florida doesn’t present the challenge they have traditionally.3. Penn State (7–0, Big Ten)
The Nittany Lions went to Wisconsin and picked up a big win. That sets up one of the most important games on the remaining Big Ten conference schedule—one that will undoubtedly have playoff implications.4. Ohio State (6–1, Big Ten)
A win is a win, but the Buckeyes didn’t wow us in a 21–17 win over Nebraska this past weekend. They better be ready for this coming Saturday. The Buckeyes are at Penn State.5. Miami (8–0, ACC)
The U blew out Florida State and stands to move up this week with one of the two teams ahead of them in the poll guaranteed to lose. The Hurricanes host Duke this weekend.6. Texas (7–1, SEC)
A three-point in at Vanderbilt cost the Longhorns a spot in the poll this week. Texas is off this week before hosting Florida.7. Tennessee (6–1, SEC)
The Volunteers stay put in the poll coming off a bye week. Beware the trap game here with Kentucky playing at Tennessee on Saturday night.8. Notre Dame (7–1, Independent)
Navy was undefeated before “hosting” the Fighting Irish at Met Life Stadium on Saturday. Notre Dame put 51 on the Midshipmen and moves up four spots and into the top 10 this week. The Irish get a week off to prepare for a bad Florida State team.
Kris Mitchell #10 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates a touchdown against the Navy Midshipmen during the first half at Met Life Stadium in New York City on October 26, 2024. Edward Diller/Getty Images
9. BYU (8–0, Big 12)
One of two undefeated teams atop the Big 12, BYU handled their business at UCF on Saturday and moves up two spots. They’re off this weekend before heading to a tough test at Utah.10. Texas A&M (7–1, SEC)
The Aggies easily took care of LSU and moves up four spots in the poll this week. They’ll look to stay hot with a trip to South Carolina on Saturday night.11. Clemson (6–1, ACC)
Clemson slides back two spots coming off the bye. The Tigers host Louisville on Saturday night.12. Iowa State (7–0, Big 12)
The Cyclones also get bumped back coming off a bye week. They’ll host Texas Tech on Saturday.13. Indiana (8–0, Big Ten)
With a lot of national media attention on their game against Washington on Saturday, the Hoosiers remain undefeated. They travel to East Lansing for a date with Michigan State on Saturday.14. Alabama (6–2, SEC)
The Crimson Tide moves up one spot after blowing out a good Missouri team 34–0. They’re off this weekend before playing at LSU to start November.15. Boise State (6–1, Mountain West)
A five-point win at UNLV moves Boise State up two spots this week. They’ll look to stay in the College Football Playoff picture with San Diego State visiting the Smurf Turf on Friday night.16. LSU (6–2, SEC)
Their tough loss at Texas A&M costs LSU eight spots in the poll. They have a bye before hosting Alabama.
Nic Scourton (11) of the Texas A&M Aggies pressures Garrett Nussmeier (13) of the LSU Tigers in the second half at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, on Oct. 26, 2024 Tim Warner/Getty Images
