College Football Power Rankings: Ranking the Top 25 Heading into Week 3

College Football Power Rankings: Ranking the Top 25 Heading into Week 2

Week 2 of college football is finished, and there was an unexpected earthquake in the top 10. While Georgia and Ohio State rolled to easy wins, Notre Dame and Michigan weren't so lucky, and took a massive tumble. Notre Dame's upset at the hands of Northern Illinois is one of the worst losses in program history, and may have ended their season that once looked like a free pass to the playoff.

Elsewhere, Oregon underperformed again, taking another slide down despite escaping with a win. There's also several fresh names near the back, who took down ranked teams to slide into their place.

So, where do the top 25 teams in the country land after a shake-up near the top? Before you make any college football picks for the week ahead, college football handicapper Peter Alexis is here to break down his college football power rankings as we head into Week 3.

College Football Power Rankings - Week 2

1. Georgia Bulldogs (-)

Georgia made quick work of their opponent on Saturday, taking out Tennessee Tech with ease. They won 48-3, and Carson Beck shined bright with five touchdowns. There is nothing much to report besides business as usual for the Dawgs. They are -24 on the road against Kentucky this week, who looked horrendous against South Carolina in their last game. Georgia will truly be preparing for Alabama, who they visit the following week in Tuscaloosa.

2. Texas Longhorns (+1)

The Texas Longhorns were the best of the best this week, and they will jump Ohio State as a result. They blew the reigning National Champions away on the road in Ann Arbor with a 31-12 victory, and looked flawless on both sides of the ball. It was even uglier than the score indicated, and probably could have ended in a 40-point win if they didn't pull the starters. Michigan was a mess on offense, and Texas took advantage with several forced turnovers. They capitalized over and over, with Quinn Ewers leading the charge. He's now the Heisman trophy favorite as a result, and is continuing to push ahead as the Longhorns look to avenge last season's playoff loss. They have an easy road until October 12 against Oklahoma in the red-river rivalry, so Texas should be cruising up at the top here for a while.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes (-1)

Ohio State is dropping to third here, mostly because of Texas' performance. They rolled over Western Michigan 56-0, scoring six rushing touchdowns in the process. That will be a major recipe for success in the Big Ten as they get ready for conference play. The two-headed monster of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson had 170 yards and four touchdowns between the two of them, and are looking like an impossible combo to stop so far. They are off this week, before hosting Marshall in what will be another blowout.

4. Ole Miss Rebels (+1)

Ole Miss looked incredible once again, and they stole Alabama's fourth spot as a result. While their first two opponents have been cake walks, they actually took care of business right away, unlike many other teams on this list who couldn't figure out how to run away with a win as massive favorites. Lane Kiffin's team is not playing with their food early on here, and Henry Parrish Jr. made sure of that by running for four touchdowns at home on Saturday. Jaxson Dart was great again with 377 yards through the air, and this team is poised to run with anyone on their schedule. They won't be truly tested until October matchups with South Carolina and LSU, so watch for them to continue gearing up.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide (-1)

The Alabama Crimson Tide are going to drop a spot here, and while the final score didn't indicate it, they struggled mightily with South Florida once again. They entered the fourth quarter with just a slim 1-point lead against USF, after similar issues plagued them last season in this same matchup. They finally ran away with a 42-16 win thanks to four late touchdowns, they will need to clean up the efficiency on offense, because they won't be able to come back against every team on their schedule. They head to Madison for a big test with Wisconsin this week, followed by a looming game of the year against the Georgia Bulldogs. It's about to get very tough for Kalen Deboer's Crimson Tide.

Will the Crimson Tide compete for the SEC Title? Check out the latest odds

6. Missouri Tigers (+3)

The Missouri Tigers were exceptional once again, pitching back-to-back shutouts with a 38-0 victory over the Buffalo Bulls. WR Theo Wease Jr. was the star in this one, racking up 150 yards on a career-high 13 catches. He stepped up in the absence of Luther Burden who was out sick, and helped the offense run smoothly. The Tigers also ran for 255 yards as a team, which will be instrumental to continue in SEC play. The defense doesn't get enough credit, but these shutouts will continue to build confidence ahead of the conference battles they will soon face.

7. Tennessee Volunteers (+5)

Outside of Texas, Tennessee was the team of the week. Their stock has gone flying up after demolishing a ranked NC State team on a neutral field. Nico Iamaleava showed more flashes of brilliance with three total touchdowns, but does need to clean up the two INT's he threw. He's only a freshman, and has plenty of time to figure it out. Dylan Sampson led the rushing attack with 132 yards and two scores of his own, and this team is looking like a force to be reckoned with. The defense was also exceptional, turning NC State away several times in the red zone and coming away with a full field pick-6 to put the clamps on. They have a breather against Kent State this week, but will look ahead to a top-15 clash at Oklahoma in two weeks.

8. Penn State Nittany Lions (-)

The Penn State Nittany Lions looked much worse in Week 2 than they did in Week 1, and that's why they failed to move up. Drew Allar struggled against a MAC defense, barely surviving at home against Bowling Green as a five touchdown favorite. He threw a pick and only completed 13 passes, while the defense let up 27 points. It was a very uncharacteristic performance for James Franklin's squad, and they will need to strap in if they are going to avoid upsets against better opponents.

9. Miami Hurricanes (+2)

Cam Ward and the Miami Hurricanes continued to impress in Week 2. They ran away with a blowout win over Florida A&M as expected, and they are doing everything right so far. They have a few more non-conference tune-up games before the Canes take on their ACC foes, but they are the clear team to beat and on the fast track to the playoffs right now.

10. Oregon Ducks (-2)

Oregon is in danger of flying out of the top 10 after another near disaster in Week 2. They struggled to pull away from Idaho in Week 1, and now were taking to the final play against Boise State despite being a 19-point home favorite. The Ducks had no answer for Broncos RB Ashton Jeanty, as he ran all over the field. If not for several special teams touchdowns, the Ducks would have been run out of their own building. They have a lot to figure out before Big Ten play begins, and until there are serious improvements, their playoff chances are in serious doubts after starting the year in the top 3.

11. USC Trojans (+2)

The USC Trojans built on their opening weekend thriller with a 48-0 beatdown against Utah State. So far, their defense is looking much improved from a year ago. They are no longer letting up careless touchdowns, and the changes that Lincoln Riley made to his staff appear to be paying dividends. Miller Moss has been great with the offense, and the sky could be the limit for this USC team as Big Ten play approaches.

12. Utah Utes (-2)

Utah was solid in Week 2, but failed to pull away from a weak Baylor squad on Saturday at home. Part of the reason for that was QB Cam Rising leaving early with a hand injury, and if he is going to miss time, they could fall apart in these rankings. They should have an easy win against in-state rival Utah State, who's having a rough go this year. But Oklahoma State looms the week after that, a potential Big-12 championship preview.

13. Oklahoma State Cowboys (+3)

After Utah in this top-12, there is a whole lot of mediocre. I was looking for teams to move up, but there is no one to fill the void that impressed. Oklahoma State gets this spot because of their comeback victory against a much better than expected Arkansas squad, but they were woefully outplayed on their home field. While they didn't quit and responded well to a two-touchdown deficit, they only had a chance because of Arkansas' miscues. They were completely gashed by the run, allowing 230 rushing yards as part of 650 TOTAL yards, 300 more than they put up themselves. Arkansas had a pick-6, two fumbles lost, two missed kicks, and too many penalties to count that took themselves out of the game. And even still it took two overtimes for them to fully lose the game away. OK State gets this 13th spot, but it's thanks to a lot of luck around them. They will need to be better or you'll see them dropping out of these rankings once the Big 12 season starts.

14. Kansas State Wildcats (+3)

Another similar story with Kansas State, who was on the ropes all day against an inferior opponent. Both of these teams were double-digit favorites, and had to go down to the last play to get a win. K-State was outplayed by Tulane, but survived by winning the turnover battle and then even getting a little lucky with the refs on the last play. Otherwise, they'd be tanked out the back of these rankings as well. They have a massive clash with No. 20 Arizona on Friday night, and it may spell disaster for them if they don't shape up on defense.

15. Oklahoma Sooners (-)

Oklahoma also had a great opportunity to move up in the rankings, but squandered it with a miserable showing against a weak Houston team. They were favored by four touchdowns at home, and managed to escape thanks to a safety to get a four-point win. Jackson Arnold was mediocre at QB, and the entire offense needs to play a heck of a lot better if they are going to stay alive in the SEC this year. They now take on that gritty Tulane team that gave K-State fits, and that will be followed up by a showdown with Tennessee. It isn't getting any easier for this Oklahoma team.

Who will pull away in the Big 12 with no true favorite? Check out the latest odds

16. LSU Tigers (+2)

LSU gained a few spots back after their opening loss to the USC Trojans, but they didn't look all that impressive. They won by three touchdowns, but should have had a much easier time as a 46-point home favorite. All eyes will be on the Tigers this week on a lighter slate, as they head to South Carolina for a College Gameday showdown. What looked like an easy win for them a few weeks ago is now going to be close, as the Tigers open up as just a TD favorite against a scrappy young Gamecocks squad with talented freshmen.

17. Michigan Wolverines (-6)

Michigan was a disaster from start to finish on Saturday afternoon, further proving the concerns that we had after the Week 1 matchup with Fresno State. While they were going against the No. 3 team in the nation, they were woefully unprepared and committed continuous mistakes on offense that put them in a hole early. They had no answer for Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns regardless, and they are going to continue to struggle this year until they can figure out the offense.

18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-13)

Notre Dame was the shocker of the weak, and they tumbled 13 spots in the poll after a stunning loss to Northern Illinois on Saturday afternoon. They couldn't find any rhythm on offense, and allowed NIU to hang around until they ultimately took the lead on a final field goal with 30 seconds left. The Irish were ready to coast all season until a few late season showdowns and then arrive to the playoffs, but all of that looks washed away now with a loss of this magnitude. Even if they win out, they may not smell the playoffs with a loss that bad.

19. Louisville Cardinals (+3)

The Louisville Cardinals moved up again, one of the only teams back here that impressed on offense. Their opponents haven't been stellar, but the blew the doors off of Jacksonville State by a score of 49-14, covering the four-touchdown spread at home. They face a big test this weekend against Georgia Tech, and will need to continue rolling on offense to beat the feisty Yellow Jackets who are coming off a loss.

20. Arizona Wildcats (+1)

The Arizona Wildcats have some work to do still, and were unable to take advantage of the falling teams ahead of them. They were favored by 38 points at home again, and similar to the way we discussed last week, looked underwhelming. Last week, it was the defense getting lit up by Fresno. This time, the offense couldn't muster more than 22 points against Northern Arizona? They better shape up ahead of a fight with No. 14 Kansas State on Friday night where they are +7 on the spread.

21. Iowa State Cyclones (+)

Iowa State sneaks onto this list, stealing the Iowa Hawkeyes spot with a late field goal win. They were down early, but the team didn't quit and found a way to get the game winner against their rival. The defense looked solid, and Rocco Becht was a great leader in the second half after getting shutout early. The Cyclones have a lot of easy games against Big 12 bottom feeders coming up, and it doesn't get hard for them until the final few weeks. They will rise if they can avoid any upsets upcoming.

22. Nebraska Cornhuskers (+)

The Nebraska Cornhuskers delivered as a touchdown favorite in front of a raucous crowd in Lincoln on Saturday night. They got the revenge they needed against Colorado from last year, and the defense looked great. They won the turnover battle by two thanks to a pick-6, and Dylan Raiola did his job on offense. It wasn't overly flashy, but they overwhelmed Colorado at Memorial Stadium, and now have a favorable road until Ohio State in late October. Keep an eye out as Matt Rhule's team puts it together.

23. Clemson Tigers (+1)

The Clemson Tigers regrouped a bit on Saturday after getting destroyed by Georgia. Dabo Swinney's squad found their stride against Appalachian State, delivering a 66-20 beatdown. It was just what the doctor ordered for Cade Klubnik and the Tigers, who accounted for 7 total touchdowns and passed for nearly 400 yards at home. Clemson has the talent to get back on track if they settle in here.

24. Boston College Eagles (+)

The Boston College Eagles have looked great so far, and find themselves on the list after their wins over Florida State and a flawless shutout against Duquesne. They will find out if they are the real deal this week as they have the only ranked matchup on the board against No. 6 Missouri in Columbia. If they can go in there and make some noise, the sky is the limit for Thomas Castellanos and BC.

25. Illinois Fighting Illini (+)

Illinois finds their way onto the list after taking out the previously 19th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks. The two midwestern squads battled it out, with the Fighting Illini ultimately playing the better fourth quarter and icing the game late. Bret Bielema's squad has always shown fight, and they will need it with the Big Ten schedule approaching.

Gone From Top 25

NC State, Georgia Tech, Kansas, and Iowa were all the big losers that dropped out of the poll this week. And by the looks of it, there are some others on the list that will be joining them soon. NC State was completely pummeled in prime time against Tennessee, and based on their first two outings, they won't be coming back anytime soon. Georgia Tech showed great fight against Syracuse after falling behind, but couldn't quite make up the ground in time. They may find their way back on with a couple wins. Kansas was outplayed by Illinois and couldn't make clutch plays, leading to their demise. And finally Iowa couldn't quite close the door on Iowa State, and allowed a late field goal to complete the comeback. They will have chances in the Big Ten to fight their way back in. Lastly, we have an honorable mention for Northern Illinois, who nearly cracked this list and made the official AP Top 25 for their win over Notre Dame. They have another Power 4 clash with NC State in a few weeks, and all eyes will be on them to see if they can repeat.

College Football Odds

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