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SALT LAKE CITY — Will Howard finally got his chance to throw a touchdown pass to a Penn State receiver as a quarterback in the stadium he dreamed of playing as a kid.
The only problem was, he was the quarterback for Ohio State. Howard made an early mistake that had potential of dooming the Buckeyes' chances against a charged-up Nittany Lions team who jumped to a quick 10-0 start.
But Ohio State got the last laugh — or was it a sigh of relief from Ryan Day — with a 20-13 win on the road.
It was an entertaining way to start the day, but it turned out to be one of the most normal aspects of the weekend as seven teams ranked inside the Associated Press Top 25 suffered a loss — and some by large margins (cough, cough Texas A&M).
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. Oregon
Is there any way to stop Oregon? Michigan is nowhere near the championship-winning team of last season, but the Ducks made easy work of the home Wolverines to improve to 9-0 on the season. There's a real likelihood Oregon goes 12-0 and meets up with Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game for a rematch.
2. Georgia
For a stretch in the first half, Georgia appeared in trouble against rival Florida. That is until quarterback DJ Lagway got injured ... and Georgia seemingly woke up. The Bulldogs have a tendency of building as the game develops, and this week was no different. There's no reason to move them down ... even with Ohio State beating a fellow top-five team.
3. Ohio State
Ryan Day got his top-five win ... and another victory over Penn State. And while credit will be given to the offense, it's the defense that is getting it done. The Nittany Lions looked comfortable early to control a 10-0 lead, but the defense made life incredibly difficult — including an interception in the end zone to kill all momentum in Beaver Stadium.
4. Miami
Miami continues to face early opposition, only to roar back and dominate another opponent. The Hurricanes have faced seemingly every problem imaginable this season, but the Cam Ward-led team continues to fight for an undefeated season. It's not always perfect, but when the offense is humming, there's little to stop it.
5. Texas
Not a bad weekend to be on a bye week. But this is where we see if Texas is for real, or if some of the cracks become larger and the Longhorns lose some steam.
6. Penn State
Penn State continues to have an Ohio State problem. The difference this year is that it likely won't hurt the team's playoff chances. But never being able to get over that hump — especially with costly mistakes in the game — continues to be frustrating for James Franklin. This team is legit, though.
7. Tennessee
Kentucky has already killed teams this year, but not Tennessee. The Vols used a 21-point second half — and the defense held Kentucky to just 8 points — to propel the team to a 10-point victory at home. Tennessee remains a tough team to beat as one of the best teams in the country, but the conversation has moved on from them since a win over Alabama just two weeks ago.
8. BYU
The bye week was kind to BYU, as it witnessed some of its closest competitors in the Big 12 suffer a loss. And just like everyone predicted, BYU remains the only undefeated in the Big 12 in what feels like a championship-caliber run. But in a wild Big 12, it's never a guarantee until the championship trophy is raised.
9. Indiana
Indiana is one of the hottest teams in the country this season, and an undefeated slate — I know how weird that sounds — can become a true possibility. It's the first 9-0 start in school history, so what's more appropriate than a No. 9 rank? But for real, this is an explosive offense that is fun to watch.
10. Notre Dame
Notre Dame was also on a bye this week. Many people continue to be confused by a loss to Northern Illinois early in the season, but the Fighting Irish have been one of the best teams in the country since, with an upward trajectory that makes that a blip on the road. It's a point of consideration, but in my opinion, it's not a game that should keep Notre Dame out of the top 10.
Dropping out: Illinois, Navy
Checking in: Louisville, Vanderbilt
In consideration (alphabetical): Arizona State, Iowa, Louisiana, South Carolina, Syracuse, UNLV
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
