College Football Poll Sees Major Shakeups After Turbulent Weekend

OXFORD, Miss. — The college football landscape experienced significant changes this weekend as several top-ranked teams faced unexpected defeats. The Oregon Ducks soared to No. 2 in the Associated Press poll after a thrilling double-overtime victory over previously top-ranked Penn State, which dropped to No. 4.

Ohio State retained its position as the top-ranked team for the fifth consecutive week, though its lead has narrowed. The Buckeyes garnered 46 first-place votes, down from 52 a week prior, and only maintain a 30-point lead over Oregon.

Oregon’s victory came as a shock as they overcame the Nittany Lions in a game that showcased the Ducks’ resilience and competitiveness on the road. Quarterback Dante Moore played a pivotal role, outshining Penn State’s Drew Allar. Oregon finished the game with 148 more total yards than Penn State and dominated time of possession.

Miami, which enjoyed a bye week, dropped to No. 3, while the Ole Miss Rebels climbed to No. 4 after a stunning win against LSU, marking their highest ranking since 2015. Ole Miss outperformed expectations, winning 24-19 over the Tigers.

Texas A&M made notable strides, moving to No. 5 following their solid performance against Auburn. Meanwhile, Indiana‘s steady rise continued as they improved their record to 5-0, securing a position at No. 9.

In terms of overall rankings, Alabama experienced a revival, moving back into the top 10 at No. 10 after defeating Georgia. The Crimson Tide’s earlier loss to Florida State put them at a disadvantage, but their latest performances seem to have earned them respect from voters.

This week’s poll marked significant movements from the previous rankings. Not only did Penn State slip four spots following their loss, but teams like Florida State also faced a tough drop down to No. 18 after their loss to unranked Virginia.

“It was a chaotic weekend across college football, but it also reflects the competitive nature of the league,” said a spokesperson from the Associated Press.

As the season progresses, the competition is likely to intensify, especially with upcoming matchups that promise to impact the rankings further. This week, both Alabama and Florida State will be looking to regain footing against formidable opponents, while Oregon prepares for their next challenge against Indiana.