College Football Rankings 2014: Power Ranking All 128 Teams for Week 10

After two months of speculation, the College Football Playoff selection committee is set to unveil its first rankings on Tuesday night. They could just make it easy and use our handy Bleacher Report power rankings, though odds are that would cause even more outrage than is likely to come from the committee's poll.

While we don't know the specific criteria that the committee members will use to rank teams, for our system it's quite simple.

The Bleacher Report power rankings are comprised of an average of five ratings: The Associated Press media and Amway Coaches polls, Bleacher Report's Top 25, ratings guru Jeff Sagarin's computer ratings and my personal ranking.

Take a look at how the 128 FBS teams are ranked heading into Week 10 and then give us your take in the comments section.

Nos. 128-91

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Traditionally one of the worst-performing FBS schools in Texas, UTEP might have something going this season after winning 34-0 at UTSA in a Conference USA game on Saturday. The victory gave the Miners four wins in 2014, double last year's total and the most since going 5-7 in 2011.

Jameill Showers threw two touchdown passes, while Aaron Jones ran for a touchdown and caught a TD pass, but the real star for UTEP was its defense. It held UTSA to just 70 yards, forced two turnovers and returned an interception for a touchdown in posting its first shutout victory since 2005.

• 128. Eastern Michigan (2-6, 1-3 Mid-American)
  
• 127. Georgia State (1-7, 0-5 Sun Belt)
• 126. SMU (0-7, 0-3 American)
• 125. Troy (1-7, 1-3 Sun Belt)
• 124. Kent State (1-7, 0-4 Mid-American)
• 123. New Mexico State (2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt)
• 122. Idaho (1-6, 1-4 Sun Belt)
• 121. Tulsa (1-6, 1-3 American)
• 120. Army (2-5)
• 119. Miami, Ohio (2-7, 2-3 Mid-American). The RedHawks won their second game in the last four since snapping a 21-game losing streak, getting a first-quarter touchdown run from Andrew Hendrix to beat Kent State 10-3. Hendrix ran for 104 yards and accounted for 224 of Miami's 287 yards. 
• 118. UNLV (2-6, 1-3 Mountain West)
• 117. Massachusetts (2-7, 2-3 Mid-American)
• 116. Connecticut (1-6, 0-3 American)
• 115. Buffalo (3-5, 1-3 Mid-American)
• 113. (tie) Wake Forest (2-6, 0-4 ACC)
• 113. (tie) Appalachian State (2-5, 1-2 Sun Belt)
• 112. North Texas (2-6, 0-4 Conference USA)
• 111. Southern Mississippi (3-5, 1-3 Conference USA)
• 110. Ohio (4-5, 2-3 Mid-American)
• 108. (tie) Old Dominion (3-5, 1-4 Conference USA)
• 108. (tie) Louisiana-Monroe (3-4, 2-2 Sun Belt)
• 107. UTSA (2-6, 1-3 Conference USA)
• 105. (tie) New Mexico (2-5, 0-3 Mountain West)
• 105. (tie) Florida International (3-5, 2-2 Conference USA)
• 103. (tie) Tulane (2-5, 1-2 American)
• 103. (tie) Hawaii (2-6, 1-2 Mountain West)
• 102. Florida Atlantic (3-5, 2-2 Conference USA)
• 101. Texas State (4-3, 2-1 Sun Belt). The Bobcats rallied from a 15-0 deficit, scoring two touchdowns in the final 6:50 for a 22-18 win at Louisiana-Monroe. Robert Lowe ran for 91 yards and two TDs, including the game-winning 21-yard run with 3:29 left. 
• 100. Kansas (2-5, 0-4 Big 12)
• 99. Wyoming (3-5, 1-3 Mountain West)
• 98. South Florida (3-5, 2-2 American)
• 95. (tie) Vanderbilt (2-6, 0-5 SEC)
• 95. (tie) Ball State (3-5, 2-2 Mid-American). The Cardinals scored 19 fourth-quarter points to rally from a 21-6 deficit and win 35-21 at home over Akron for their second straight win. Jahwan Edwards had 178 yards of total offense for Ball State in the win. 
• 95. (tie) Akron (4-4, 2-2 Mid-American)
• 94. UAB (4-4, 2-2 Conference USA)
• 93. Central Michigan (5-4, 3-2 Mid-American)
• 92. UTEP (4-3, 2-1 Conference USA)
• 91. San Jose State (3-4, 2-1 Mountain West)

Nos. 90-61

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A season after plummeting to 1-11, Western Michigan is a win away from bowl eligibility after downing Ohio 42-21 at home on Saturday. The Broncos got 156 yards and three touchdowns from freshman Jarvion Franklin, who leads FBS with 19 rushing TDs.

WMU also got 344 passing yards from Zach Terrell, while Corey Davis had nine catches for 212 yards and two TDs.

• 90. South Alabama (5-2, 4-1 Sun Belt). The Jaguars got 178 rushing yards from Kendall Houston and 107 from Xavier Johnson, both of whom scored touchdowns in a 27-13 home win over Troy. South Alabama has won four straight, but now will play back-to-back games at Sun Belt powers Louisiana-Lafayette and Arkansas State.
• 89. Air Force (5-2, 2-2 Mountain West)
• 88. Colorado (2-6, 0-5 Pac-12)
• 87. Western Kentucky (3-4, 1-3 Conference USA)
• 85. (tie) Navy (4-4)
• 85. (tie) Bowling Green (5-3, 3-1 Mid-American)
• 83. (tie) Western Michigan (5-3, 3-1 Mid-American)
• 83. (tie) Fresno State (3-5, 2-2 Mountain West)
• 82. Washington State (2-6, 1-4 Pac-12)
• 81. Purdue (3-5, 1-3 Big Ten)
• 80. Illinois (4-4, 1-3 Big Ten). The Fighting Illini won their first conference home game since 2011 with a 28-24 victory over Minnesota. Illinois forced three turnovers, with V'Angelo Bentley returning a fumble 12 yards for the game-winning score with 6:33 left. 
• 79. Texas Tech (3-5, 1-4 Big 12)
• 78. Northern Illinois (6-2, 3-1 Mid-American)
• 77. Temple (4-3, 2-2 American)
• 75. (tie) Michigan (3-5, 1-3 Big Ten)
• 75. (tie) Indiana (3-4, 0-3 Big Ten)
• 74. Louisiana-Lafayette (4-3, 3-0 Sun Belt)
• 73. Rice (4-3, 2-1 Conference USA)
• 72. Iowa State (2-5, 0-4 Big 12)
• 70. (tie) North Carolina State (4-4, 0-4 ACC)
• 70. (tie) Middle Tennessee (5-3, 4-1 Conference USA)
• 69. San Diego State (4-3, 3-1 Mountain West)
• 68. Syracuse (3-5, 1-3 ACC)
• 66. (tie) Rutgers (5-3, 1-3 American)
• 66. (tie) Arkansas State (4-3, 3-1 Sun Belt)
• 65. Texas (3-5, 2-3 Big 12)
• 64. Nevada (5-3, 2-2 Mountain West)
• 63. California (4-4, 2-4 Pac-12)
• 62. Georgia Southern (6-2, 5-0 Sun Belt). The Eagles ran for a Sun Belt-record 613 yards in a 69-31 win at Georgia State. Matt Breida ran for 201 yards and four touchdowns, while Kevin Ellison added 115 yards and a TD for Georgia Southern, which leads FBS in rushing offense at 400.4 yards per game. 
• 61. BYU (4-4)

Nos. 60-51

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With a defense that hasn't been able to make many stops, North Carolina coach Larry Fedora figured he needed to take some risks to ensure a second straight win. That's why he called for an onside kick despite having just taken the lead with 4:05 left, and the gamble paid off with a recovery that iced a 28-27 win at Virginia on Saturday.

"We just felt like if we could get it in that situation, that might be the thing that breaks their back," Fedora told Andrew Carter of the Raleigh News & Observer.

UNC has won two straight since dropping four in a row, and allowed a season-low in points after giving up 49.4 points per game over its last five.

• 60. Cincinnati (4-3, 2-1 American)
  
• 58. (tie) Pittsburgh (4-4, 2-2 ACC)
• 58. (tie) Northwestern (3-4, 2-2 Big Ten)
• 57. Toledo (5-3, 4-0 Mid-American)
• 55. (tie) Tennessee (3-5, 0-4 SEC)
• 55. (tie) Louisiana Tech (5-3, 4-0 Conference USA). The Bulldogs won their fifth straight game, getting 423 passing yards and three touchdowns from Cody Sokol in a 31-20 win at Southern Mississippi. Kenneth Dixon ran for a TD and caught two TD passes.
• 51. (tie) Virginia (4-4, 2-2 ACC)
• 51. (tie) Utah State (5-3, 2-1 Mountain West)
• 51. (tie) North Carolina (4-4, 2-2 ACC)
• 51. (tie) Houston (4-3, 2-1 American)

49. (tie) Penn State Nittany Lions

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Average rating: 52.0

Week 9 result: Lost 31-24 (in 2 OT) vs. Ohio State

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Maryland

Penn State (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten) rallied from a 17-0 halftime deficit to force overtime, but after taking a 24-17 lead to open the first frame couldn't keep the game going as Christian Hackenberg was sacked on fourth down in the second OT.

Hackenberg threw for 224 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions, running for his life all night as he was sacked five times. Penn State only had 16 rushing yards, but managed to tie things up thanks to a 40-yard interception return touchdown by Anthony Zettel and Hackenberg's 24-yard TD pass to Saeed Blacknall before Luke Ficken kicked a 31-yard field goal with nine seconds left.

The Lions have dropped three straight, scoring only 43 points in those games.

49. (tie) Memphis Tigers

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Average rating: 52.0

Week 9 result: Won 48-10 at SMU

Week 10 matchup: Oct. 31 vs. Tulsa

Memphis (4-3, 2-1 American) gained 582 yards in a dominant road win over SMU, with quarterback Paxton Lynch leading the way with 307 passing yards and a touchdown.

Brandon Hayes ran for 101 yards and a TD, while Jarvis Cooper had 93 rushing yards and two scores as the Tigers rushed for 230 yards.

The Tigers held SMU to 251 yards and forced two turnovers.

47. (tie) Oregon State Beavers

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Average rating: 49.5

Week 9 result: Lost 38-14 at Stanford

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. California

Oregon State (4-3, 1-3 Pac-12) lost its second straight game, managing only 221 yards that included just 12 on the ground.

The Beavers only got 122 passing yards from quarterback Sean Mannion, who sits 193 yards behind former USC quarterback Matt Barkley for the Pac-12 career passing record.

47. (tie) Kentucky Wildcats

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Average rating: 49.5

Week 9 result: Lost 45-31 vs. Mississippi State

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Missouri

Kentucky (5-3, 2-3 SEC) managed 504 yards, with 390 of that coming from quarterback Patrick Towles, but it couldn't ever get closer than within a touchdown in the second half against the nation's No. 1 team.

Towles completed 24-of-43 passing and three two TDs, and he added two rushing scores in accounting for 466 yards of total offense. But the Wildcats' defense couldn't make any stops, and after Towles scored with 2:31 left to pull Kentucky within 38-31 an onside kick attempt was instead returned by Mississippi State for a TD.

45. (tie) Florida Gators

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Average rating: 48.0

Week 9 result: Bye

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Georgia (in Jacksonville)

Florida (4-3, 2-3 SEC) comes out of the bye having lost three of four, the last game an embarrassing 42-13 home defeat to Missouri in which it only allowed 119 yards but saw its opponent score twice on defense and twice on special teams.

Now the Gators have to take on rival Georgia in the annual game in Jacksonville, looking for their first win in the series since 2010.

45. (tie) Boston College Eagles

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Average rating: 48.0

Week 9 result: Won 23-17 at Wake Forest

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Virginia Tech

Boston College (5-3, 2-2 ACC) jumped out to a 17-0 lead and led 23-3 early in the fourth quarter before holding on for its third win in as many tries this season on the road.

Jon Hilliman ran for 101 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Tyler Murphy had 242 yards of total offense and a passing TD. The Eagles held Wake Forest to 19 rushing yards, yet the Demon Deacons scored two late touchdowns and were driving before Justin Simmons intercepted a pass with 2:06 left.

44. Virginia Tech Hokies

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Average rating: 47.5

Week 9 result: Lost 30-6 vs. Miami (Florida)

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Boston College

Virginia Tech (4-4, 1-3 ACC) lost its second straight game with a woeful offensive performance, losing three fumbles and coming within 90 seconds of being shut out for the first time since 1995.

The Hokies managed only 262 yards, with backup quarterback Mark Leal's touchdown pass to Isaiah Ford extending their streak without being shut out to 251 games. Tech's defense was run over to the tune of 364 rushing yards, 249 from Duke Johnson.

43. Arkansas Razorbacks

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Average rating: 45.0

Week 9 result: Won 45-17 vs. UAB

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Mississippi State

Arkansas (4-4, 0-4 SEC) romped in a nonconference game against the outmanned Blazers, rushing for 273 yards and getting a touchdown pass from the unlikeliest of combos on a trick play.

Offensive lineman Sebastian Tretola threw a 6-yard TD pass to long snapper Alan D'Appollonio on a fake field goal to give the Razorbacks a 28-0 lead midway through the second quarter. Arkansas led 38-0, with Jonathan Williams rushing for 153 yards and a TD and adding a receiving score.

42. Washington Huskies

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Average rating: 43.5

Week 9 result: Lost 24-10 vs. Arizona State

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Colorado

Washington (5-3, 1-3 Pac-12) rallied from a 10-0 deficit, holding down Arizona State's potent offense, but after falling behind with three minutes left couldn't come back once more. Instead, freshman quarterback Troy Williams was intercepted and ASU returned the pick for a touchdown in the final minute of play.

Williams, making his first start with Cyler Miles recovering from a concussion, threw for 139 yards with two interceptions on 18-of-26 passing. The Huskies only had three points on offense, getting its touchdown on an interception return by John Timu for their sixth defensive TD this season.

41. UCF Knights

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Average rating: 42.5

Week 9 result: Won 34-14 vs. Temple

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Connecticut

UCF (5-2, 3-0 American) won for the fifth time in a row, getting a season-high 466 yards and its most points against an FBS opponent this year.

Justin Holman threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns, with William Stanback rushing for 94 yards and two scores. The Knights forced four turnovers and held Temple to 182 yards.

40. Maryland Terrapins

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Average rating: 42.0

Week 9 result: Lost 52-7 at Wisconsin

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Penn State

Maryland (5-3, 2-2 Big Ten) were within a minute of getting shut out for the first time since last October, finishing with only 175 yards in its worst performance of the season.

The Terrapins only ran for 46 yards, while they gave up 311 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground to Wisconsin. Maryland came into the game averaging 35.2 points and 402.3 yards per game.

38. (tie) Oklahoma State Cowboys

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Average rating: 37.67

Week 9 result: Lost 34-10 vs. West Virginia

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Kansas State

Oklahoma State (5-3, 3-2 Big 12) lost its second straight, seeing its offense disappear again after averaging more than 37 points per game during a 5-1 start.

Daxx Garman was intercepted twice, seeing one of those picks returned for a touchdown, and after pulling to within 17-10 never scored again. Garman was 21-of-41 for 242 yards, and in his last three games is just 48-of-97 for 535 yards with two TDs and five interceptions.

38. (tie) Minnesota Golden Gophers

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Average rating: 37.67

Week 9 result: Lost 28-24 at Illinois

Week 10 matchup: Bye

Minnesota (6-2, 3-1 Big Ten) saw its four-game win streak end when running back David Cobb was stripped in the fourth quarter, a fumble that Illinois returned for the go-ahead touchdown with 6:33 left.

Cobb ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns, but his fumble was one of three turnovers for the Golden Gophers, who had rallied for a 21-10 deficit before losing the lead late. Mitch Leidner added 240 passing yards and a TD, and Minnesota held Illinois to 263 yards.

37. South Carolina Gamecocks

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Average rating: 36.5

Week 9 result: Lost 42-35 at Auburn

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Tennessee

South Carolina (4-4, 2-4 SEC) had one of its most spirited performances in this disappointing season, matching Auburn score for score on the road but failing to get the fourth-quarter equalizer as Dylan Thompson was intercepted in the end zone twice down the stretch.

Thompson threw for 402 yards and five touchdowns on 29-of-50 passing, but he was picked off three times. Pharoah Cooper had 127 receiving yards and two TDs, while Mike Davis had 173 yards of total offense and a TD catch.

The Gamecocks led three different times in the first half, then in the second half forced ties at 28 and 35 and finished with 535 yards of total offense.

36. Iowa Hawkeyes

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Average rating: 34.5

Week 9 result: Bye

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Northwestern

Iowa (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) was off last week, recovering from a 38-31 loss at Maryland that knocked it out of first in the West Division. The Hawkeyes return to action a half-game out of first place as it returns to action for their only home game during a six-week span.

Mark Weisman has rushed for 10 touchdowns despite averaging only 3.8 yards per carry, while Jake Rudock has added nine passing TDs.

35. Miami (Florida) Hurricanes

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Average rating: 33.5

Week 9 result: Won 30-6 at Virginia Tech

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. North Carolina

Miami (5-3, 2-2 ACC) got a mammoth performance from Duke Johnson, while its defense forced turnovers to post a huge road win to keep the Hurricanes in the hunt for the Coastal Division title.

Johnson ran for 249 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in a 22-yard TD pass just before halftime. The junior running back, who broke his ankle midway through last season, is up to a career-best 1,036 rushing yards and has 100-plus on the ground in four straight games.

The Hurricanes recovered three Virginia Tech fumbles and held the Hokies to 262 yards and a touchdown in the final minutes.

34. Boise State Broncos

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Average rating: 33.38

Week 9 result: Won 55-30 vs. BYU

Week 10 matchup: Bye

Boise State (6-2, 3-1 Mountain West) posted a season high in points for its third straight win, romping over BYU in a nonconference game on Friday night.

Grant Hedrick threw his 11th interception of the season but also had 410 yards and four touchdowns on 24-of-31 passing, along with a rushing TD. Jay Ajayi added 118 rushing yards and two TDs.

The Broncos held BYU to 63 rushing yards.

33. Colorado State Rams

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Average rating: 32.8

Week 9 result: Won 45-31 vs. Wyoming

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at San Jose State

Colorado State (7-1, 3-1 Mountain West) won its sixth straight game behind 390 passing yards and five touchdowns from quarterback Garrett Grayson to knock off its rival.

Grayson completed 18 of 21 passes, connecting with Rashard Higgins twice for TDs. Higgins had 174 yards on five catches, his fourth straight game with at least 170 receiving yards.

32. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

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Average rating: 32.5

Week 9 result: Won 56-28 at Pittsburgh

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Virginia

Georgia Tech (6-2, 3-2 ACC) ended a two-game losing streak in dominant fashion, capitalizing on five Pittsburgh fumbles on its first five drives to build a 28-0 lead and never look back.

The Yellow Jackets ran for 465 yards and totaled 612 overall, with quarterback Justin Thomas accounting for 237 yards of total offense. Georgia Tech ranks fourth in the country in rushing, at 326.1 yards per game.

Tech allowed 526 yards but had six takeaways.

31. Stanford Cardinal

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Average rating: 29.7

Week 9 result: Won 38-14 vs. Oregon State

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Oregon

Stanford (5-3, 3-2 Pac-12) had arguably its best offensive performance of the season, getting 277 passing yards and three total touchdowns from quarterback Kevin Hogan as well as a punt return score from all-purpose star Ty Montgomery.

The Cardinal finished with 438 yards, and its 38 points were the most this year against an FBS opponent. Montgomery had 147 all-purpose yards.

Stanford's defense remained stout, holding Sean Mannion to 122 passing yards while allowing only 12 rushing yards to the Beavers thanks to six sacks.

30. Missouri Tigers

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Average rating: 29.6

Week 9 result: Won 24-14 vs. Vanderbilt

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Kentucky

Missouri (6-2, 3-1 SEC) got two touchdown passes from struggling quarterback Maty Mauk, while its defense held Vanderbilt to 240 yards to remain in the hunt for the East Division top spot.

Mauk completed 11 of 23 passes for 141 yards, a vast improvement off his 6-of-18, 20-yard effort the previous game, but over his last four starts he's averaged only 97.5 passing yards per game with two TDs and five interceptions.

The Tigers ran for 244 yards, with Marcus Murphy rushing for 93 yards and Russell Hansbrough gaining 87 yards with a TD.

29. Louisville Cardinals

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Average rating: 29.3

Week 9 result: Bye

Week 10 matchup: Oct. 30 vs. Florida State

Louisville (6-2, 4-2 ACC) got a key offensive player back before the bye week, and the return of wide receiver Devante Parker from injury and a punishing defense could be primed to pull an upset Thursday against visiting Florida State.

Parker, who missed the first seven games, had nine catches for 132 yards in the Cardinals' 30-18 win over North Carolina State on Oct. 18. That put him fifth in yardage on the team as Louisville has struggled to pass the ball.

Where the Cardinals have not had trouble is on defense, as it ranks first nationally in yards allowed and fourth in scoring.

28. Texas A&M Aggies

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Average rating: 28.67

Week 9 result: Bye

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Louisiana-Monroe

Texas A&M (5-3, 2-3 SEC) comes out of the bye week riding a three-game losing streak, but that should end this Saturday with a nonconference home game against a struggling Sun Belt team.

Kenny Hill has seen his production fall off drastically since a hot start, with only 138 passing yards and his first touchdown-less game last time out in the 59-0 loss at Alabama. Hill is still sixth nationally in passing yards, with 2,649, along with 23 TDs.

The Aggies' defense has been torched the last month, giving up 42.5 points per game over the last four outings.

27. USC Trojans

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Average rating: 27.4

Week 9 result: Lost 24-21 at Utah

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Washington State

USC (5-3, 4-2 Pac-12) gave up the winning touchdown with eight seconds left, the second time in its last four games it has lost a fourth-quarter lead.

The Trojans had taken a 21-17 lead on Darreus Rogers' 4-yard TD catch from Cody Kessler with 10:18 left, but when trying to run out the clock later in the fourth quarter Javorius Allen stepped out of bounds on a pitch run on fourth down when they were in field goal range. Utah went down and scored on the following possession.

Kessler threw for 264 yards and two TDs with an interception on 24-of-32 passing, while Allen had 101 rushing yards. USC also got a 100-yard kickoff return TD from Adoree Jackson.

26. Wisconsin Badgers

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Average rating: 25.7

Week 9 result: Won 52-7 vs.Maryland

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Rutgers

Wisconsin (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) ran for 311 yards, led by Melvin Gordon's 122 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and the Badgers were able to have both of their quarterbacks contribute to the passing game in a blowout home win over Maryland.

Joel Stave threw for 155 yards and two TDs, while Tanner McEvoy added 44 passing yards and 84 rushing yards with a rushing score. Corey Clement had 90 rushing yards and a TD, and Wisconsin now averages 338.4 rushing yards per game to rank third nationally.

The Badgers held Maryland to 175 yards.

24. (tie) UCLA Bruins

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Average rating: 25.6

Week 9 result: Won 40-37 (in 2 OT) at Colorado

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Arizona

UCLA (6-2, 3-2 Pac-12) had to save the day once again, scoring on an 8-yard touchdown run in the second overtime to give the Bruins their fifth victory by eight or fewer points.

Hundley ran for 110 yards to go with 200 passing yards and a score, while Paul Perkins ran for 180 yards and two TDs. The Bruins led 31-14 after three quarters before giving up 17 straight points to Colorado to force OT.

The Bruins ran for 309 yards but also allowed 500 yards of total offense to the Buffaloes.

24. (tie) Duke Blue Devils

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Average rating: 25.6

Week 9 result: Bye

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Pittsburgh

Duke (6-1, 2-1 ACC) went from being in a three-way tie for the Coastal Division lead to being all alone in first place while on a bye, thanks to home losses by Virginia and Pittsburgh. The Blue Devils now head into a critical two-game road trip before finishing the regular season with three straight road games.

The emergence of backup quarterback Thomas Sirk as a change of pace on offense has boosted Duke's offense, while defensively it's been solid all year and allows just 15.1 points per game.

23. Marshall Thundering Herd

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Average rating: 25.4

Week 9 result: Won 35-16 vs. Florida Atlantic

Week 10 matchup: Bye

Marshall (8-0, 4-0 Conference USA) trailed 16-14 at the half and finished with its lowest point total of the season, but Devon Johnson fueled a second-half rally to keep the Thundering Herd unbeaten and in the running for a major bowl bid.

Johnson ran for a school-record 272 yards and four touchdowns, with three of his scores going for at least 58 yards. Rakeem Cato added 218 passing yards and a TD, extending his FBS record for consecutive games with a TD pass to 40 yards.

The Herd had scored at least 42 points in every game this season, and rank third in the nation at 45.9 points per game.

22. East Carolina Pirates

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Average rating: 23.4

Week 9 result: Won 31-21 vs. Connecticut

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Temple

East Carolina (6-1, 3-0 American) had a mostly unimpressive performance in holding off a Connecticut team that hasn't beat an FBS opponent this season, blowing a 14-0 lead and needing 10 points in the fourth quarter to avoid the upset.

Shane Carden threw for 445 yards and two touchdowns, with Justin Hardy catching 14 balls for 186 yards to move into second place on the FBS career receptions list with 327. Breon Allen added two rushing TDs, but the Pirates allowed 303 passing yards and two long TD passes by Chandler Whitmer.

With the first College Football Playoff standings coming out Tuesday, East Carolina's shot at earning the Group of Five bid to a high-tier bowl game took a reputation hit.

21. West Virginia Mountaineers

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Average rating: 21.2

Week 9 result: Won 34-10 at Oklahoma State

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. TCU

West Virginia (6-2, 4-1 Big 12) jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead on a pair of touchdown passes by Clint Trickett, then rushing and defense paced the rest of the way to a fourth straight victory.

Trickett threw for a season-low 238 yards but did his damage early, hitting Kevin White on a 19-yard score and then connecting with Mario Alford for a 79-yard TD in the first six minutes. Wendell Smallwood ran for 132 yards and Dreamius Smith had a 40-yard TD run.

The Mountaineers intercepted Daxx Garman twice, one of those getting brought back 52 yards by Dravon Henry for a fourth-quarter TD.

20. Clemson Tigers

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Average rating: 20.6

Week 9 result: Won 16-6 vs.Syracuse

Week 10 matchup: Bye

Clemson (6-2, 5-1 ACC) won its fifth straight game, the last four fueled by its defense, overcoming four turnovers to hold off visiting Syracuse.

The Tigers gained 375 yards but were held back by two interceptions and a fumble from quarterback Cole Stoudt, though Stoudt did hit Stanton Seckinger for a 19-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter after the teams had combined for five field goals before that.

Ammon Lakip converted on kicks from 38, 18 and 41 yards, and Wayne Gallman ran for 101 yards. Clemson's defense held Syracuse to 170 yards, with Orange quarterback AJ Long managing only 82 yards on 12-of-27 passing with two interceptions.

19. Utah Utes

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Average rating: 19.4

Week 9 result: Won 24-21 vs. USC

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Arizona State

Utah (6-1, 3-1 Pac-12) got a 1-yard touchdown pass from Travis Wilson to Kaelin Clay with eight seconds left to claim a back-and-forth clash with USC, earning the Utes their most significant win in four seasons since joining the conference.

Wilson had nearly scored two plays earlier when he scrambled 19 yards but was knocked out of bounds just short of the goal line. The play typified his gung-ho style, as the quarterback who has suffered head injuries threw himself toward the pylon but then found Clay with the perfect wide-open throw for the game-winner.

The Utes got a defensive touchdown less than a minute into the game, then sputtered offensively until Devontae Booker scored on a 24-yard run late in the third quarter. They allowed a kickoff return TD, but the defense forced two turnovers and held USC to 100 rushing yards.

It was Utah's third straight win since a shocking 28-27 home loss to Washington State, a game it led 24-7 at halftime and one that has mostly kept this team out of consideration for the College Football Playoff until now.

"If only the Utes had remained conscious in the fourth quarter against WSU, they’d be smack in the middle of the playoff chase," wrote Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News.

17. (tie) Oklahoma Sooners

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Average rating: 17.2

Week 9 result: Bye

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Iowa State

Oklahoma (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) lost two of three before the bye week, the last game resulting in a 31-30 home loss to Kansas State where its kicking game fell apart late.

The Sooners face three of the bottom four teams in the conference over the next four weeks, a stretch that also includes a visit from Baylor. Their offense is averaging 39 points and 458 yards per game, but despite the overall success they rank tied for 67th nationally with a 40 percent success rate on third down.

17. (tie) Arizona Wildcats

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Average rating: 17.2

Week 9 result: Won 59-37 at Washington State

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at UCLA

Arizona (6-1, 3-1 Pac-12) leaped out to a 31-0 lead and held a 36-point advantage after three quarters in its first game since losing at home to USC.

DaVonte' Neal returned a punt 81 yards for a TD in the first minute of play, then he added a two-yard TD catch as part of the Wildcats' 24-point first quarter. Quarterback Anu Solomon threw for 294 yards and five TDs to five different players, while Terris Jones-Grigsby added 107 rushing yards and receiver Cayleb Jones scored on a reception and an onside kick attempt.

Arizona's burst early helped negate a 489-yard, four-TD passing effort by Washington State's Connor Halliday, but it did intercept Halliday twice while linebacker Scooby Wright forced three fumbles and had three sacks.

16. Nebraska Cornhuskers

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Average rating: 16.6

Week 9 result: Won 42-24 vs. Rutgers

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs.Purdue

Nebraska (7-1, 3-1 Big Ten) dominated behind Ameer Abdullah's record-setting afternoon, leading 28-7 early in the second half,

Abdullah ran for 225 yards and three touchdowns, and finished with 341 all-purpose yards to set the Cornhuskers' single-game record. The FBS leader with 1,249 rushing yards, Abdullah has scored 19 TDs this season and leads the nation with 211.3 all-purpose yards per game.

Tommy Armstrong Jr. threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score as Nebraska topped 40 points for the fifth time in 2014.

15. LSU Tigers

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Average rating: 16.0

Week 9 result: Won 10-7 vs. Ole Miss

Week 10 matchup: Bye

LSU (7-2, 3-2 SEC) pulled out an emotional victory that was wholly dedicated to coach Les Miles, a game played less than 24 hours after Miles' mother passed away.

Held to only a field goal on their first 10 possessions, four of which ended with turnovers, the Tigers churned out a 13-play, 95-yard drive that featured 12 straight runs before Anthony Jennings hit Logan Stokes for a 3-yard touchdown pass with 5:07 left.

Leonard Fournette was a beast on that drive, and finished with 113 yards on 23 carries while having his face mask torn off during one run.

"The coaching staff said they are going to put the ball in the running backs' hands," Fournette, a true freshman, told the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com). "It was our duty and our job to make it happen. They gave it to me and it was the end of the story."

With the lead, LSU's defense took over, first stuffing Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace on a 4th-and-short, then later sealing the victory when Ronald Martin intercepted an ill-advised pass near the goal line with two seconds left.

14. Arizona State Sun Devils

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Average rating: 15.6

Week 9 result: Won 24-10 at Washington

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Utah

Arizona State (6-1, 4-1 Pac-12) had another solid defensive performance and got two touchdown passes from quarterback Taylor Kelly in his return from a foot injury for its third straight win since a 35-point home loss to UCLA.

Kelly threw for 180 yards with an interception on 14-of-25 passing, hitting Gary Chambers for a 7-yard TD pass with three minutes left just before taking a hit to the head that knocked him out of the game. Kelly hadn't played since Sept. 13.

The Sun Devils were outgained 290-285, but held its opponent to 10 points for the second straight game and iced the win on Armand Perry's 61-yard interception return TD in the final minute. Since allowing 62 points to UCLA, ASU has yielded a combined 54 points in three games.

13. Ohio State Buckeyes

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Average rating: 13.2

Week 9 result: Won 31-24 (in 2 OT) at Penn State

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Illinois

Ohio State (6-1, 3-0 Big Ten) got an off passing night freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett, but he made up for it by rushing for both of the Buckeyes' touchdowns in overtime. Then OSU's defense came up huge in critical moments including a fourth-down sack by Joey Bosa in the second overtime.

Barrett—who suffered a sprained MCL in his knee and will be limited this week, according to Ari Wasserman of the Northeast Ohio Media Group—threw for only 74 yards with a TD and two interceptions, but his OT runs proved to be the difference. Ezekiel Elliott added 109 rushing yards, but OSU only gained 293 on the night.

Bosa had 2.5 sacks and six tackles in the game, with the Buckeyes getting to Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg five times and holding the Nittany Lions to 16 rushing yards. However, OSU led 17-0 at halftime but didn't score again until after regulation ended.

12. Kansas State Wildcats

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Average rating: 11.4

Week 9 result: Won 23-0 vs. Texas

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Oklahoma State

Kansas State (6-1, 4-0 Big 12) had its defense step up with Texas limiting the Wildcats' attack, posting its first shutout in 11 years.

The Wildcats held Texas to 196 yards of total offense, while they had 367 including 224 passing yards from Jake Waters. Charles Jones and DeMarcus Robinson scored on short rushing touchdowns, while kicker Matthew McCrane nailed all three of his field goal tries.

K-State moved up to 20th nationally in total defense at 329.7 yards per game, while its rush defense is eighth-best at 99.3 yards per game.

11. Baylor Bears

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Average rating: 10.6

Week 9 result: Bye

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Kansas

Baylor (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) was off last weekend, using the time off to regroup from a 14-point loss at West Virginia that knocked it from the ranks of the unbeatens.

Despite not playing, the Bears dropped to second in scoring offense at 49 points per game, but they remain No. 1 overall in total offense at 579 yards per outing. They'll have a good chance to stay at or near the top of both of those categories with last-place Kansas coming into Waco.

Bryce Petty has thrown for 1,757 yards and 17 touchdowns, but he's coming off a 16-of-36 passing performance in the loss to West Virginia.

10. TCU Horned Frogs

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Average rating: 10.0

Week 9 result: Won 82-27 vs. Texas Tech

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at West Virginia

TCU (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) set fire to its own record book with a massive display of offense, gaining 785 yards with quarterback Trevone Boykin throwing for a school-record seven touchdowns in a total destruction of Texas Tech.

Boykin completed 22-of-39 passes for 433 yards and the seven scores, giving him 2,306 yards and 21 TDs with only three interceptions. Though his completion rate of 58.7 percent is down from last season—when he also played running back and receiver—Boykin is deserving of serious Heisman consideration as the poster boy for the Horned Frogs' return to prominence, according to Chip Patterson of CBS Sports:

"

When Sonny Cumbie and Doug Meachem were hired to jump-start a struggling offense this past offseason, few expected Boykin, the starter for some of those struggles, to keep his job. The Big 12 doesn't give out a "Most Improved" award for football, but if Boykin keeps up this level of play, he will be in the mix for Offensive Player of the Year for sure.

"

The 82 points were the most by one FBS team against another since Wisconsin dropped 83 on Indiana in 2010. Aaron Green and Trevorris Johnson each ran for 105 yards, and both Josh Doctson and Deante' Gray caught two TD passes.

9. Georgia Bulldogs

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Average rating: 8.0

Week 9 result: Bye

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Florida (in Jacksonville)

Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC) had the bye week to rest up and prepare for the annual World's Largest Cocktail Party game with Florida, and it brings with it a five-game win streak that's included two shutout victories and great team rushing.

With Todd Gurley missing the last two games while suspended for alleged NCAA violations, Georgia has still managed to churn out plenty of rushing yards thanks to freshman Nick Chubb. Chubb ran for a combined 345 yards in road wins at Missouri and Arkansas, and for the season the Bulldogs are 15th nationally at 265.9 yards per game on the ground.

Georgia's defense ranks 16th overall, at 320.6 yards per game.

8. Michigan State Spartans

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Average rating: 7.2

Week 9 result: Won 35-11 vs.Michigan

Week 10 matchup: Bye

Michigan State (7-1, 4-0 Big Ten) dominated rival Michigan to win for the six time in their last seven meetings while also claiming its fourth sixth victory this season.

Jeremy Langford ran for 177 yards and three touchdowns, his fifth consecutive 100-yard rushing game and the second straight game he's rushing for three TDs. That included a 5-yard scoring run with 28 seconds left, rubbing it in against the Wolverines as retaliation for the visitors planting a stake into the turf before the game.

It also came not long after Michigan had its first offensive touchdown against MSU since 2011. The Spartans held the Wolverines to only 186 yards, including 61 on the ground, a year after limiting them to minus-48 rushing yards in a 29-6 win.

Connor Cook threw for 227 yards and a TD, and RJ Williams scored on a 29-yard interception return TD.

7. Ole Miss Rebels

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Average rating: 7.0

Week 9 result: Lost 10-7 at LSU

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Auburn

Ole Miss (7-1, 4-1 SEC) saw its great run finally hit a bump, despite another stellar defensive performance, as its own mistakes down the stretch prevented a victory in Death Valley.

The Rebels got a 15-yard touchdown pass from Bo Wallace to Cody Core with seven seconds left in the first quarter, and then pretty much nothing else. They finished with 313 yards, with Wallace completing only 14 of 33 passes that included a crushing interception with two seconds left when Ole Miss decided to run one more play instead of attempt a potential tying 47-yard field goal.

Dan Wolken of USA Today wrote that Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze botched the final drive, first causing a delay of game penalty that moved the ball back five yards, then hoping Wallace would follow directions.

"Bo Wallace going off-script on the final play doesn't speak real well of him or the head coach whose instructions to throw a quick pass to the sideline or throw it away were clearly ignored," Wolken wrote.

Ole Miss' defense forced four turnovers, including two interceptions, but allowed 264 rushing yards and got beat up by LSU on the game-winning 95-yard drive. The Tigers ran it 12 times for 92 yards, then scored on a 3-yard pass set up by play action.

5. (tie) Oregon Ducks

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Average rating: 6.8

Week 9 result: Won 59-41 at California

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Stanford

Oregon (7-1, 4-1 Pac-12) has its offense running at full strength again, as it gained 590 yards and scored its most points since the season opener in a game played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. But while the Ducks are once again showing they're capable of moving the ball at will, their defense remains a liability.

"There's a bunch of guys in that locker room that are disappointed that the margin wasn't different," Oregon coach Mark Helfrich told Stewart Mandel of Fox Sports., referring to the 41 points and 560 yards Oregon allowed to California. "That's a great thing, but it's also a frustrating thing."

Oregon ranks eighth in FBS in total offense, but its defense ranks 108th. That's why, despite Marcus Mariota throwing five touchdown passes and Royce Freeman running for 112 yards and two TDs it never really felt comfortable against Cal on Friday. The Ducks now face a critical back-to-back stretch, first against nemesis Stanford and then at rising Utah.

5. (tie) Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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Average rating: 6.8

Week 9 result: Bye

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs. Navy (in Washington, D.C.)

Notre Dame (6-1) was a late penalty away from knocking off defending national champ Florida State last time out, but now after a bye week has to take on Navy and its potent option run game at FedEx Field in Washington, D.C.

The Fighting Irish are 12th in rushing defense, at 101.9 yards per game, but that unit will be tested by a Navy team that averages 352.3 yards per game on the ground.

Everett Golson has had a productive season at quarterback, with 2,235 yards of total offense and 23 touchdowns, but he's also turned it over 11 times in the past four games.

3. (tie) Florida State Seminoles

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Average rating: 4.2

Week 9 result: Bye

Week 10 matchup: Oct. 30 at Louisville

Florida State (7-0, 4-0 ACC) was off last week after its thrilling win over Notre Dame the Saturday before, and now the defending national champions take their 23-game win streak onto the road for a tough weeknight matchup with Louisville.

The Seminoles have endured plenty of off-the-field turmoil this season, the latest enveloping running back Karlos Williams. The senior, who has seven rushing touchdowns, is being investigated for an alleged domestic battery incident.

Reigning Heisman trophy winner Jameis Winston, himself embroiled in plenty of off-field controversy, is putting up numbers better than in 2013. Where FSU isn't faring nearly as well as last season is in the run game and on defense.

3. (tie) Auburn Tigers

USA TODAY Sports

Average rating: 4.2

Week 9 result: Won 42-35 vs. South Carolina

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 at Ole Miss

Auburn (6-1, 3-1 SEC) ended the first half and opened the third quarter with touchdowns on consecutive possessions in what was otherwise a back-and-forth game that featured five ties.

Nick Marshall's 9-yard TD run with 11:22 left was the final margin, and Jonathan Jones had two interceptions in the end zone in the fourth quarter (including one on a Hail Mary) to give the Tigers their FBS-leading 13th straight home win.

Marshall had three rushing TDs and threw for 139 yards and a score, while Cameron Artis-Payne ran for 167 yards and a score and receiver Ricardo Louis scored on a 75-yard run. The Tigers ran for 395 yards, raising their season rushing average to 281 yards per game, 10th-best in the country.

Auburn forced three turnovers but allowed 535 yards and now must travel to an Ole Miss team coming off its first loss of the season.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

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Average rating: 3.0

Week 9 result: Won 34-20 at Tennessee

Week 10 matchup: Bye

Alabama (7-1, 4-1 SEC) made any chance of a Tennessee upset seem impossible after jumping out to a 27-0 lead, with receiver Amari Cooper setting a single-game school record with 224 yards in the victory.

Cooper had 185 yards and both of his touchdowns in the first quarter, when the Crimson Tide scored 20 points. Blake Sims ran for a 28-yard TD early in the second quarter, and Derrick Henry added a long TD run late in the third quarter after Tennessee scored 17 straight points to make a game of it.

Alabama got 286 passing yards from Sims, and gained 469 yards despite two turnovers. It was Cooper's second 200-yard game of the season, and he's now second in FBS with 1,132 yards to go with nine TDs.

1. Mississippi State Bulldogs

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Average rating: 1.6

Week 9 result: Won 45-31 at Kentucky

Week 10 matchup: Nov. 1 vs.Arkansas

Mississippi State (7-0, 4-0 SEC) came out victorious in its first-ever game as the top-ranked team in the nation, though it wasn't easy against a scrappy Kentucky team that kept things close throughout.

The Bulldogs never trailed, and after breaking a 7-7 tie late in the first quarter held the lead the rest of the way, but it wasn't until Christian Holmes returned an onside kick attempt 61 yards for a touchdown with 2:22 left was the win locked up. MSU allowed 504 yards, the third time it's given up more than 500 yards this season, including 401 passing yards.

Dak Prescott didn't have his best game, completing 18-of-33 passes for 216 yards and a TD along with two rushing TDs, but thanks to Josh Robinson blasting his way to a career-high 198 rushing yards and two scores he didn't have to. The Bulldogs ran for 326 yards, and now are up to 13th in rushing offense at 273.1 yards per game.

MSU will now get its last light stretch of the schedule, hosting Arkansas and FCS UT-Martin before finishing with road games against Alabama and Ole Miss in its final three.

All statistical information courtesy of CFBStats.com.

Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.