Not very many changes happened in week three. However, it appears that the Pac-12 is going out with a bang as they have eight teams in (9/10/2023) AP Top 25.
Others receiving votes: Clemson, Arkansas, TCU, Kansas, Tulane, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Mississippi St., Minnesota, Cincinnati, Fresno St., Wyoming, Oklahoma St., Maryland, James Madison.
AP TOP 25
25. Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0)
Previous Ranking: NR
Week 2 Result: 20-13 W Iowa State
What’s next: vs. Western Michigan 9/16 3:30 ET
Defense wins. Iowa took home the CyHawk trophy once again, using a pick six as the difference. Not to mention, a defensive stand on fourth-and-one ended the game. Iowa still can’t score, but their unrelenting defensive effort will keep teams close. – Owen Patterson
24. UCLA Bruins (2-0)
Previous Ranking: NR
Week 2 Result: 35-10 W San Diego St.
What’s next: vs. NC Central 9/16 6 PM ET
Freshman Dante Moore flipped his commitment from Oregon to UCLA after the return of Bo Nix and the departure of Kenny Dillingham. In his first two games with the Bruins Moore has looked like a star for Chip Kelly. They cruised past a tougher opponent in SDSU and now have one more week to prepare before their first conference game against Utah. – Dacota Haynes
23. Washington State Cougars (2-0)
Previous Ranking: NR
Week 2 Result: 31-22 W Wisconsin
What’s next: vs. Northern CO 9/16 5 PM ET
After beating the then-19th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers, the Washington State Cougars jump up into the associated press poll at number 23 in the week three poll. Washington State dominated from the start, opening up a 24-9 lead on the Badgers through the half. They did not bring the same intensity as it was not needed because Wisconsin could not score on the Cougar’s defense. Badgers put up some garbage time points and ended up losing 22-31. For the Cougars, it was a defensive performance to note, and an okay offensive start from quarterback Cameron Ward and receiver Lincoln Victor, who led them in yards on the day with 55. The Cougars add another Pac-12 team to the associated press poll with Colorado being added last week. – Kyle Thibideau
22. Miami Hurricanes (2-0)
Previous Ranking: NR
Week 2 Result: 48-33 W Texas A&M
What’s next: vs. B-CU 9/14 7:30 PM ET
The Canes shocked Texas A&M in Miami and look to be much better in year two under Mario Cristobal. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke had a breakout game with five touchdown passes. It’s Miami’s first victory over a ranked opponent since their memorable win over Notre Dame in 2017.
21. Duke Blue Devils (2-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 2 Result: 42-7 W Lafayette
What’s next: vs. Lafayette, Saturday 9/9/2023 9 P.M. ET
It was business as usual for Duke taking down Lafayette, 42-7 the final score. They host an unassuming Northwestern team that has not beaten a ranked opponent since 2020. Dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard gets another chance to show his magic as Duke continues to prepare for their clash with Notre Dame. – Max Crider
20. North Carolina Tar Heels (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 17 (dropped 3)
Week 2 Result: 40-34 W App State
What’s next: vs, Minnesota 9/16 3:30 PM
Two years in a row the Tar Heels had a scare against the Mountaineers of App State. Two years in a row, they’ve eked out the win. This time around, running back Omarion Hampton rumbled for 234 yards and a hat trick on the ground, leading to a 40-34 double overtime win. Minnesota allowed 181 rushing yards to Nebraska in their week one showdown, so expect Hampton to keep getting heavy reps. – Max Crider
AP Top 25 (9/10/2023)
19. Oklahoma Sooners (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 18 (dropped one)
Week 2 Result: 28-11 W SMU
What’s next: at Tulsa 9/16 3:30 PM ET
The Sooners gained ground in the Coaches Poll but dropped a spot in the AP Top 25 (9/10/2023). They have an even tougher schedule ahead with back-to-back road games against Tulsa and Cincinnati.
18. Colorado Buffaloes (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 22(moved up four)
Week 2 Result: 36-14 W Nebraska
What’s next: vs. Colorado State 9/16 10 PM ET
After a scoreless first quarter, Colorado scored 13 unanswered to go into the half up 13-0 on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, coached by Matt Rhule, former Oregon and Carolina Panther coach. Nebraska gave a fight, but in the end, Shadeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Xavier Weaver were too much to overcome, as they won 36-14 in Colorado. They show again why they are ranked and could move up a couple of spots, but in all honesty, beating Nebraska is not something to rave about. – Kyle Thibideau
17. Ole Miss Rebels (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 20 (moved up three)
Week 2 Result: 37-20 W Tulane
What’s next: vs. Georgia Tech 9/16 7:30 PM ET
Ole Miss did not dominate all 60 minutes against Tulane, but the Rebels did finish strong. Quinshon Judkins continues to be an instrumental part of the offense and will have an opportunity for a big performance against Georgia Tech, who is giving up 211 rush yards per game. – Owen Patterson
16. Oregon State Beavers (2-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 2 Result: 55-7 W UC Davis
What’s next: vs. San Diego State 9/16 3:30 PM ET
The Beavers came out and played in style in a renovated Reeser Stadium. They didn’t move up at all, but through their first two games they have looked quite impressive. They’ll face a tougher opponent next week against SDSU, so we’ll see how good they truly are. -Dacota Haynes
15. Kansas State Wildcats (2-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 2 Result: 42-13 W Troy
What’s next: @ Missouri 9/16 12 PM ET
The Wildcats took care of Troy University in an orderly fashion. They had control from the get-go. Next week the Wildcats will face some tougher competition starting next week.
14. LSU Tigers (1-1)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 2 Result: 72-10 W Grambling
What’s next: @ MS State 9/16 12 PM ET
LSU saw no change in the latest AP Poll. The Tigers mauled the other Tigers from Grambling, 72-10. LSU has five consecutive conference games coming up and all are winnable. However, three are on the road including trips to Mississippi State and Ole Miss. – Owen Patterson
13. Oregon Ducks (2-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 2 Result: 38-30 W Texas Tech
What’s next: vs. Hawaii 9/16 8 PM ET
The Ducks escaped with a win against Texas Tech. The offense looked great but the defense not so much. After leading a defensive juggernaut at Georgia two years ago, that can’t be something that Dan Lanning is happy with. The Ducks will more than likely shore up those issues this week before they play Hawaii. – Dacota Haynes
12. Utah Utes (2-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 2 Result: 20-13 W Baylor
What’s next: vs Weber State 9/16 2 PM ET
Despite being 2-0, Utah barely escaped with a win at Baylor. A missed pass interference call the on the last play of the game sealed the victory. It’s very apparent that they are missing Cam Risiner after benching Bryson Barnes in the second half. They will find out his availability for the Weber State game. – Kirk Chaves
11. Tennessee Volunteers (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 9 (dropped two)
Week 2 Result: 30-13 W Austin Peay
What’s next: at Florida, Saturday 9/16/2023 7 P.M. ET
Tennessee was in a one-score game with Austin Peay at halftime, but would pull away winning 30-13. It was not a promising performance ahead of a Saturday night excursion to The Swamp. The Vols did drop out of the Top 10 and have three must-win games coming up before the bye week (at Florida, UTSA, South Carolina). -Owen Patterson
AP Top 25 (9/10/2023)
Top 10
10. Alabama Crimson Tide (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 3 (dropped seven)
Week 2 Result: 34-24 L Texas
What’s next: @ South Florida 9/16 3:30 PM
Alabama drops seven spots after losing to Texas at home. It was not a blowout, but the Crimson Tide were outplayed across the board. Jalen Milroe threw two interceptions and was sacked five times. The quarterback play is just not on the same level as recent history and Nick Saban’s determination to back to ground-and-pound playcalling may limit the explosiveness of Alabama’s offense. – Owen Patterson
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-0)
Previous Ranking: 10 (moved up one)
Week 2 Result: 45-24 W NC State
What’s next: vs. Central MI 9/16/2023 2:30 P.M. ET
Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame win another blowout after they take down the NC State Wolfpack 45-24, as Audric Estime shined on the ground for over 100 yards after struggling early on. This game was in a lightning delay after the first quarter, which Notre Dame led 3-0. They then game out of the gate hot, with Estime rushing for a 80-yard touchdown. The Wolfpack showed some fight but the Notre Dame stellar defense and an overpowered offense led by quarterback Sam Hartman was too much for the Wolfpack. It is an impressive win and deserves that number nine spot on the AP Top 25 poll (9/10/2023). – Kyle Thibideau
8. Washington Huskies (2-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 2 Result: 43-10 W Tulsa
What’s next: at Michigan State
Washington: Once again the UW offense dominated against Tulsa. With that being said, A couple of dropped passes and turnovers prevented them from scoring even more points. Very surprising with such as talented receiving core. Something to monitor as face their first big test at Michigan State. – Kirk Chaves
7. Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 2 Result: 63-7 W Delaware
What’s next: at Illinois 9/16 12 PM ET
One spot behind the Buckeyes is Penn State. The Nittany Lions put on an offensive clinic against Delaware this past week. Week after week, Penn State inches closer to the Big Ten East elite, or have they already passed one? – Owen Patterson
6. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 5 (dropped one)
Week 1 Result: 66-14 W Nevada
What’s next: vs. WKU 9/16 4 PM ET
Say what you want about Ohio State’s below-expectations offense, maybe the defense is good enough to carry them. After allowing three points to Indiana, Youngstown State scored an early touchdown and were shut out the rest of the way. We know Ohio State’s offense can score 21 any Saturday and that might be just enough. – Owen Patterson
AP Top 25 (9/10/2023)
5. USC Trojans (3-0)
Previous Ranking:
Week 1 Result: 56-10 W
What’s next: at Arizona State 9/23 10:30 PM ET
The Trojans cruised to a 56-10 victory in their first conference game against Stanford. It’s their third straight 50-point game to start the season. Caleb Williams added to his Heisman campaign with a spectacular four touchdown performance. USC will have a bye next week before facing Arizona State in week four. – Alex Twist
4. Texas Longhorns (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 11 (moved up seven)
Week 2 Result: 34-24 W Alabama
What’s next: vs. Wyoming 9/16 8 PM ET
Is Texas finally back? After a thrilling 34-24 victory on the road against Alabama, I’m ready to say they are. They handed the Tide their first loss at home since Joe Burrow and LSU beat them in 2019. Also, the Longhorns’ remaining schedule looks remarkably easy and there’s a great chance for them to win out. – Alex Twist
3. Florida State (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 4 (moved up 1)
Week 2 Result: 66-13 W Southern Miss
What’s next: @ Boston College Saturday 9/16 12 PM ET
The Seminoles exploded for 66 points against Southern Mississippi. Jordan Travis had a pretty mediocre day, but it didn’t matter as Trey Benson rushed for three touchdowns. The Seminoles will begin ACC play next week against Boston College before a big road game at Clemson. -Alex Twist
2. Michigan Wolverines (2-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 2 Result: 35-7 W UNLV
What’s next: vs. Bowling Green Saturday 9/16 7:30 PM ET
Despite being without Jim Harbaugh, Michigan has made it halfway through a ridiculously tough non-conference schedule. It’s a joke by the way. The Wolverines, having wins over East Carolina and UNLV, are ranked ahead of Texas and Florida State, each with top 10 wins on their resume. – Owen Patterson
1. Georgia Bulldogs (2-0)
Previous Ranking: –
Week 2 Result: 45-3 W Ball State
What’s next: vs. South Carolina Saturday 9/16 3:30 ET
Another no sweat week for the number one team. However, the heat is rising for Georgia perform because of huge wins by Florida State and Texas. The Bulldogs will finally play an opponent worth mentioning next week as South Carolina comes down to Athens for both teams’ conference opener. – Owen Patterson
TL//DR: These AP Top 25 rankings (9/10/2023) are based on the official website. The summaries are brought to you by our staff.
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