College Football Rankings: Showcasing Impressive Teams Heading into Week 5

Week 4 was a telling Saturday in college football, with many AP Top 25 teams validating their ranking in the polls.

It’s still early to know which teams should be at the top of the heap, but viewers are getting a better idea.

While traditional powers such as the Ohio State Buckeyes keep staying relevant, other Big Six conference schools are attempting become a fixture in the polls.

TCU and West Virginia both have played in top-quality bows the last few seasons, but the hardest test is staying at the top. Through four weeks, so far so good.

Let’s take a look at the notable showings from ranked teams recently. 

Ohio State Buckeyes Beat UAB 29-15

Braxton Miller didn’t wow with his numbers, but he had two rushing touchdowns in a 29-15 win over the UAB Blazers.

The victory marked win No. 400 for the Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium. This year’s squad may not be eligible for a BCS bid, but they could be the class of the Big Ten.

Urban Meyer’s squad has quickly embraced the spread attack, mainly due to Miller’s talents.

In addition, their defense showed they can carry the load when they need to. The Buckeyes were out-gained and only held the ball for 26 minutes, but closed out a two-touchdown victory. Not bad at all.

TCU Horned Frogs Beat Virginia 27-7

The TCU offense gets most of the publicity, but this Horned Frogs defense has the firepower on their end as well. They forced four Virginia Cavalier turnovers in a blowout 27-7 contest.

Linebacker Kenny Cain played like a star on this day, snagging two interceptions and terrorizing Virginia passer Michael Rocco.

TCU quarterback Casey Pachall paced the offense with over 300 yards and three touchdowns. On the receiving end of one score was wideout Josh Boyce, who became the all time leader in receiving touchdowns for TCU. He has 18 career touchdowns.

Look out Big 12, here comes TCU.

West Virginia Mountaineers Beat Maryland 31-21

The Maryland Terrapins stuck around, but eventually West Virginia’s speed wore them out. The Mountaineers were up as much as 17 points in the fourth quarter and would end with a 10-point win

QB Geno Smith and WR Tavon Austin put on an aerial display, connecting 13 times for 139 yards and three touchdowns. Sounds like these two guys have a solid connection they’ll need to contend in the Big 12.

That’s not all. Austin’s 13 receptions went in the WVU record books for the most in team history. Smith has merely thrown for 18 touchdowns and no interceptions so far on the year. I can hear the “Geno Smith for Heisman” bandwagon starting to take hold.

If they can keep outscoring their opponents with their passing attack, another BCS will be in the cards for the Mountaineers.

Here are the Week 5 Associated Press Top 25 Rankings.

WEEK 5 AP COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. LSU
4. Florida State
5. Georgia
6. South Carolina
7. Kansas State
8. Stanford
9. West Virginia
10. Notre Dame
11. Florida
12. Texas
13. USC
14. Ohio State
15. TCU
16. Oklahoma
17. Clemson
18. Oregon State
19. Louisville
20. Michigan State
21. Mississippi State
22. Nebraska
23. Rutgers
24. Boise State
25. Baylor