AP Top 25: Oregon, Iowa make big move up in projected college football rankings

College football rankings after Week 2: No. 15-11

15. Iowa State Cyclones

All told, it’s still entirely possible that Iowa State was holding some things back in their season-opener as they staved off embarrassment against Northern Iowa. But they were dominated in the Cy-Hawk rivalry and the mistakes were just too numerous for them to overcome a dangerous, experienced Hawkeyes team.

14. UCLA Bruins

UCLA was the only top 25 team to get Week 2 off but they’ve already proven themselves in big ways with games in Week 0 and 1. Their win a week ago over LSU wasn’t just a name-brand deal but also a dominant effort that has their arrow pointing even more upward as the season goes on.

13. USC Trojans

It’s too commonplace for a team as talented as USC for the Trojans to get a scare from inferior opponents such as Stanford. It’s another win on the books for Kedon Slovis and his teammates but it’s hard not to look at them with a bit of disappointment when you think about what Oregon did in Week 2.

12. Florida Gators

There was never any doubt that the Gators were going to beat South Florida, so it’s not a shock that they notched a 22-point win. It’s becoming quickly obvious, however, that Anthony Richardson is the better option at quarterback than Emory Jones. And with Alabama on the docket next week, Dan Mullen might want to realize that sooner rather than later.

11. Penn State Nittany Lions

James Franklin and his team were in a definite trap game spot against Ball State as the matchup was sandwiched between Wisconsin and Auburn. So for the Nittany Lions to go out and control ever aspect of the game against the Cardinals speaks to the quality of a resurgent Penn State team.