After Week 2 of the 2016 college football season, here is how our FanSided Top 25 College Football Power Rankings shake out.
The Alabama Crimson Tide may not have had the dominating performance Nick Saban would have liked, but his team led by freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts remains the unquestioned top team in college football. The Tide occupy the top spot in our FanSided Top 25, our version of college football power rankings:
Their spot coincides with their place in the AP Top 25 and the Coaches Poll, but not every team ranked in those polls will be ranked on this list. Further, the placement on our power rankings could see some deviations from what the voters saw. Thus, we can see some teams ranked much higher or lower than you may expect.
Let’s get right to the FanSided Top 25 with the Utah Utes who enter the power rankings with a win over rival BYU.
25. Utah Utes
Well, Saturday night was fun for the Utes as they defeated rival BYU in 2016’s edition of the “Holy War”, a 20-19 thriller in Salt Lake City. Utah beats out Arkansas and Boise State for the last spot in the poll and they could be here for a few weeks until they host USC on Sept. 23.
Last game: Win vs. BYU 20-19
Next game: At San Jose State (9/17)
24. Miami Hurricanes
Is Miami back? No. Have they been impressive so far? Yes. Although they’ve played FAMU and Florida Atlantic, the Hurricanes are hitting on all cylinders. Averaging 54 points in the first two games, Mark Richt has the Hurricanes in a groove as they head to Appalachian State this week, that same App. State team that took Tennessee to overtime. This could be fun.
Last game: Win vs. Florida Atlantic 38-10
Next game: At Appalachian State (9/17)
Related: ACC Power Rankings: Week 2
23. Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M looked much better this week, OK, maybe it’s because they played Prairie View A&M but still, they looked good in a 67-0 pasting of the Panthers. It was good to see A&M build off the opening week win vs. UCLA and gives them great momentum heading into an interesting game at Auburn next week.
Last game: Win vs. Prairie View A&M 67-0
Next game: At Auburn (9/17)
22. Baylor Bears
All controversies aside, Baylor is still a good team. They might’ve struggled early with SMU on Saturday but they still walked away with a 40-13 win. Seth Russell put up 261 yards through the air and I’d expect him to top on Friday as the Bears play former Southwestern Conference foe, Rice.
Last game: Win vs. SMU 40-13
Next game: At Rice (9/16)
21. LSU Tigers
Bad news, LSU has an unreal road to hoe in getting back to the conversation of the College Football Playoff. Good news, they might’ve found a quarterback! Former Purdue quarterback Danny Etling took over for the struggling Brandon Harris and helped string together a 27-point second quarter. Could this be the spark that gets LSU back into the convo for the SEC?
Last game: Win vs. Jacksonville State 34-13
Next game vs. Mississippi State (9/17)