The AP rankings are out for week three and the top 10 is dominated by the SEC with 4 teams included. Overall the conference has eight teams ranked – despite two of them falling top 1-1! Georgia deservedly takes over at the top following their second consecutive blowout win.
The Tide are still second, despite their almighty scare at Texas, while Ohio State clings on to third even though their opening win over Notre Dame looks a lot less shiny. Still neither Michigan nor Clemson did enough to unseat them.
Kentucky who had a nice win over Florida and Arkansas who also won an all-SEC clash are 9th & 10th respectively. The Rasor Backs haven’t looked overly impressive defensively in their first two wins, but with an FCS opponent next week their lofty rating should remain.
USC are the highest-ranked PAC-12 side and they have had little difficulty scoring in their opening games. They play Fresno next week and that will give a better indication of their potential.
No Group of Five
Byu is the only non-power five team in the rankings, despite the Sun Belts heroics at the weekend. Marshall, Appalachian State and Georgia Southern all had good wins against Power Five teams, but none managed to break into the top 25. A little disappointing, in Marshall’s case especially given there are seven 1-1 teams ahead of them. A win at Bowling Green this week should change that though.
Speaking of questionable rankings, we were surprised to see Utah ranked 4 places ahead of Florida, who of course beat them in their opener. Ok, Utah hung 73 on FCS Southern Utah, however, Florida’s loss was to the now No 9 ranked Kentucky. Go figure.
Welcome
The new arrivals this week included a re-entry in the shape of Oregon, Texas & Penn State. The Ducks and Longhorns are both 1-1 but have “quality losses” given they were to the teams ranked No1 & 2 respectively. In Texa’s case, it was the loss that catapulted them in at 21. Not often this happens.
Penn State (in our opinion anyway) should have been ranked from pre-season. They travel to Auburn next week and a win there could see them in the top 10 if other results go their way. With both Ohio State & the two Michigans to come their CFP destiny is in their own hands.
Anyway, the rankings are below and there will no doubt be plenty of changes again next week.
Week Three Rankings
1 Georgia 2-0 SEC
2 Alabama 2-0 SEC
3 Ohio State 2-0 B10
4 Michigan 2-0 B10
5 Clemson 2-0 ACC
6 Oklahoma 2-0 B12
7 USC 2-0 PAC
8 Oklahoma State 2-0 B12
9 Kentucky 2-0 SEC
10 Arkansas 2-0 SEC
11 Michigan State 2-0 B10
12 BYU 2-0 IND
13 Miami 2-0 ACC
14 Utah 1-1 PAC
15 Tennessee 2-0 SEC
16 NC State 2-0 ACC
17 Baylor 1-1 B12
18 Florida 1-1 SEC
19 Wake Forest 2-0 ACC
20 Ole Miss 2-0 SEC
21 Texas 1-1 B12
22 Penn State 2-0 B10
23 Pittsburgh 1-1 ACC
24 Texas A&M 1-1 SEC
25 Oregon 1-1 PAC
Out Notre Dame, Wisconsin & Houston.
Conference representation
SEC 8
ACC 5
Big Ten 4
Big 12 4
PAC-12 3
Independents 1
