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College football rankings 2021: Week 9 AP Top 25 projections after Ohio State, Alabama win; Oklahoma State, Penn State lose

By Charles Rahrig V

Ohio Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 25: AJ Green #0 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs past a host of Texas A&M Aggies defenders before scoring a touchdown in the first half of the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 25: AJ Green #0 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs past a host of Texas A&M Aggies defenders before scoring a touchdown in the first half of the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Projecting the AP Top 25 college football rankings for Week 9 after Penn State fell in nine overtimes and Oklahoma State lost to Iowa State.

Week Eight of the college football was a slate of games that on paper didn’t seem the most exciting. With no top-25 battles and plenty of bye weeks, the scene at the top doesn’t look that much different. However, a little fun was still had.

Nine overtimes between Penn State and Illinois, as well as Kansas trying to pull an upset bid over Oklahoma, created plenty to talk about.

After volatility over recent weeks in the sports, perhaps a little stability at the top isn’t the worst thing for one week. However, there were teams that did themselves favors while others were on the bye and some that didn’t. Here’s how the AP Top 25 college football rankings should project after Week Eight going into Week Nine.

Projected AP Top 25 college football rankings after Week 8: No. 25-21

25. Iowa State Cyclones

Matt Campbell has made a living off of beating a big-name Big 12 team at least once per season and the Cyclones did it again on Saturday. At home, they handed Oklahoma State their first loss and Iowa State looks like a team that is getting better with each week after an inauspicious start to the year.

24. Arkansas Razorbacks

Despite three losses, Arkansas could slide back into the 25th spot. Their three losses were all quality, and Arkansas is finally back in the win column after destroying Arkansas-Pine Bluff. With the teams in front of them losing and others in the receiving votes category struggling, they benefit from it.

23. UTSA Roadrunners

After finally landing in the Top 25, UTSA will stay there. The Roadrunners were able to come away with a win over Louisiana Tech and continue to have a dream season. UTSA could move up maybe a spot or two, but staying at 24 is also likely as well.

22. San Diego State Aztecs

Sometimes when there’s movement in the middle of the Top 25, teams get pushed back a spot even with a win. It’s not always perfect, but San Diego State could move back a spot despite beating Air Force. Another factor in that is being jumped by Pitt, which will get points for taking care of Clemson more than the Aztecs will for beating the Falcons.

21. SMU Mustangs

The Mustangs were on the bye this week and will probably push back one spot by virtue of Pitt having another impressive win. The Mustangs are undefeated in the AAC and all eyes are on their eventual collision course with Cincinnati.

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