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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CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Kelly Bryant #2, wide receiver Deon Cain #8, and tight end D.J. Greenlee #87 of the Clemson Tigers celebrate following Bryant’s touchdown to start the second half of play during the Tigers’ game football game against the Auburn Tigers at Memorial Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

Winner: Clemson Tigers (Stayed at No. 3)

Not moving in this week’s rankings might not seem like a victory, but Clemson fans have to believe they’re right where they should have been to start the year. Actually, some would argue that the Tigers should be the No. 2 team, or No. 1, in college football after winning the national title in 2016 over Alabama, but they’ll settle for No. 3.

With Ohio State losing and the Tigers beating Auburn, Clemson moved one step closer to that top spot in college football. Despite losing plenty from last year’s national title team, the Tigers look to be as strong as ever, especially defensively, under Dabo Swinney.

Not often will you see an offense with guys like Jarrett Stidham and Kamryn Pettway held to just 117 total yards, but that’s what this Clemson defense did to Auburn. One could argue that the defense is stronger this year than it was a season ago. The Tigers also finished the game with an incredible 11 sacks — four by Austin Bryant.

While the defense looked great against Auburn, Kelly Bryant and the offense looked impressive despite scoring just 14 points. Bryant passed for 181 yards on 19-of-29 passing and he also led the team with 59 yards and two touchdowns rushing.

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