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Updated college football rankings: How Michigan’s win over Penn State impacts the Top 25

By Alicia de Artola

Michigan running back Blake Corum. (Syndication: Detroit Free Press)
Michigan running back Blake Corum. (Syndication: Detroit Free Press) /
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Michigan football’s big win over Penn State could give them an argument to rise in the college football rankings while the Nittany Lions will have to fall.

After looking somewhat unimpressive in the last few weeks, Michigan had the chance to show voters what they’re made of against Penn State.

It was shaky early. While the Wolverines dominated the Nittany Lions on a play-by-play basis, they struggled to finish off drives with touchdowns. Penn State managed to keep the game close thanks to some big plays, including a pick six.

In the end, quality won out. Michigan got it together and ran away with a 41-17 victory.

What does that mean for the college football rankings? Obviously some things still need to play out but the Wolverines can make a strong argument to rise over a team like Clemson with such a quality win.

Updated college football rankings after Michigan vs. Penn State

  1. Georgia Bulldogs [vs. Vanderbilt]
  2. Ohio State Buckeyes [Bye]
  3. Alabama Crimson Tide [at Tennessee]
  4. Michigan Wolverines [WIN 41-17 over Penn State]
  5. Clemson Tigers [at Florida State]
  6. Tennessee Volunteers [vs. Alabama]
  7. USC Trojans [at Utah]
  8. Oklahoma State Cowboys [at TCU]
  9. Ole Miss Rebels [vs. Auburn]
  10. UCLA Bruins [Bye]
  11. Oregon Ducks [Bye]
  12. TCU Horned Frogs [vs. Oklahoma State]
  13. Wake Forest Demon Deacons [Bye]
  14. Penn State Nittany Lions [LOSS 41-17 to Michigan]
  15. North Carolina State Wolfpack [at Syracuse]
  16. Mississippi State Bulldogs [at Kentucky]
  17. Kansas State Wildcats [Bye]
  18. Syracuse Orange [vs. NC State]
  19. Utah Utes [vs. USC]
  20. Cincinnati Bearcats [Bye]
  21. Texas Longhorns [WIN 24-21 over Iowa State]
  22. Kentucky Wildcats [vs. Mississippi State]
  23. Illinois Fighting Illini [WIN 26-14 over Minnesota]
  24. James Madison Dukes [at Georgia Southern]
  25. North Carolina Tar Heels [at Duke]

DROPPED OUT: Kansas Jayhawks [LOSS 52-42 to Oklahoma]

Voters may ultimately disagree with moving Michigan ahead of Clemson if the Tigers don’t lose to Florida State. Still, how many of them would take Clemson over Michigan on a neutral field today?

The Wolverine rushing attack was spectacular against the nation’s No. 5 rushing defense. Penn State was allowing just 79.8 yards per game on the ground. They gave up 173 yards to Donovan Edwards and another 166 to Blake Corum.

As for the Nittany Lions, there isn’t much shame in losing to a Top 5 team on the road. They won’t drop too far.

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