College Football AP Top 25, Week 3: Winners and losers

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Chanse Sylvie #28 celebrates with Steven Parker #10 and Parnell Motley #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: Steven Parker #10 of the Oklahoma Sooners attempt to tackle K.J. Hill #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Loser: Ohio State Buckeyes (No. 2 down to No. 8)

Conversely, Ohio State is a major loser in this week’s poll. The Buckeyes were hoping to get their season off to a strong start with a home victory over No. 5 Oklahoma, but the Sooners didn’t want to play nice. Ohio State had trouble putting points on the board early and it resulted in a 31-16 defeat.

It’s far too early to call the Buckeyes’ season “done” so don’t read too much into this drop in the rankings after Week 2. Still, the Buckeyes have to believe they need to be nearly flawless from here on out to earn a top-four spot by the end of the season.

What should concern the Buckeyes more after this tough home loss, J.T. Barrett’s ineffectiveness or the secondary? Honestly, it’s a toss-up at this point. Barrett’s inability to get back to his 2014-15 form is concerning because he’s a senior leader who has failed to progress.

As for the secondary, they can blame this week’s poor play on the fact that Baker Mayfield is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. However, the Buckeyes have allowed over 800 passing yards in two games. The concern is real.

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