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College Football Rankings 2016: Projected Top 25 after Week 4

By Michael Whitlow

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) rolls out of the pocket in the fourth quarter of their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Tigers won 26-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) rolls out of the pocket in the fourth quarter of their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Tigers won 26-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dalvin Cook and Florida State got back on track. Wisconsin smacked Michigan State on the road. Ole Miss mollywhopped Georgia. What are the college football polls going to look like after Week 4?

Things were pretty simple atop the polls in Week 4 of the college football season.

Alabama smoked a mid-major at home, Lamar Jackson scored 38 touchdowns in three quarters, Michigan’s defense was tougher than a two-dollar steak and Houston walked all over Texas State on the road.

After that, things did get a little weird.

Tennessee finally beat Florida for the first time since 2004 and Ole Miss stole Georgia’s lunch money at home on Saturday.

With some big conference games looming for a few teams in the polls in the coming weeks — including a huge showdown with Louisville and Clemson next week — here’s a projected look at the top-25 poll for next week, starting with ol’ reliable.

  1. Alabama – They shut out Kent State at home. Ho hum. They’re still No. 1.
  2. Ohio State – Urban Meyer was cleaning windows on his bye week. The Bucks are still good.
  3. Louisville – It’s Lamar Jackson’s Heisman Trophy to lose. Their season rides on Oct. 1 in Death Valley.
  4. Michigan – They haven’t left home, but they’re hardly allowing any points either. Good test coming against Wisconsin.
  5. Clemson – The Tiger offense is still shaky, but the defense looked dominant in a win over Georgia Tech on Thursday.
  6. Houston – The Cougars destroyed poor Texas State. Their crash course with Louisville in November still looms.
  7. Stanford – The Cardinal survived UCLA to set up a big meeting with Washington next week.
  8. Wisconsin – The Badgers thoroughly dominated Michigan State on the road. But, the real challenge begins next week.
  9. Washington* – The Huskies played on Saturday night against Arizona, and the game is currently still ongoing.
  10. Texas A&M – The Aggies battled with Arkansas, then blew them out of the water late.
  11. Florida State – Dalvin Cook got touches and the Seminoles got back on track against South Florida.
  12. Tennessee – The Vols finally beat Florida!
  13. Miami (FL) – The Hurricanes were off in Week 4 and moved up. The U *might* be back.
  14. Michigan State – After beating Notre Dame on the road, the Spartans laid a huge egg at home against Wisconsin.
  15. Baylor – The Bears fought off Oklahoma State to remain unbeaten on Saturday night.
  16. Nebraska – The Huskers won on the road at Northwestern off their exciting win against Oregon.
  17. Ole Miss – The Rebels’ two losses: Alabama and Florida State. They punked the Dawgs at home on Saturday.
  18. Georgia – The Dawgs didn’t show up against Ole Miss and it showed. Luckily for them, everyone else behind them were mostly bad (or off).
  19. Texas – The ‘Horns were off this week after a crazy loss at Cal last week.
  20. San Diego State – Like Texas, the Aztecs were off this week as well.
  21. Arkansas – They played an entertaining game against Texas A&M, but three turnovers proved costly.
  22. Florida – The Gators shouldn’t drop too far even after blowing a big lead at Tennessee.
  23. Utah – The Utes needed a late score to beat USC this week and they got it and the win.
  24. Oklahoma – After getting beat down by Ohio State, the Sooners enjoyed a bye week as well.
  25. Iowa – I mean, it was either them or Cal.

Next: Best Tailgating Venues On The Map

Week 5 will go a long way in telling the nation who the title contenders will be later this year.

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