College Football Rankings 2017: Projected Top 25 after Week 9
The college football rankings after Week 9 will receive a major shakeup at the top.
The latest college football rankings will arguably see its biggest shakeup of the 2017 season. No. 2 Penn State and No. 4 TCU both fell on Saturday, impacting their chances at the College Football Playoff and likely falling down the AP Poll.
Their demise should offer benefits for others that won in Week 9. This goes for Ohio State, giving them a significant boost toward the first edition of the College Football Playoff Rankings. The same for Wisconsin, the lone perfect team in the Big Ten.
Changes didn’t just happen in the top 10, but throughout the top 25 in Week 9. Who will join the upcoming rankings? Which teams are no longer among the best in the nation? Let’s take a look at the projections for Week 10.
No. 25: Arizona
Arizona arrives in the top 25 for the first time in the 2017 season. A dominant win over Washington State, who should no longer be ranked in Week 10, gets them a spot in the AP Poll — maybe the College Football Playoff Rankings, too — and in a better position to contend in the Pac-12. Look out for the Wildcats as the season draws its end.
No. 24: Mississippi State
Mississippi State sneaks into the top 25 after a lopsided win over Texas A&M. Aside from losses to Georgia and Auburn, the Bulldogs have played well and could find some ground in the SEC, especially with Alabama as their only challenge left this season. Might they finish 9-3?
No. 23: South Florida
South Florida was perfect and riding high under head coach Charlie Strong. Saturday’s loss, however, likely ended any chance at a New Year’s Six bowl game. Group of Five teams will always linger behind the Power Five, and with plenty of quality teams ahead, it will be difficult for the Bulls to receive a quality bowl game.
No. 22: NC State
North Carolina State built momentum and looked like a surprise team in the ACC. Then came Notre Dame, who sent the Wolfpack to the back of the top 25 on Saturday, dominating all 60 minutes. All hope isn’t lost, as Boston College, Wake Forest and UNC remain on the schedule. It’s not an easy schedule, but by no means the toughest one in the nation.
No. 21: Michigan State
After losing to Notre Dame in Week 3, Michigan State developed momentum and saw its defense step up. There was even a win over then-ranked Michigan. However, Northwestern took the Spartans down in Week 9 and hurt their chances at the Big Ten Championship Game. Back-to-back games against Penn State and Ohio State are on the way, so the loss column could build quickly for Sparty.