College Football Power Rankings: Ranking the Top 25 Heading into Week 4
College Football power rankings as we head into Week 4 of the 2023-2024 season. With Week 3 in the books, Matt McCuen gives us his Week 4 college football power rankings from across the country. Which teams moved up, which fell down, and which left the rankings altogether? Find out here.
Matt McCuen - September 19, 2023, 9:38 AM EDT
5 minCollege Football Power Rankings: Ranking the Top 25 Heading into Week 4
Week 3 in college football is in the books, and some teams have been cruising while others can't get out of a rut. Colorado and Colorado State went into double overtime; Boston College almost completed the comeback against Florida State. Missouri got upset against Kansas State, winning 30-27.
So, where do the top 25 teams in the country fall? Before you make any college football picks for the week ahead, handicapper Matt McCuen is here to break down his college football power rankings as we head into Week 4.
College Football Power Rankings - Week 4
1. Georgia
The Bulldogs were tested for the first time this season after trailing 14-3 at halftime against South Carolina. Georgia locked in once the second half began shutting out the Gamecocks and winning by ten. Georgia will take on UAB this weekend at home, where they are 42.5-point favorites.
2. Florida State
The Seminoles nearly blew a double-digit in the fourth quarter but beat Boston College in week three 31-29. Florida State dominating LSU in Week 1 keeps them as a top-two team in my eyes. The Noles will play their toughest remaining game this weekend at Clemson, where they are a 1.5-point favorite.
3. Texas
The Longhorns struggled in the first half as the game was tight early against Wyoming. Texas bounced back strong, dominating the second half of the game. Texas will take on Baylor this weekend on the road, where they are a two-touchdown favorite.
4. Penn State
The Nittany Lions rolled once again, blowing out Illinois on the road. Penn State will have their toughest task of the season on Saturday when they take on Iowa in Happy Valley.
5. Michigan
I am still not impressed with what I have seen from the Wolverines offense, but the defense looks outstanding, which is why they remain in my top five. Michigan is yet to score more than 35 points against three bad teams. Michigan will host Rutgers this weekend.
Which team will win the Big Ten? Check out the latest odds
6. USC
The Trojans did not play in Week 3 and remained number six for me. USC may have the best offense in college football, led by future No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Williams and the Trojans will visit Arizona State in Week 4.
7. Notre Dame
The Irish continue to dominate their opponents as they improved to 4-0 over the weekend, blowing out Central Michigan. The Irish will have their biggest game in a year on Saturday when they host Ohio State on Saturday night.
8. Washington (+1)
Washington arguably has the best side reviver core in college football. Additionally, the Huskies have a Heisman trophy candidate in Michael Penix Jr. Washington will clash with California in Week 4.
9. Ohio State (-1)
The Ohio State offense finally broke out in Week 3, dropping 63 points on Western Kentucky. This offense is not as impressive as the ones we have seen in years past, which is why I have them lower on my list than most. Ohio State will head to South Bend for their toughest task to date.
10. Oregon State
The Beavers continued to impress in Week 3, beating San Diego State. Oregon State will take on Washington State on the road in Week 4 for the biggest game of their season.
11. LSU (+1)
The Tigers blew out Mississippi State on the road in Week 3. LSU lost their season opener to Florida State, which means they can only suffer one more loss, or they will likely miss the playoffs. Overall, this is an extremely talented team that can make noise in the SEC. LSU will host Arkansas in Week 4.
12. Oregon (+2)
The Ducks routed Hawaii over the weekend. While Hawaii is not an impressive win, it is the body of work so far that is impressive for the Ducks. Oregon will have their toughest task of the season in Week 4 against Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes.
13. Alabama (-2)
The Tide got the win in Week 3, but it was ugly. The Tide beat a bad South Florida team 17-3. The quarterback position continues to be a big problem for the Tide. Alabama will play host to Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss in week four for a pivotal SEC matchup.
14. Ole Miss (+1)
The Rebels dominated once again in Week 3. This team has looked great on offense, led by quarterback Jaxon Dart. If the Rebels can string together on defense, this could be a playoff team. Ole Miss is a seven-point underdog on the road against Alabama this week.
15. Utah (+1)
The Utes took care of business in Week 3 against Weber State to improve to 3-0. The Utes have one of the best defenses in college football, which puts them in the top 15. Utah will host UCLA for a pivotal Pac-12 game this weekend.
Will the Utes win the Pac-12? Find the odds here
16. Oklahoma
The Sooners impressed in Week 3, beating Tulsa 66-17. This is the second time that Oklahoma has scored more than 65 points this year. The Oklahoma defense has been great, allowing opponents just 28 points in 12 quarters.
17. Colorado (+1)
The Buffaloes nearly slipped up in Week 3 as they trailed by double digits to rival Colorado State in the fourth quarter. This is an extremely talented roster that has become America's Team. Colorado will play their biggest game in a decade on Saturday when they take on Oregon on the road.
18. North Carolina (+3)
UNC played well in Week 3, dominating a solid Minnesota team at home. This win moved the Heels to 3-0 on the season. North Carolina will have a tough road game at Pitt in Week 4.
19. Miami (+1)
The Canes improved to 3-0 with a win over Bethune on Thursday. Miami has been impressive thus far, most notably beating Texas A&M in Week 2. Miami will go on the road and take on Temple in Philadelphia on Saturday.
20. Duke (+1)
The Blue Devils blew out Northwestern on Saturday, winning 38-14. Duke has been impressive thus far and will put their perfect record on the line against UConn on Saturday afternoon.
Will Duke shock the ACC this season? Get the latest ACC odds by clicking here
21. UCLA (+2)
The Bruins stayed unbeaten over the weekend, taking down NC Central 56-7. The defense has particularly impressed on the young season. UCLA will clash with Utah this weekend, which will be the most challenging game of their young season.
22. Iowa (+2)
Iowa took care of business, beating Western Michigan 41-10 on Saturday. Iowa remains one of the best defenses in college football. The Hawkeyes will clash with Penn State on Saturday for a pivotal Big Ten matchup.
23. Florida (+5)
Florida had as good of a weekend as anyone in college football. The Gators blew out a good Tennessee team at home. Florida will host Charlotte this weekend at the Swamp.
24. Washington State
The Cougars find themselves in my rankings for the first time this year. Washington State has impressed me in the first three weeks. The Cougars will host Oregon State for a big game on Saturday afternoon.
25. Clemson
The Tigers looked rough in week one, but this remains a top-25 team in college football in my eyes. Clemson will have an opportunity to earn a huge win over the weekend when they host Florida State.
Dropped from Rankings
- Tennessee (13), Kansas State (17), Kansas (25)
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