Projected college football rankings after Week 1: Clemson, Oklahoma, LSU drop; Georgia up to No. 2
There are two more games left in Week 1, but here’s how the college football rankings are shaping up after Week 1 saw Clemson and LSU lose and Oklahoma and Ohio State sweat out wins.
Save for a game Sunday and a game Monday, Week One of the college football season is in the books. There was plenty be learned in the opening week of the college football season as the top 25 teams in the country took part in the action. The impact from the opening slate of games will undoubtedly have a profound effect on the rankings.
With a battle between two teams in the top five with Clemson and Georgia clashing in Charlotte, the expectations were already high for the opening week. Some teams ranked in the teens floundered while others that were ranked near the end of the top 25 stepped up big time. Of course, plenty of unranked teams are knocking on the door as well. That was the case as UCLA came away with a major upset victory over LSU.
AP Top 25: Projected college football rankings after Week 1
25. Ole Miss Rebels* (Last Week: NR)
The Ole Miss Rebels are in the projected top 25 despite technically not having played a game yet. With Indiana, Washington and Louisiana likely dropping from the top 25, teams that were right on the cusp of breaking in are likely to find their way onto the college football rankings. Ole Miss was one of those that nearly made the first top 25. They host Louisville Monday.
24. Oklahoma State Cowboys (Last Week: NR)
Oklahoma State is another program breaking into the top 25. The Cowboys were right on the cusp as well when it comes to the initial top 25 of the college football rankings. Oklahoma State did what they were supposed to and took care of Missouri State. Don’t be surprised to see the Cowboys catch in on the tail end.
23. Arizona State Sun Devils (Last Week: 25)
Arizona State moves up a couple of spots after being 25th to begin the season. Herm Edwards’ program defeated Southern Utah on Thursday night. The Devils had issues with penalties but the offense was explosive and shows real potential.
22. Utah Utes (Last Week: 24)
Utah moves up after dispatching Weber State to begin the season. There isn’t much to see here as Utah prepares for a big contest against rival BYU on Saturday. Another win and the Utes could break into the high end of the teens.
21. Miami Hurricanes (Last Week: 14)
The Hurricanes suffered a big drop after getting beat like a drum by Alabama in the opener. They will likely fall a bit given the size of the loss but not completely out of the top 25. There will be some forgiveness as they took on the challenge of facing the top team in the country. It was ugly, but they won’t be facing the likes of the Crimson Tide every week.