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College Football Rankings: Projected Top 25 after Week 3

By Michael Whitlow

Sep 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Papa John
Sep 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Papa John /
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Louisville obliterated Florida State at home. Michigan State handled Notre Dame. Ohio State drilled Oklahoma. What are the college football polls going to look like after Week 3?

If Forrest Gump watched college football this season, he would definitely compare it to a box of chocolates. So far this season, we have no idea what we’re going to get each weekend and that’s why this start to the year has been so good.

Just in the first three weeks alone, we’ve had two top-5 teams lose in Week 1, countless near upsets and a quarterback score 18 total touchdowns in 12 quarters.

Lamar Jackson and the Louisville Cardinals absolutely curb-stomped No. 2 Florida State at home on Saturday, 63-20. If the Heisman Trophy was handed out in September, Jackson would’ve been presented the trophy after Louisville’s win. He’s been that absurd to start the season.

With all the close calls and shaking up already, what will the college football polls look like after Week 3’s in the books? Let’s take a look at some projected rankings heading into Week 4.

  1. Alabama – The Tide survived Ole Miss to snap a two-game losing streak. They’re still the top dog in the yard.
  2. Ohio State – So much for that “basic defense”, huh? Austin Kendall’s words came back to bite Oklahoma on Saturday night, as the Bucks destroyed the Sooners.
  3. Louisville – They beat the No. 2 team in the country by 43 points. Sorry, Michigan. You’re staying at No. 4.
  4. Michigan – See No. 3 again.
  5. Clemson – Clemson beat up on South Carolina State so badly that the coaches agreed to play 12-minute quarters in the second half. Dabo Swinney and the Tigers have their guts back.
  6. Houston – The Cougars trailed entering the fourth quarter on Thursday, then scored 28 points to win by 24 against Cincinnati.
  7. Stanford – Christian McCaffrey is still doing fun things, despite the Cardinal not look all that impressive against USC.
  8. Washington – Sure, the Huskies haven’t played anyone, but if you’re looking for a sleeper playoff team, this might not be a bad option.
  9. Michigan State – The Spartans went into South Bend and jumped out to a huge 36-7 lead before having to hang on late. Still, Mark Dantonio and the Spartans aren’t to be taken lightly.
  10. Texas – *The Longhorns are currently playing out west against Cal.
  11. Florida State – OK, so the Seminoles got smoked. It could’ve been worse. They could’ve almost lost to Georgia State at home.
  12. Wisconsin – Florida State’s description was made for you, Badgers.
  13. Texas A&M – If someone can take down Alabama in the SEC West, it very well may be Kevin Sumlin’s bunch, who got a nice win against Auburn on the road Saturday.
  14. Georgia – The Dawgs had to battle to fend off Mizzou, but Jacob Eason is becoming a star with each throw.
  15. Tennessee – Are you ever going to make sense, Vols? Struggling at home with Ohio?
  16. LSU – Well hey there, Les Miles. The seat’s a lot cooler when Leonard Fournette’s around, eh?
  17. Baylor – They struggled with Rice for a while, but pulled away and remain unbeaten.
  18. Florida – Their first test comes next week against Tennessee, but they could the real favorite in the SEC East.
  19. Arkansas – How about the ‘Hogs? 3-0 after a win at home against Texas State.
  20. Nebraska – Welcome to the polls, Huskers!
  21. Miami – The Hurricanes are 3-0 for the first time since 2013. The U back?
  22. San Diego State – The Aztecs could crack the polls for the first time this season thanks to some losses in front of them.
  23. Iowa – Stop scheduling the Bison, FBS schools. You’re having to learn the hard way.
  24. Oklahoma – The only reason they’re not completely out of the polls is because their two losses are to the No. 2 and No. 6 teams in these projections. Tough start to the season.
  25. TCU – The Frogs could sneak back into the polls after a heartbreaking loss to Arkansas in Week 2.

Next: SEC Programs Ranked By Statistical Greatness

There’s still a long way to go, but the shuffling in the polls is just beginning. (Even in projections.)

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