College Football Rankings 2017: Projected Top 25 after Week 5

No. 15: Oklahoma State Cowboys

Ranking coming into Week 5: No. 15

It was a typical Big 12 shootout on Saturday night in Lubbock with the Red Raiders, but Mason Rudolph’s touchdown run with about a minute left put Oklahoma State ahead for good in a 41-34 barnburner against Texas Tech. The Pokes needed that win in the worst way after the letdown against TCU.

No. 14: USC Trojans

Ranking coming into Week 5: No. 5

Those tricky pre-Saturday road games in the Pac-12 Conference bit USC in the behind yet again on Friday night. Luke Falk outplayed Sam Darnold and Mike Leach’s bunch in Pullman pulled the upset over the fifth-ranked Trojans. SC can still make the Pac-12 title and crash the College Football Playoff party, but one more loss just might end any hopes of that. No teams since the Playoff was created for the 2013-14 season and beyond has made the CFP with more than one defeat.

No. 13: Miami Hurricanes

Ranking coming into Week 5: No. 14

If you’re looking for a pick to win the ACC that’s not Clemson, this might be your team right here. The Miami Hurricanes have looked impressive in the early going this year and they kept their momentum going against Duke on Friday night with a comfortable win in Durham. In-state rival Florida State, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame still remain on their schedule, but the ‘Canes are legit.

No. 12: Auburn Tigers

Ranking coming into Week 5: No. 13

Outside of the losing the ugliest game of the college football season against Clemson a few weeks ago, the Auburn Tigers have looked like an impressive bunch this season. The Tigers destroyed Mississippi State on Saturday, who limped in after getting decimated by Georgia on the road last weekend. Like usual, the Iron Bowl looms at the end of the season.

No. 11: Ohio State Buckeyes

Ranking coming into Week 5: No. 11

Ohio State crushed poor Rutgers up in New Jersey on Saturday night and that’s really all that needs to be said about that one.