Week 9 BOK Poll
Vanderbilt has returned to the top 10 for the first time in nearly a century. Times are a changing. Photo: Steve Roberts, Imagn Images
Ohio State, 7-0
The nation’s best team to this point returns to the top of the BOK poll after another resounding 34-0 defeat of Wisconsin, coupled with the Miami loss. Expect them to be undefeated going into The Game.
Next: BYE
Indiana, 7-0
Curt Cignetti’s crew took care of business in a 38-13 win over Michigan State. They’re really starting to look like a dominant group and a true national championship contender.
Next: vs. UCLA
Alabama, 6-1
The Tide won their 4th consecutive game over a top 20 opponent, thus continuing to climb these rankings. This time the victim was Tennessee, in a 37-20 win for Bama. They’re probably the favorites in the SEC once more.
Next: @ South Carolina
Texas A&M, 7-0
Still undefeated, the Aggies passed their latest test in a 45-42 win over Arkansas. They’ve shown vulnerabilities on defense at times, but credit where it’s due - no losses this late in the season for A&M is a first this century.
Next: @ #22 LSU
Georgia Tech, 7-0
The team quietly moving up throughout the season (into our top 5!!), Tech pulled away from Duke late for a 27-18 victory on the road. Their path is still fairly clear through the rest of their ACC schedule - and then there’s that end of season showdown with Georgia.
Next: vs. Syracuse
Georgia, 6-1
Georgia continues to find ways to win from behind. You just can’t cut the head off the snake. Ole Miss found out the hard way in a 43-35 win for the Dawgs. Definitely still an SEC and playoff contender that nobody will want to face.
Next: BYE
Oregon, 6-1
The Ducks looked dominant again (especially on the ground - 415 rushing yards) in a 56-10 win over Rutgers. On the surface, their schedule shows no ranked teams left, but they finish with 4 consecutive matchups against teams currently sporting a 5-2 record, including 2 on the road. Something to monitor down the stretch.
Next: vs. Wisconsin
Miami, 5-1
Miami fell victim to Friday night’s ACC Wheel of Destiny as they lost to Louisville 24-21 at home. The Canes still have a few tricky opponents left, and it’s not guaranteed they will be in the ACC title game or even the playoffs, especially with another loss.
Next: vs. Stanford
Vanderbilt, 6-1
Vandy is a real legitimate team, and it’s a huge testament to coach Clark Lea for getting them here. Now 6-1 and with the opportunity to continue to show the world they have arrived, with 3 games against ranked teams left on their schedule. Sleep on Vandy at your own peril.
Next: vs. #14 Missouri
Ole Miss, 6-1
As mentioned, the Rebels fell to Georgia in a game where they scored on their first 5 possessions. May want to think about playing some defense, Lane. Could still be an SEC contender, if they’re able to quiet the coaching carousel noise.
Next: @ #16 Oklahoma
BYU, 7-0
The Cougars were able to pull out a rivalry win over Utah 24-21 and now sit just outside our top 10. Are they the team to beat in the Big 12 now, or is the conference wide open after Texas Tech’s loss? The teams meet in the coming weeks and that’s sure to determine a lot.
Next: @ Iowa State
12. Notre Dame
13. Texas Tech
14. Missouri
15. South Florida
16. Oklahoma
17. Virginia
18. Louisville
19. Texas
20. Tennessee
21. Cincinnati
22. LSU
23. Navy
24. Illinois
25. Arizona State
Receiving votes: Michigan, USC, Tulane, Houston
