College Football Rankings Shakeup: Who's Rising, Who's Falling, and Why It Matters
The college football landscape is shifting after Week 7, and Brett McMurphy's AP Top 25 ballot reflects some surprising movements. While Miami and Ohio State hold steady at the top, Indiana's stunning upset of Oregon propels them into the coveted third spot. But here's where it gets controversial: Ole Miss and Texas A&M round out the top five, despite Ole Miss's less-than-impressive win over Washington State. Is this a case of reputation over recent performance?
McMurphy's ballot, still tentative pending Saturday's late games, offers a fascinating snapshot of the season so far. Let's dive deeper into the stories behind the rankings:
1. Miami (5-0): The Hurricanes, enjoying a bye week, remain undefeated and atop the rankings. Their upcoming schedule, including a Friday night showdown with Louisville, will test their mettle.
2. Ohio State (6-0): The Buckeyes, despite being outgained by Illinois, showcased their defensive prowess with three forced turnovers. Their matchup against Wisconsin promises to be a Big Ten battle royale.
3. Indiana (6-0): The Hoosiers' victory over Oregon wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Ending Oregon's 18-game home winning streak and holding them to season lows in points and yards solidifies Indiana as a legitimate contender.
4. Ole Miss (6-0): The Rebels' narrow escape against Washington State raises questions. While Trinidad Chambliss's passing and Kewan Lacy's rushing kept them afloat, their performance against SEC powerhouse Georgia this weekend will be a true test.
5. Texas A&M (6-0): The Aggies' dominant win over Florida, coupled with a 400-yard offensive outburst, cements their place in the top five. Marcel Reed's dual-threat abilities are a force to be reckoned with.
And this is the part most people miss: Teams like LSU (6-1) and Texas Tech (6-0) are knocking on the door. LSU's victory over South Carolina, while not a blowout, showcased their defensive strength. Meanwhile, Texas Tech's ability to overcome the loss of starting quarterback Behren Morton and still rout Kansas is impressive.
The rest of the Top 25 features a mix of familiar names and rising stars: Alabama continues its winning streak, Georgia rebounds from an early deficit, and Oregon, despite their loss, remains a threat.
McMurphy's ballot, available in full on Sunday morning, is sure to spark debate. Who do you think deserves a higher ranking? Are there any teams flying under the radar? Let us know in the comments!
