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College Football Rankings 2017: Projected Top 25 after Week 2

By Michael Whitlow

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is sacked by Ogbonnia Okoronkwo #31 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is sacked by Ogbonnia Okoronkwo #31 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State Nittany Lions
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Beaver Stadium on September 9, 2017 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

No. 5: USC Trojans (2-0)

Ranking coming into Week 2: No. 6

It hasn’t been the start to the year Sam Darnold was personally looking for, but the Trojans are off to a 2-0 start after a victory over No. 14 Stanford at home on Saturday night. Darnold threw four touchdown passes in the win for the Trojans, but also threw two interceptions against a physical Cardinal defense, who they very well could face again in the conference championship game.

No. 4: Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0)

Ranking coming into Week 2: No. 4

It’s simple for the Nittany Lions. When Saquon Barkley is touching the football, good things are likely to happen for the reigning Big Ten champs, who got some retribution for last year’s in-state loss to Pitt on the road in a 33-14 victory on Saturday in Happy Valley. Barkley ran 14 times for 88 yards and a touchdown, while tight end Mike Gesicki caught two touchdowns from Trace McSorley.

No. 3: Clemson Tigers (2-0)

Ranking coming into Week 2: No. 3

Holy defense, Tigers. The Clemson defense racked up 11 (!) sacks in their ugly 14-6 win over Auburn at home on Saturday night. Kelly Bryant scored both Clemson touchdowns on the ground for the reigning champions, who held Auburn to just 117 total yards of offense to improve to 2-0 this year.

No. 2: Oklahoma Sooners (2-0)

Ranking coming into Week 2: No. 5

What a difference a year makes. After getting flat-out embarrassed at home in a 45-24 blowout victory for the Buckeyes last year, Baker Mayfield and the Sooners got some sweet revenge in a 31-16 win in Columbus on Saturday night. Mayfield was fantastic, completing 26 of his 34 pass attempts for 387 yards and three touchdowns.

No. 1: Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0)

Ranking coming into Week 2: No. 1

After a big victory in their season opener against Florida State, the top-ranked Tide rolled to 2-0 on the young season with a 41-10 win over Fresno State at home. Jalen Hurts racked up 282 total yards and three total touchdowns to get back on track after a really quiet night at the office against the ‘Noles in Atlanta last Saturday night.

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