BOK’s Top 10: Week 4
The Aggies made a statement in South Bend, with their first win over a top 10 ranked opponent on the road under Mike Elko. Photo: Getty Images
Ohio State, 3-0
Interestingly, the Buckeyes were in a 13-9 ballgame with in-state MAC opponent Ohio in the 2nd half, before pulling away to win 37-9. They’re not the only top team to have had a slow start in the early season. Defense remains elite under Matt Patricia, holding the Bobcats under 200 total yards.
Next: BYE
Miami, 3-0
Miami was having none of the USF hype train, dispatching their in-state foe 49-12 after a lengthy weather delay. Carson Beck has found his stride leading the offense, and the Canes’ defense is much improved from a year ago. They welcome struggling Florida to Coral Cables this week.
Next: vs. Florida
Georgia, 3-0
The biggest riser in this week’s rankings, having beaten Tennessee for a 9th straight time in Knoxville, 44-41 on Saturday. The resilience of the Dawgs, and the ability to match the play style needed in a big game, remain hallmarks of Kirby Smart’s squads. The team to beat once again in the SEC.
Next: BYE
Oregon, 3-0
The Ducks were never troubled by Northwestern in a 34-14 win away from the west coast. They’ll have an old rivalry game before a much anticipated early season trip to Happy Valley.
Next: vs. Oregon State
Florida State, 2-0
FSU had the week off ahead of another overmatched opponent. Their win over Alabama continues to look better and better.
Next: vs. Kent State
Penn State, 3-0
Penn State had another no-doubter against FCS Villanova, 52-6. It’s worth noting that signal caller Drew Allar ranks 111th out of 136 eligible FBS quarterbacks in QBR. And that’s with having played Nevada and FIU before the Wildcats. Hmmm.
Next: BYE
LSU, 3-0
The shine of their week 1 win over Clemson continues to diminish, and the offense has yet to put up more than 23 points in a game. Still, the LSU defense has been one of the best in the country, and intercepted DJ Lagway five times in the 20-10 win over Florida. These defense-first teams seem to be becoming a theme around college football.
Next: vs. SE Louisiana
Texas A&M, 3-0
As an antagonist to the defense-first theme, the Aggies have taken the route of outscoring the other team at all costs, upsetting Notre Dame 41-40 and earning their position on this ranking. They showed a clutch gene and resilience not commonly seen in College Station lately, so credit where it’s due. As the defense remains a big question, will they keep the train on the rails this season?
Next: BYE
Oklahoma, 3-0
The Sooners suffered on letdown the week after a big win at home over Michigan, dominating in a rare road trip to Temple 42-3. We’ll find out a lot about Brent Venables’ squad, welcoming former QB Jackson Arnold to Norman this week.
Next: vs. Auburn
Utah, 3-0
That’s right! The Utes have been every bit as impressive as anyone on the road to a 3-0 start. They’re doing it with offense and defense, this week in a 31-6 victory at Wyoming. Devon Dampier is an early dark horse Heisman candidate and this team will be one of the contenders for the Big 12 crown.
Next: vs. Texas Tech
Texas, 2-1
We hate to do it, but what we have seen out of the Longhorn offense does not warrant a top 10 ranking, and our Horns are the first out this week. There is certainly time to iron things out and accomplish the goals this team had, but Texas will need to seriously evaluate things if the offensive problems continue against lowly Sam Houston.
Next: vs. Sam Houston
