SALT LAKE CITY — A Friday night upset sparked a weekend of chaos in college football.
Previously unbeaten Miami kicked off the entertaining weekend with a Friday night loss to Louisville, sending a ripple effect throughout the sport as a total of nine ranked teams suffered a loss over the weekend.
It was bound to happen given that five games featured both teams who were ranked, but Arizona State, Louisville, Minnesota and UAB decided to throw a wrench into the plans with wins over ranked teams while on the outside of the top 25.
The following is the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press that will be counted in the consensus rankings that will be released Sunday afternoon.
1. Ohio State
With chaos unfolding around them, Ohio State remains the constant in the sport. There was supposed to be a drop off after turning over much of the team following its national championship, but the Buckeyes have seemingly maintained its competitive edge.
2. Indiana
It was ho-hum this week as Indiana easily got past Michigan State at home. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 332 yards and four touchdowns in the win, adding fuel to what could be a potential Heisman season.
3. Texas A&M
The Aggies continue to be tested — this time a close matchup against Arkansas — and they continue to find ways to win late. Quarterback Marcel Reed contributed four total touchdowns — three passing and one on the ground — to give Texas A&M just enough to squeak out a win on the road.
4. Alabama
The Crimson Tide are quietly putting together one of the best seasons of the bunch. Alabama now has four wins over ranked opponents — Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Georgia and Missouri — and has shown few problems after a Week 1 loss to Florida State. Honestly, No. 4 may be too low for Alabama, but will give a nod to some undefeated teams first.
5. Georgia
Georgia keeps finding a way late in the game — and it’s largely the second-half adjustments that have been game changers for the Bulldogs. Against a good Ole Miss, Georgia looked to be on the verge of another loss, but a 23-point second half — which included holding the Rebels scoreless in the fourth quarter — did the trick.
6. Oregon
Oregon bounced back in a big way on the road against Rutgers. A loss last week showed some potential cracks with the Ducks, but they’re still not that far out of contention. Dante Moore was back to tossing four touchdown passes, so all was good this week.
7. Miami
Veteran quarterback Carson Beck tossed four interceptions and still the Hurricanes only lost by 3 points. But the loss showed that Miami is human, and potentially vulnerable against a better defense. Was it a Mario Cristobal special or Louisville just being better on Friday night? We’ll learn more in the coming weeks.
8. Georgia Tech
A 17-point fourth quarter was enough to keep the Yellowjackets rolling in ACC play — and undefeated on the season. Against a hot Duke team on the road, that’s good enough to show that Georgia Tech is one of the best teams in the ACC, and now a top-10 team in the country.
9. Ole Miss
Ole Miss avoided a scare last week, but bounced back with a better effort against a tough Georgia team. The Rebels led for three quarters and seemingly had control of the game before the Georgia machine woke up. Is this a speed bump or the beginning of the end for Ole Miss?
10. BYU
With an undefeated start, BYU seems to continue to get better as the season goes on. Bear Bachmeier looked poised as a true freshman and didn’t let the rivalry settling get the best of him as he helped the Cougars to a win.
In consideration (alphabetical): Arizona State, Houston, Memphis, Navy, North Texas, San Diego State, Tulane, USC, Utah
If you can’t see my full ballot below, click here.
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