Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — It was the first weekend of the season that was billed as one not to miss.
And fortunately for college football fans everywhere, the early prognostications were correct. Sure, there was a muted Red River Rivalry — mostly because of Texas' dominance — but most other top games delivered the appropriate drama.
And then Colorado and Kansas State rounded out the day with an entertaining back-and-forth finish.
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
At this point, there's very little flaws in Steve Sarkisian's team. Sure, Quinn Ewers threw a pick on the first Longhorns possessions after missing a few weeks, but it did little to hurt Texas' chances in a rivalry game against Oklahoma.
A tough test against Georgia awaits next week — the biggest check to the Longhorns' this season — but it's looking like Texas is well on its way to what could be a special season.
2. Oregon
That close scare to Idaho in Week 1 is now a distant memory. Oregon hung tough with arguably one of the deepest Ohio State rosters and got the win at home to take a big step in the Big Ten hierarchy. The Buckeyes botched the finish, but Oregon made the right plays to win the game.
Maybe Phil Knight's money will get him close to that national championship after all.
3. Ohio State
Despite the loss, it's clear Ohio State is right there in the mix as one of the best team's in the country. I feel confident in saying they're still a top-three team after a 1-point loss; and had the game been played in Columbus, maybe the result is flipped. But it's not like this game wasn't winnable, either.
A careless offensive pass interference call and a mind boggling decision by Will Howard at the end are easily correctable. But none of that helps Ryan Day sleep at night in the pressure-filled environment he's in on a daily basis.
4. Penn State
Penn State is flawed, so having the Nittany Lions at No. 4 doesn't give me full confidence; however, they're undefeated and finding ways to wins games. Outside of a strong second-half performance, though, Penn State doesn't come close to beating USC this week.
The undefeated streak gives the Nittany Lions the smallest of margin lead over a Georgia team that is also flawed and has a loss to Alabama.
WILL HOWARD DOESN'T GO DOWN AND OREGON WINS 😱 pic.twitter.com/hjUVwCzGPE
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 13, 2024
5. Georgia
This isn't the same Georgia team that felt inevitable the last few years, but the Bulldogs are also not that far off, either. A loss to Alabama exposed some flaws, but the talent on the roster is undisputed.
Carson Beck threw for 459 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions against a down Mississippi State team that made the game a little closer than expected in the second half.
6. Miami
Miami was on a bye week, but Clemson is lurking in the ACC race.
7. Notre Dame
Stanford struck first on Saturday, but Notre Dame got the last laugh en route to 49 unanswered points in a win over the Cardinal. The loss to Northern Illinois continues to be a head-scratcher, but the Fighting Irish have looked great ever since.
8. Clemson
Clemson is doing its best to show that a Week 1 blowout loss to Georgia was an anomaly. The opponents have been mostly middle-tier teams, but the Tigers have looked great over the last five games. Things are clicking more for Dabo Swinney's squad, but the schedule has been fairly light, too.
9. Alabama
Is Alabama good? That's mostly tongue in cheek, but I find myself asking that more often lately than I should — especially after witnessing how well Alabama played early on against Georgia in Week 4. On Saturday, Alabama probably should have lost to a plucky South Carolina team, but the Crimson Tide found a way — even after giving up an onside kick late.
But the jury is still out on Alabama.
10. Tennessee
Tennessee went from world beaters to good-but-not-great rather quickly. It took overtime against Florida for the Vols to escape with a win. The talent on the roster is certainly there, but cracks are starting to develop.
Dropping out: Utah, Oklahoma, USC
Checking in: Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Iowa
In consideration (alphabetical): Arizona State, Arkansas, Army, Georgia Tech, Liberty, Louisville, Memphis, Navy, Nebraska, Syracuse, Texas Tech, UNLV, Washington State
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
