Early in the day, the powerhouse teams of 2016 flexed their muscles. Then the major upset came. Penn State’s win over Ohio State shook up the poll. Now we head into the final Saturday of October, with the season once again absolutely flying by. There are major showdowns in the PAC-12, Big Ten and ACC that will have playoff implications.
1. ALABAMA
The Crimson Tide got it rolling again against the Aggies (with a smile from Al Ford). Alabama’s onslaught of Non Offensive Touchdowns is incredible. Jalen Hurts has taken the offense to another level.
2. WASHINGTON
Chris Petersen has truly awoken the sleeping giant. The Huskies are in the midst of their best season since 2000 and are clearly the class of the PAC- 12. They’ll have one of their toughest tests Saturday at Utah.
3. MICHIGAN
It was a smoking of Illinois. Michigan is in full stride with Jim Harbaugh and you know the Wolverines were smiling with the Buckeyes collapse against Penn State.
4. CLEMSON
After surviving the N.C. State scare, the Tigers had this past Saturday off to get ready for the mega showdown with Florida State. Tallahassee will be rocking and the Tigers will have to bring their A-game.
5. LOUISVILLE
It was another incredible performance for Lamar Jackson in the Cardinals blowout of N.C. State. A rough two week road stretch for the Pack, by the way. The ‘Ville should roll Virginia in Charlottesville.
6. NEBRASKA
Big Red is undefeated and eyeing a special season. These next two weeks will tell the story, as the Huskers head to Wisconsin and then Ohio State.
7. TEXAS A&M
The Aggies actually took a second half lead in Tuscaloosa but were overwhelmed by the Bama machine. It’s an easy one with New Mexico State then a trip to Starkville.
8. BAYLOR
Quietly the Bears are putting together another strong season. But the disgrace and shame from their scandal has cast a long shadow over the school.
9. OHIO STATE
Urban Meyer had two timeouts and rushed to get a field goal off. Block and TD. Shocker. Penn State wins. Meyer is now 56-5 at Ohio State. They can still play themselves into the Playoff with a table running.
10. WISCONSIN
It was a classic Big Ten defensive battle with the Badgers downing Iowa 21-6. Their two losses are both by seven to Michigan and Ohio State. It’s a huge showdown this week with undefeated Nebraska.
11. WEST VIRGINIA
The Mountaineers are undefeated and eyeing a Big XII title. Their 34-10 win over TCU was their best performance of the season. It will be tough Saturday at Oklahoma State.
12. FLORIDA
When the Gators and Bulldogs play in Jacksonville, it will be Florida’s second game in 28 days. The defense is really smoking and Florida is in position to play their way to Atlanta.
13. BOISE STATE
It was a scary win for the Broncos on Thursday night over tough luck Brigham Young. Once again the Broncos have an offense with some serious big play punch.
14. UTAH
Kyle Whittingham has another outstanding team in Salt Lake City. The shootout win over UCLA was big for the program. Now the outstanding Washington Huskies come to town.
15. AUBURN
The Tigers put an epic beat down on Arkansas 56-3 at Jordan Hare to make it 5-2. They are cooking now. It will be tough at Ole Miss, but that Auburn defensive front is stout.
16. TENNESSEE
The Volunteers had Saturday off to lick the wounds of the Bama loss. Tennessee is so beaten up. They will be on upset alert Saturday at South Carolina.
17. NAVY
Once again the Midshipmen are going strong with the triple option. On top of their division in the American, the Middies head to South Florida this week.
18. NORTH CAROLINA
The Tar Heels made it 6-2 with a win at rival Virginia. The open date comes at a good time, as the Heels get ready for Tech and Paul Johnson’s option attack.
19. FLORIDA STATE
The Seminoles were off to get ready for the big battle with Clemson. There won’t be an ACC Championship Game this season for the Noles, but 10-2 is within reach.
20. WESTERN MICHIGAN
Trying to bust the party and join the major bowl parade, the Broncos are having an outstanding season and are the team to beat in the MAC.
21. LSU
Coach O has LSU growling again. It was great to see Leonard Fournette have his epic performance against Ole Miss. This is the open date, and then Bama comes to town.
22. PENN STATE
James Franklin got his biggest win as Penn state’s head coach with the blocked field goal upset of Ohio State. It’s an early kick at Purdue, as the Nittany Lions try and make it 6-2.
23. HOUSTON
The Cougars took it on the chin Saturday, falling to SMU in a big upset. Tom Herman’s courting from various powerhouses might be a distraction for his talented team.
24. COLORADO
Mike McIntyre is in the running for National Coach of the Year. He has the Buffaloes at their best in well over a decade. They are in play in the PAC-12 South.
25. VIRGINIA TECH
The Hokies bounced back from the upset loss at Syracuse to take down Miami and make it 5-2. It will be a tough game at Pitt on Thursday night.