A wacky weekend of college football upended our rankings.
Last week’s No. 1, Alabama, no longer appears due to its historic 40-35 road loss at Vanderbilt. While the Commodores are feistier than all but one SEC media member predicted, the Tide deserve to be in timeout for their uninspired defensive effort
Tennessee, No. 4 in last week’s ranking, had a surprising 19-14 loss at Arkansas. While more forgivable than Alabama’s loss, it was enough to usurp Tennessee’s top-10 ranking. Considering that its win against NC State (3-3, 0-2 in ACC) is less impressive while Arkansas’ loss to Oklahoma State (3-3, 0-3 in Big 12) is much worse, we aren’t letting the Vols off easy.
Which teams took their — and Missouri’s — place? Find out as we dig into Yardbarker’s Week 7 college football power rankings.
1. Texas (5-0, 1-0 in SEC)
Week 6: Idle | Last Week: 2 (+1)
The Longhorns picked the perfect week to schedule their bye. Texas is the lone remaining SEC undefeated team and it can pick up another quality win in Week 7 when it plays Oklahoma in the program’s first Red River Rivalry since switching conferences.
Next: vs. Oklahoma (3:30 p.m. | ABC)
2. Ohio State (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten)
Week 6: W 35-7 (vs. Iowa) | Last Week: 3 (+1)
The Buckeyes have rolled to a perfect start, winning their first five games by an average of 39.2 points per game, the largest margin of victory in FBS. Ohio State’s defense has been as elite as advertised, holding opponents to 6.8 points per game and limiting them to 202.4 total yards.
Next: at Oregon (7:30 p.m. | NBC)
3. Penn State (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten)
Week 6: W 27-11 (vs. UCLA) | Last Week: 5 (+2)
The Nittany Lions may have caught a break ahead of their Week 7 road game at USC (3-2, 1-2 in Big Ten); Penn State started at least 5-0 in each of their past three seasons but suffered their first loss against ranked opponents on the road. USC entered Week 6 ranked 11th in the Associated Press poll but fell out of the top 25 following a 24-17 road loss at Minnesota (3-3, 1-2 in Big Ten).
Next: at USC (3:30 p.m. | CBS)
4. Oregon (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten)
Week 6: W 31-10 (vs. Michigan State) | Last Week: 6 (+2)
It feels like we haven’t seen the Ducks at their best yet this season despite beating power conference opponents by an average of 25.7 points. This Saturday, when Oregon hosts Ohio State, would be a perfect time for the Ducks to play to their full potential.
Next: vs. Ohio State (7:30 p.m. | NBC)
5. Miami (6-0, 2-0 in ACC)
Week 6: W 39-38 (at California) | Last Week: 8 (+3)
Oct 5, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) rushes for a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium.
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
On a Saturday rife with upsets, the Hurricanes left Berkley with an improbable win against Cal. Quarterback Cam Ward was brilliant when Miami needed him most, gaining 341 total yards on 33 dropbacks in Miami’s four consecutive second-half touchdown drives as it erased the 25-point third-quarter deficit.
Next: BYE
6. Iowa State (5-0, 2-0 in Big 12)
Week 6: W 43-21 (vs. Baylor) | Last Week: 10 (+4)
The Cyclones used a strong second half to throttle Baylor, much like they’ve done throughout 2024. This season, Iowa State has outscored opponents 89-20 in the second half.
Next: at West Virginia (8 p.m., FOX)
7. Indiana (6-0, 3-0 in Big Ten)
Week 6: W 41-24 (at Northwestern) | Last Week: NR (NEW)
In a week where several road favorites lost, the Hoosiers avoided a major upset at Northwestern. Indiana has one of the nation’s top offenses and has won its first three conference games by an average of 20 points.
Next: vs. Nebraska (Oct. 19)
8. Georgia (4-1, 2-1 in SEC)
Week 6: W 31-13 (vs. Auburn) | Last Week: 7 (-1)
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck had arguably his best game of the season against Auburn, finishing with 240 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He’ll look to build on his strong outing against Mississippi State in a battle of the Bulldogs before Georgia travels to Texas for another massive SEC game on Oct. 19.
Next: vs. Mississippi State (4:15 p.m. | SEC Network)
9. BYU (5-0, 2-0 in Big 12)
Week 6: Idle | Last Week: NR (NEW)
The Cougars’ early-season win against SMU (5-1, 2-0 in ACC) looks better by the week. BYU had its bye in Week 5 and gets an Arizona team that’s lost two of its past three on Saturday.
Next: vs. Arizona (4 p.m. | FOX)
10. Boise State (4-1, 1-0 in MWC)
Week 6: W 62-30 (vs. Utah State) | Last Week: NR (NEW)
Oct 5, 2024; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs for gain during the first half against the Utah State Aggies at Albertsons Stadium.
Brian Losness-Imagn Images
The Broncos’ only loss this year was on a walk-off field goal at Oregon in Week 2. Boise State has arguably the country’s best player, running back Ashton Jeanty, making it a team everyone should fear for the rest of the season.
Next: at Hawai’i (11 p.m. | CBS Sports Network)