College football rankings: Projected Top 25 rankings after Week 8

For the second week in a row, it was a wild weekend in the world of college football. But, at this point in the season, that’s usually the case. There were some eye-opening victories that may vault some teams a little higher up in the polls, while at the same time, some teams withing the Top 10 took some losses that ended a lot of hopes.

Here’s a look at what the AP rankings may look like when released later this afternoon:

1. Alabama: The Tide had no problem thoroughly dominating Bret Bielema and the Arkansas Razorbacks, and will undoubtedly hold their position as the top dog in the nation.
2. Oregon Ducks: The Ducks manhandled a very turnover prone Washington State team on Saturday evening and once again staked their claim as the second-best team around.
3. Florida State Seminoles: This is where the big change occurs. Florida State dominated Clemson on the road in Death Valley, 51-14, and that win right there will be more than enough to have them jump Ohio State in the voters’ eyes.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes: While Florida State dominated Clemson, Ohio State had a tough time with a lesser Iowa team, which doesn’t help their case whatsoever.
5. Miami Hurricanes: Last week I welcomed Miami back to the Top 10. Well, Hurricanes, now welcome back to the Top 5!
6. Baylor Bears: With another dominating victory, this time over Iowa State, the Bears continue their rise up the rankings as others before them fall.
7. Missouri Tigers: For the second week in a row, the Tigers handled another SEC opponent, this time the Florida Gators. They remain undefeated and in control of the SEC East.
8. Stanford Cardinal: After their first loss of the season last week, this team bounced back in a huge way against previously-unbeaten UCLA.
9. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Head coach Kliff Kingsbury and his crew are still unbeaten after a 10 point win over West Virginia.
10. Clemson Tigers: It was a back-to-reality moment for the Clemson Tigers after being routed by FSU in Death Valley. But, they still may be a top-10 caliber squad regardless.
11. Auburn Tigers: Gus Malzahn has this team that was 3-9 last season at 6-1 right now after a huge victory over Texas A&M.
12. UCLA Bruins: UCLA met up with a tough Stanford defense and had to eat their first loss of the season.
13. LSU Tigers: In another shocker from Saturday evening, LSU was knocked out of the national title race after being upset by Ole Miss, thus suffering their second loss of the season.
14. Texas A&M Aggies: They were in position to make a miracle happen for the second week in a row, but Johnny Manziel and the Aggies just couldn’t finish it off against Auburn on Saturday.
15. Fresno State Bulldogs: This potential BCS Buster remained undefeated with a win over UNLV.
16. Virginia Tech: The Hokies were on a bye week, but still remain firmly in control, along with Miami, of the ACC Coastal Division.
17. Oklahoma Sooners: It was scary early on, but the Sooners were able to handle their business against Kansas, avoiding another letdown after the Texas loss last week.
18. Louisville Cardinals: A drop this far might seem a little much, but the Cardinals were scrutinized enough because of their schedule before. After the loss to Central Florida Friday night, they’re now going to be dropped from everyone’s memory in the rankings.
19. Oklahoma State Cowboys: Some QB issues were exposed on Saturday, but they were still able to get by TCU.
20. Wisconsin Badgers: The Badgers pummeled a pretty potent Illinois team this weekend, and they continue to impress, especially in the ground game, which is no surprise.
21. South Carolina Gamecocks: Although they got a great performance from their star, Jadeveon Clowney, it wasn’t enough to hold off a determined Tennessee team, as the Gamecocks were upset.
22. Oregon State Beavers: This squad continues to roll, and it was more of the same on Saturday night with a blowout win over Cal.
23. UCF: Right now, after their win over Louisville Friday, George O’Leary has this team in position for a BCS Bowl appearance if they can keep their pace up the rest of the way.
24. Northern Illinois: Their dynamic QB broke a record for rushing yards by a QB in a single game, as the Huskies continue their march toward another BCS appearance.
25. Michigan Wolverines: The Wolverines enjoyed a much needed bye after the loss to Penn State on the road last week.