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SALT LAKE CITY — The Week 3 slate had some entertaining games, but it was a mostly chalk weekend.
The favorites prevailed for much of the weekend and the first byes of the season reared their head, leaving a rather tame shakeup to my Associated Press Top 25 ballot. There were changes, but nothing too earth shattering just yet.
The following is the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press that will be counted in the consensus rankings that will be released Sunday afternoon.
1. Texas
It's difficult to argue against the Longhorns right now. From top to bottom, Texas looks like a complete team worthy of a spot at the top of my rankings. Even with Quinn Ewyers leaving the game early, Arch Manning picked up the slack and helped the Longhorns to a convincing victory.
The schedule only gets more difficult, but Texas is the best team in the country right now.
2. Georgia
Georgia has a Kentucky problem. For whatever reason, the Wildcats just make life tough on the Bulldogs. Georgia finds a way to get the win each year, but it's not always pretty. This year was no exception. Georgia remains one of the best teams in the country, but Kentucky showed some flaws.
With the Alabama game looming, Georgia could have another problem on its hands.
3. Ohio State
Ohio State won the weekend with a bye week.
4. Ole Miss
Do you like scoring and fun offenses? Ole Miss is your team. It was a little more muted this weekend against Wake Forest, but Lane Kiffin has his team rolling. And until someone beats the Rebels, I really like them as the third best team in the SEC ... for now. Alabama and Tennessee (among others) are certainly lurking.
5. Alabama
Everyone knows who Jalen Milroe is, but that didn't stop the quarterback from having another coming out party. The junior QB was a casual 12-of-17 for 196 yards and three touchdowns, and added two rushing touchdowns and 75 rushing yards in a comfortable win over Wisconsin.
The Crimson Tide is doing just fine without Nick Saban.
6. Tennessee
Tennessee at No. 6 is probably underrating the Vols. The team has scored no less than 51 points in a game this season, and the defense has only allowed 13 total points in three games. That's generally a strategy to win football games. Kent State served as no real competition in a 71-0 game, but that comes a week after blowing out a ranked NC State team.
7. Miami
We're not getting much from a 62-0 win over Ball State, but the Hurricanes are looking good so far this season. And in an ACC that is chaotic at best, Miami has a shot to be the cream of the crop. But there will be tests further down the road.
8. Penn State
Oh look, another bye week team.
9. USC
And a third bye week team to bypass.
10. Utah
In freshman Isaac Wilson's first start, Utah managed a comfortable win over in-state rival Utah State that wasn't always that comfortable. Utah started out slow and allowed Utah State to jump to a 14-3 lead. Wilson settled in, and Utah's offense reeled off 25 unanswered points to overtake the Aggies on their home field.
Utah showed it can get it done with Wilson under center, but the team is anxious to get Cam Rising back under center with Oklahoma State up next.
Dropping out: Arizona
Checking in: UCF
In consideration (alphabetical): Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, BYU, Illinois, Iowa, Memphis, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, UNLV, Washington State
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
