College Football Rankings 2015: Power Ranking All 128 Teams for Week 7
Week 6 of the 2015 college football season didn't provide many upsets, at least not among the top teams, but it's not just wins and losses that lead to changes in how the power rankings come together each week.
Unimpressive wins can do just as much damage as a defeat, while a narrow loss can actually improve a team's resume by showing it can hang close when it was given no shot to compete.
Bleacher Report's power rankings are comprised of an average of five sources: B/R's weekly Top 25, the Associated Press Top 25, the Amway Coaches Poll, ratings guru Jeff Sagarin's computer rankings and the author's personal rankings for every FBS school. The top 50 teams are broken down individually, while the rest of the 128 FBS teams are summarized in a few easy-to-digest chunks.
Check out where everyone ranks after six weeks, and then give us your thoughts in the comments section.
Nos. 128-91
1 of 53
A bad season got even worse for North Texas on Saturday when it was blown out 66-7 at home by FCS school Portland State. That was the final straw for coach Dan McCarney, who was fired immediately after the game.
McCarney was 22-32 in four-plus seasons with the Mean Green, going 9-4 in 2013 with a win over UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. The 62-year-old also went 56-85 in 12 seasons at Iowa State, where he's the all-time leader in wins and losses.
- 128. North Texas Mean Green (0-5, 0-2 Conference USA)
- 127. Charlotte 49ers (2-3, 0-2 Conference USA)
- 126. Georgia State Panthers (1-4, 1-1 Sun Belt)
- 125. New Mexico State Aggies (0-5, 0-1 Sun Belt)
- 124. Wyoming Cowboys (0-6, 0-2 Mountain West)
- 123. Miami, Ohio, RedHawks (1-5, 0-2 Mid-American)
- 121. (tie) Idaho Vandals (1-4, 0-2 Sun Belt)
- 121. (tie) Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-5, 0-2 Mid-American)
- 120. UTEP Miners (2-4, 0-2 Conference USA)
- 119. Old Dominion Monarchs (2-3, 0-1 Conference USA)
- 118. Kansas Jayhawks (0-5, 0-2 Big 12)
- 117. Texas State (1-4, 0-1 Sun Belt)
- 116. UCF Knights (0-6, 0-2 American)
- 115. Fresno State Bulldogs (1-5, 0-3 Mountain West)
- 114. Tulane Green Wave (2-3, 1-1 American)
- 112. (tie) Kent State Golden Flashes (2-4, 1-1 Mid-American)
- 112. (tie) Florida Atlantic Owls (1-4, 1-1 Conference USA)
- 111. Massachusetts Minutemen (1-4, 0-1 Mid-American)
- 110. SMU Mustangs (1-5, 0-2 American)
- 109. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (2-4, 0-2 Mountain West)
- 108. Army Black Knights (1-5)
- 106. (tie) UTSA Roadrunners (1-5, 1-1 Conference USA)
- 106. (tie) South Alabama Jaguars (3-2, 1-0 Sun Belt)
- 105. Troy Trojans (1-4, 0-1 Sun Belt)
- 104. Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (1-4, 0-1 Sun Belt)
- 103. New Mexico Lobos (3-3, 1-1 Mountain West)
- 102. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (2-3, 1-0 Sun Belt)
- 101. Ball State Cardinals (2-4, 1-2 Mid-American)
- 100. Rice Owls (3-3, 2-1 Conference USA)
- 99. Purdue Boilermakers (1-5, 0-2 Big Ten)
- 98. Buffalo Bulls (2-3, 0-1 Mid-American)
- 97. UNLV Runnin' Rebels (2-4, 1-1 Mountain West)
- 96. Arkansas State Red Wolves (2-3, 1-0 Sun Belt)
- 95. Florida International Golden Panthers (3-3, 1-1 Conference USA)
- 93. (tie) Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (3-3, 1-1 Conference USA)
- 93. (tie) Akron Zips (3-3, 1-1 Mid-American)
- 92. Colorado State Rams (2-4, 0-2 Mountain West)
- 91. San Diego State Aztecs (3-3, 2-0 Mountain West)
Nos. 90-61
2 of 53
Luke Falk threw for 505 yards and five touchdowns, including a four-yard TD pass to Robert Lewis in the second overtime of Washington State's 45-38 win at Oregon on Saturday. The Cougars won in Eugene for the first time since 2003.
In a far less prolific game, Wake Forest scored a 3-0 win at Boston College after stuffing the host Eagles just short of the goal line before time expired. According to Joe Giglio of the News & Observer, that makes the Demon Deacons 2-1 under second-year coach Dave Clawson in ACC games in which they don't score a touchdown and 0-8 in those in which they get into the end zone.
- 89. (tie) Western Michigan Broncos (2-3, 1-0 Mid-American)
- 89. (tie) South Florida Bulls (2-3, 0-1 American)
- 88. Central Michigan Chippewas (2-4, 1-1 Mid-American)
- 87. Connecticut (3-3, 1-1 American)
- 86. Oregon State Beavers (2-3, 0-2 Pac-12)
- 85. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten)
- 83. (tie) Virginia Cavaliers (1-4, 0-1 ACC)
- 83. (tie) Nevada Wolf Pack (3-3, 1-1 Mountain West)
- 81. (tie) Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3-2, 0-1 American)
- 81. (tie) Maryland Terrapins (2-4, 0-2 Big Ten)
- 80. Colorado Buffaloes (3-3, 0-2 Pac-12)
- 79. San Jose State Spartans (3-3, 2-1 Mountain West)
- 78. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (2-4, 1-1 Conference USA)
- 77. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-3, 1-2 ACC)
- 76. Iowa State Cyclones (2-3, 1-1 Big 12)
- 75. Syracuse Orange (3-2, 1-0 ACC)
- 73. (tie) Vanderbilt Commodores (2-3, 0-2 SEC)
- 73. (tie) South Carolina Gamecocks (2-4, 0-4 SEC)
- 72. Northern Illinois Huskies (3-3, 1-1 Mid-American)
- 71. Air Force Falcons (3-2, 2-0 Mountain West)
- 70. Ohio Bobcats (5-1, 2-0 Mid-American)
- 69. Boston College (3-3, 0-3 ACC)
- 68. East Carolina Pirates (3-3, 1-1 American)
- 67. Washington State Cougars (3-2, 1-1 Pac-12)
- 66. Indiana Hoosiers (4-2, 0-2 Big Ten)
- 65. Marshall Thundering Herd (5-1, 2-0 Conference USA)
- 64. Cincinnati Bearcats (3-2,0-2 American)
- 63. Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-4, 0-2 Big Ten)
- 62. Georgia Southern Eagles (4-1, 2-0 Sun Belt)
- 61. Appalachian State Mountaineers (4-1, 1-0 Sun Belt)
Nos. 60-51
3 of 53
After getting blown out at TCU the week before to drop to 1-4 for the first time since 1956, Texas rebounded against its rival in a big way to get some heat off coach Charlie Strong.
The Longhorns scored a 24-17 win over Oklahoma on Saturday at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, getting 117 rushing yards from D'Onta Foreman and another 115 on the ground from quarterback Jerrod Heard.
- 59. (tie) Miami, Florida, Hurricanes (3-2, 0-1 ACC)
- 59. (tie) Bowling Green Falcons (4-2, 2-0 Mid-American)
- 58. Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten)
- 57. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (4-2, 2-1 Conference USA)
- 56. North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-2, 0-2 ACC)
- 55. Utah State Aggies (3-2, 2-0 Mountain West)
- 54. Illinois Fighting Illini (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten)
- 53. Arkansas Razorbacks (2-4, 1-2 SEC)
- 52. Texas Longhorns (2-4, 1-2 Big 12)
- 51. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-4, 0-3 ACC)
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50. Virginia Tech Hokies
4 of 53
Average rating: 50.5
Week 6 result: Won 28-13 vs. North Carolina State
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Miami (Florida)
Virginia Tech (3-3, 1-1 ACC) ended a two-game losing streak and won at home against an FBS team for just the third time in 11 games, avoiding its worst record after six games since 1992.
The Hokies defense has been strong since giving up 42 points and 574 yards in the opener against Ohio State, holding the last five opponents to 295 yards per game.
49. Missouri Tigers
5 of 53
Average rating: 47.5
Week 6 result: Lost 21-3 vs. Florida
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Georgia
The chances for Missouri (4-2, 1-2 SEC) to claim a third consecutive East Division title are on life support following its second conference loss, matching the total it had in the past two seasons. Furthering the difficulty is an offense that had 257 yards against Florida and ranks 122nd nationally at 311.5 yards per game.
After a solid first start, quarterback Drew Lock completed only 16 of 39 passes for 151 yards with two interceptions.
The offensive struggles have forced Missouri's 11th-ranked defense, which has 57 tackles for loss (second most in FBS), to carry the load.
48. Louisville Cardinals
6 of 53
Average rating: 46.0
Week 6 result: Bye
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Florida State
Louisville (2-3, 1-1 ACC) has won two straight since opening 0-3 for the first time in more than 30 years. The last time out the Cardinals won at previously unbeaten North Carolina State, getting its best defensive performance of the year against an FBS opponent while seeing freshman quarterback Lamar Jackson continue his upward climb.
Jackson had three games in which he's rushed for and thrown for at least 100 yards, and he's run for 305 yards and three TDs in Louisville's last two games.
47. Auburn Tigers
7 of 53
Average rating: 44.33
Week 6 result: Bye
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 15 at Kentucky
Auburn (3-2, 0-2 SEC) is off to its worst start in the conference since going winless during the ill-fated 2012 season that led to Gene Chizik getting fired and being replaced by Gus Malzahn. Though Malzahn took the Tigers to a BCS title game in that first year, that doesn't give him any safety net since Chizik had won a national championship in 2010.
Since last playing on Oct. 3, a 35-21 nonconference win over San Jose State, Auburn dismissed leading receiver D'haquille Williams. It was later reported he'd gotten in an altercation at a bar during which he punched a teammate, per Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports.
Auburn's passing game was already in disarray, ranking 114th nationally with only five touchdowns and seven interceptions.
46. Oregon Ducks
8 of 53
Average rating: 43.33
Week 6 result: Lost 45-38 (in 2 OT) vs. Washington State
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Washington
Oregon (3-3, 1-2 Pac-12) has its worst record at this point in the season since 2004 and already has as many losses as in any season since 2009. The last two defeats have come at home after the Ducks had lost only twice in Eugene in the previous three seasons.
Despite the sixth-best rushing offense in the country, led by Royce Freeman's 859 yards and nine touchdowns, Oregon has gone three straight games without 200 passing yards while Vernon Adams Jr. is out with a broken finger.
And Oregon's defense ranks 113th nationally, giving up 474.7 yards per game.
45. Arizona Wildcats
9 of 53
Average rating: 42.67
Week 6 result: Won 44-7 vs. Oregon State
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Colorado
Arizona (4-2, 1-2 Pac-12) ended a two-game losing streak and got its quarterback back on the field after he'd missed time with a concussion. The return of Anu Solomon gave the Wildcats the ability to throw in addition to their run proficiency, resulting in their second 600-yard game of the season.
Solomon has yet to throw an interception in 145 attempts this season, with 11 touchdowns in that span, and Arizona is averaging 298.5 yards per game on the ground for the nation's seventh-best rushing attack.
44. Kentucky Wildcats
10 of 53
Average rating: 39.9
Week 6 result: Bye
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 15 vs. Auburn
Kentucky (4-1, 2-1 SEC) has the same record it did at this point a year ago, and the team even made it to 5-1 but then lost six in a row to finish below .500. This season's Wildcats have shown far more poise, particularly in the end moments of games they should have won easily.
This was very evident last time out when Kentucky rallied from down 14 points in the fourth quarter to beat FCS school Eastern Kentucky in overtime. It was its fourth single-digit win of the season, and all five games this year have been decided by eight or fewer points.
43. Navy Midshipmen
11 of 53
Average rating: 39.88
Week 6 result: Lost 41-24 at Notre Dame
Week 7 matchup: Bye
Navy (4-1, 2-0 American) had its eight-game win streak snapped, and its two losses in the past 12 games have come against Notre Dame. Though the Midshipmen ran for 318 yards and three touchdowns against the Fighting Irish, that lowered their fourth-ranked rushing attack to 335.4 yards per game.
Keenan Reynolds has been unable to score on the ground in the past two games, which hasn't happened since the first four games of his career in 2012, and he remains four behind Montee Ball's FBS career record of 77 rushing TDs.
42. Pittsburgh Panthers
12 of 53
Average rating: 39.33
Week 6 result: Won 26-19 vs. Virginia
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Georgia Tech
Pittsburgh (4-1, 2-0 ACC) has quickly aligned with first-year coach Pat Narduzzi's defensive mindset, ranking seventh in total yards allowed and sixth against the run. The Panthers have 21 sacks, including 11 in ACC play, along with 40 tackles for loss.
The Panthers offense is still coming around, with the quarterbacks completing 67.3 percent of their passes, but other than Tyler Boyd's 33 receptions no one else has more than nine.
40. (tie) Penn State Nittany Lions
13 of 53
Average rating: 37.13
Week 6 result: Won 29-7 vs. Indiana
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Ohio State
Penn State (5-1, 2-0 Big Ten) is on a five-game win streak since losing at Temple to open the season, but all five games have come at home. The combined record of those opponents has been 12-17, with 4-2 Indiana serving as the best in that run.
That light load has enabled the Nittany Lions to figure out their offense, which is best when it can run the ball, but injuries to the running back corps have prevented consistency on the ground. Christian Hackenberg has had two of his best games in the past three weeks, throwing for 262 yards against Indiana, and while he's still only completing 53 percent of his passes, he hasn't had an interception in three games.
Penn State's defense remains one of the best in the nation, ranking 10th in yards allowed (275.7) and tied for first with 25 sacks.
40. (tie) North Carolina Tar Heels
14 of 53
Average rating: 37.13
Week 6 result: Bye
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Wake Forest
North Carolina (4-1, 1-0 ACC) is off to its best start since 2011 and last time out rallied from a 21-0 deficit to score its first win at Georgia Tech since 1997.
The Tar Heels are getting 238.2 yards of total offense per game from quarterback Marquise Williams, down from the 296.6 per game he had in 2014, but in exchange he's no longer their leading rusher. Elijah Hood has stepped up with 444 yards and a 6.25 per-carry average with five touchdowns.
UNC's defense has also improved, giving up 357.2 yards per game compared to 497.8 per game a season ago.
39. Texas Tech Red Raiders
15 of 53
Average rating: 36.5
Week 6 result: Won 66-31 vs. Iowa State
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Kansas
Texas Tech (4-2, 1-2 Big 12) topped 60 points for the second time this season, gaining 776 yards to end a two-game losing streak in which it scored 87 points.
The Red Raiders are second nationally in scoring, at 52.7 per game, with at least 35 each week. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes II is tied for second in FBS in total offense, at 411.5 yards per game, with 19 passing touchdowns and six rushing TDs.
Tech's defense still has work to do, though, having allowed 566.7 yards per game and at least 400 each week.
38. Washington Huskies
16 of 53
Average rating: 34.88
Week 6 result: Won 17-12 at USC
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Oregon
Washington (3-2, 1-1 Pac-12) claimed the biggest win under Chris Petersen since he took over the program in 2014 by holding USC to 356 yards and its lowest point total in two years.
The Huskies only had 299 yards and currently rank 102nd in total offense, but they forced three turnovers, including USC quarterback Cody Kessler's first two-interception game since September 2013.
37. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
17 of 53
Average rating: 34.83
Week 6 result: Won 58-28 vs. Middle Tennessee
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 15 at North Texas
Western Kentucky (5-1, 3-0 C-USA) scored only 14 points in its first game this season but since has raised its average to 42.2 per game, which ranks eighth in FBS. The Hilltoppers scored 52 points in the first half last week and earlier this season had a 49-point first half.
Quarterback Brandon Doughty leads the nation with a 74.7 percent completion rate, and he is second in yards per game at 393.2. He has 20 touchdown passes this season, and on Saturday, he topped 10,000 career yards while surpassing Teddy Bridgewater, Chris Weinke, Brett Hundley, Nick Foles, Colin Kaepernick and Eli Manning in career yardage.
36. Tennessee Volunteers
18 of 53
Average rating: 34.67
Week 6 result: Won 38-31 vs. Georgia
Week 7 matchup: Bye
Tennessee (3-3, 1-2 SEC) has lost three games in which it led by 13 points, the only team in the country to do so. But now the Volunteers also have a win after trailing by 21, which was the deficit late in the first half before they scored twice before halftime and then erupted on offense in the second half.
Joshua Dobbs had 430 yards of total offense and five total touchdowns, hooking up twice with running back Alvin Kamara for passing TDs, while scoring on the ground twice himself in the season-saving victory.
Now Tennessee can head into its off week (and extended preparation for Alabama) with a boost of confidence it hasn't had much of this season.
35. Kansas State Wildcats
19 of 53
Average rating: 34.13
Week 6 result: Lost 52-45 vs. TCU
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Oklahoma
Kansas State (3-2, 0-2 Big 12) had won 45 consecutive games under coach Bill Snyder when leading at halftime but has since lost two straight of that variety with each coming on a late score. The Wildcats gave up the winning touchdown to TCU with 1:10 left (after tying the game 37 seconds earlier), and the week before, their 36-34 loss to Oklahoma State came on a field goal with 32 seconds left.
Quarterback Joe Hubener has worked out great as a rusher, with 224 yards and six TDs, but he's completing only 47.7 percent of his throws and was just 13-of-33 passing against TCU.
34. BYU Cougars
20 of 53
Average rating: 33.33
Week 6 result: Won 45-38 vs. East Carolina
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 16 vs. Cincinnati
BYU (4-2) is enjoying home cooking, averaging 36.7 points per game in Provo after managing only 23 in two straight road losses in September.
The Cougars offense is most effective when it has balance, with Tanner Mangum's passing supported by strong running. Algernon Brown had 134 rushing yards and three touchdowns against East Carolina, the team's first game with three rushing scores since November.
Mangum has thrown for 697 yards and five TDs in the past two games.
33. West Virginia Mountaineers
21 of 53
Average rating: 32.88
Week 6 result: Lost 33-26 (in OT) vs. Oklahoma State
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Baylor
West Virginia (3-2, 0-2 Big 12) gave up 24 points in its first three games but has allowed 77 since getting into the conference schedule, and thus the Mountaineers are 0-2 in the Big 12 for the first time since joining the league in 2012.
The loss of star defensive back Karl Joseph to a season-ending knee injury during the past week had an impact against Oklahoma State, but more concerning for West Virginia is quarterback Skyler Howard's erratic play. In the two losses, the junior has completed 52.2 percent of his passes for 180.5 yards per game with two touchdowns and four interceptions.
32. Arizona State Sun Devils
22 of 53
Average rating: 32.5
Week 6 result: Won 48-23 vs. Colorado
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Utah
Arizona State (4-2, 2-1 Pac-12) has rediscovered its offense after a 28-point home loss to USC three weeks ago, averaging 43 points and 478 yards per game in consecutive conference victories.
Junior Tim White is emerging as ASU's top receiving target, with 12 of his 20 catches for 186 yards and three touchdowns in the past two games. D.J. Foster, who had a 1,000-yard rushing season last year but was shifted to receiver, was the Sun Devils' rushing leader against Colorado and is averaging 77 all-purpose yards per game.
ASU's defense ranks third in tackles for loss, with 56, including 19 sacks.
31. Mississippi State Bulldogs
23 of 53
Average rating: 31.2
Week 6 result: Won 45-17 vs. Troy
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Louisiana Tech
Mississippi State (4-2, 1-2 SEC) is in the middle of a two-week break from the conference gauntlet, first knocking off a Sun Belt team without having to use its starters much, while now turning its attention to a more formidable opponent from Conference USA.
Dak Prescott had the lowest output of his career as a starter, with only 74 passing yards and three rushing yards, but he hardly played and thus enabled the Bulldogs backups to get more involved. Prescott had been accounting for more than 68 percent of MSU's yardage before this past contest.
30. Temple Owls
24 of 53
Average rating: 29.8
Week 6 result: Won 49-10 vs. Tulane
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. UCF
Temple (5-0, 2-0 American) has allowed 13 points in its past two games, and the 49 it posted at home against Tulane was its most against an FBS opponent since losing 59-49 to SMU in October 2013.
The Owls rank 10th nationally in rushing defense, allowing 97.2 yards per game, and they have intercepted nine passes.
Quarterback P.J. Walker has five touchdowns and no interceptions the past two games, while Jahad Thomas is fifth in the country in all-purpose yards at 182.4 yards per game.
29. Memphis Tigers
25 of 53
Average rating: 28.8
Week 6 result: Bye
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Ole Miss
Memphis (5-0, 2-0 American) is on a school-record 12-game win streak but in its last game scored only 24 points, its lowest since November.
For the year, the Tigers rank eighth in total offense (541.2 yards per game) and fourth in scoring (47.8 points per game). Quarterback Paxton Lynch has 10 touchdown passes and zero interceptions, one of four full-time starters in FBS who has yet to throw a pick.
28. Wisconsin Badgers
26 of 53
Average rating: 28.67
Week 6 result: Won 23-21 at Nebraska
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Purdue
Wisconsin (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten) got a second chance late at Nebraska, and after kicker Rafael Gaglianone missed on his first game-winning field goal try, he hit the second to keep the Badgers from losing consecutive Big Ten games for the first time since 2012 and starting 0-2 in league play for the first time since 2008.
Joel Stave only completed 24 of 50 passes, but his 322 yards were his most since November 2013.
27. Houston Cougars
27 of 53
Average rating: 28.4
Week 6 result: Won 49-28 vs. SMU
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 16 at Tulane
Houston (5-0, 2-0 American) has the nation's sixth-best offense, at 573.4 yards per game, and arguably the most balanced. The Cougars average 287.2 rushing yards and 286.2 passing yards, which makes sense since their best runner is also their quarterback.
Greg Ward Jr. averages 371.2 yards of total offense per game with 19 total touchdowns, including 11 rushing, and his 554 rushing yards are second only to Navy's Keenan Reynolds (598) among QBs.
26. USC Trojans
28 of 53
Average rating: 26.9
Week 6 result: Lost 17-12 vs. Washington
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Notre Dame
USC (3-2, 1-2 Pac-12) has lost back-to-back home games in the same season for the first time since 2001 after managing just one touchdown in a sluggish Thursday loss to Washington, but that result has been moved to the back burner in light of coach Steve Sarkisian being fired on Monday.
"After careful consideration of what is in the best interest of the university and our student-athletes, I have made the decision to terminate Steve Sarkisian, effective immediately," USC athletic director Pat Haden said, per a school release.
Haden had previously announced Sunday that Sarkisian was going to take an indefinite leave of absence, determining it was "clear to me that he was not healthy," per ESPN.com. The same report cited sources that the leave is related to alcohol use, including reports he may have been intoxicated when he showed up for meetings on Sunday. Sarkisian admitted to mixing alcohol with prescription medication during an August "Salute to Troy" event when he had to be pulled from a podium after slurring his words.
Offensive coordinator Clay Helton has been named interim coach, the second time he's had that role with the Trojans along with for the 2013 Las Vegas Bowl.
Counting Helton twice, he is the fifth coach for the Trojans since the 2013 season when Lane Kiffin was fired.
25. Georgia Bulldogs
29 of 53
Average rating: 26.0
Week 6 result: Lost 38-31 at Tennessee
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Missouri
Georgia (4-2, 2-2 SEC) is on a two-game losing streak after blowing a 21-point first-half lead at Tennessee, and that wasn't even the worst thing that happened to the Bulldogs on Saturday. Losing star running back Nick Chubb to a season-ending knee injury on their first offensive play was far more damaging to their division, conference and national title prospects.
Chubb will need surgery after he "sustained damage to multiple ligaments and cartilage, but not to his ACL," the school announced Sunday (h/t Sports Illustrated).
This marked the first time since taking over for Todd Gurley last season that Chubb didn't rush for 100 yards, ending his streak at a school-record 13 games.
Sony Michel stepped up with 145 yards, but the Georgia defense gave up 519 yards, which is the most it has allowed under second-year coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.
24. Toledo Rockets
30 of 53
Average rating: 25.6
Week 6 result: Won 38-7 vs. Kent State
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Eastern Michigan
Toledo (5-0, 2-0 Mid-American) has won eight in a row and has allowed only 24 points in the past three, continuing to shut down opponents' run attacks to the tune of the nation's sixth-ranked run defense.
That's been countered by the Rockets' own run attack, which averages 197.8 yards per game and has three players averaging better than five yards per carry.
Toledo is off to its best start since 2001, the last time it won 10 games.
23. California Golden Bears
31 of 53
Average rating: 24.6
Week 6 result: Lost 30-24 at Utah
Week 7 matchup: Bye
California (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) committed six turnovers, including five interceptions from star quarterback Jared Goff, though thanks to a defense that continues to make strides from last year's horrible unit it was still in a position to win in the final minute.
"It would seem incomprehensible that the Golden Bears had a chance to win in the final moments," Matt Brown of Sports on Earth wrote. "Cal went nearly the length of the field, before a Goff pass was broken up on fourth down."
Goff threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns but completed only 25 of 47 passes, his lowest completion rate since a loss to Stanford in November. His five picks were a career high and matched the number he'd thrown in the previous six games.
Cal's defense, which gave up 222 rushing yards to Devontae Booker, is allowing 394.8 yards per game this season compared to 511.8 a year ago.
22. Duke Blue Devils
32 of 53
Average rating: 24.4
Week 6 result: Won 44-3 at Army
Week 7 matchup: Bye
Duke (5-1, 2-0 ACC) has won three in a row and has saved its most impressive performances for when it plays on the road or is facing an option team.
The Blue Devils held Army to 113 yards on 49 carries, two weeks after limiting Georgia Tech to 2.88 yards per rush. Duke's four home games have included two in which it scored 10 or fewer points, while in two road games it has outscored opponents 81-10.
Duke allows 2.87 yards per rush, 11th best in FBS, and only two touchdowns in 254 attempts.
21. Northwestern Wildcats
33 of 53
Average rating: 23.6
Week 6 result: Lost 38-0 at Michigan
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Iowa
Northwestern (5-1, 1-1 Big Ten) allowed a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown at Michigan to open the game, and it was all downhill from there. The Wildcats were unable to move the ball, and thus were shut out for the first time since 2003, while their defense that had allowed 35 points in the first five games allowed 201 rushing yards and three scores and forced only five punts.
The Wildcats still rank ninth nationally in yards allowed, giving up 269.5 yards per game, but after gaining only 168 yards, they're averaging 353.8 yards per game.
Justin Jackson still has only one rushing TD despite 150 carries, and quarterback Clayton Thorson has as many touchdown passes (four) as interceptions (four).
20. Boise State Broncos
34 of 53
Average rating: 19.2
Week 6 result: Won 41-10 at Colorado State
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 16 at Utah State
Boise State (5-1, 2-0 Mountain West) won its season opener by three points after Washington missed a last-minute field goal, then fell to BYU on two touchdowns in the final minute. Since then, the Broncos have been on one of the biggest rolls of any team in the country, averaging 51 points per game and allowing six per contest.
Jeremy McNichols' 14 touchdowns are tops in FBS, scoring on 12 of 100 rushing plays and two of 20 receptions. Quarterback Brett Rypien has averaged 310.3 yards per game with seven TDs in his three starts, and Boise has recorded 13 interceptions to record a plus-10 turnover margin.
18. (tie) UCLA Bruins
35 of 53
Average rating: 18.4
Week 6 result: Bye
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 15 at Stanford
UCLA (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) is coming off its fourth home loss to a conference opponent in the past 12 months, falling 38-23 to Arizona State a week after posting a 26-point win at Arizona. The Bruins have been far more successful outside of the Rose Bowl, having won 12 straight road and neutral-site games.
The Bruins' rushing defense remains a problem, giving up 197 yards per game, which ranks 100th out of 128 FBS teams. Their own run attack had just 62 yards against ASU, the lowest output since gaining 33 against Baylor in the 2012 Holiday Bowl.
18. (tie) Iowa Hawkeyes
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Average rating: 18.4
Week 6 result: Won 29-20 vs. Illinois
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Northwestern
Iowa (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) is off to its best start since 2009 but remains the lowest-rated power-conference unbeaten because the factors that go into power ranking still don't know what to make of the Hawkeyes.
The Hawkeyes were a balanced and explosive offense in the preseason, putting up numbers that would have challenged for school records had they continued. Since Big Ten play has begun Iowa has shifted back to an old-school approach, with Jordan Canzeri carrying it a school-record 43 times for 256 yards against Illinois.
Canzeri has 91 rushed for 496 yards in the past three games.
17. Oklahoma Sooners
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Average rating: 17.2
Week 6 result: Lost 24-17 vs. Texas (in Dallas)
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Kansas State
Oklahoma (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) had its worst offensive performance of the season by a wide margin, gaining only 278 yards, including just 67 on the ground while making a downtrodden Texas team look like a juggernaut. And with that loss, the Sooners quickly go from a potential contender in the Big 12 to one that still has some work to do to be in the conversation with powers Baylor and TCU.
"Even with the caveat that funny things happen in rivalry games, this should have been a layup for Oklahoma," Dan Wolken of USA Today wrote. "We can argue whether the Sooners' wins against Tennessee and West Virginia made them a legitimate contender, but if you want to be taken seriously you have to beat this version of Texas."
Baker Mayfield threw for 211 yards but wasn't able to use his legs to get yards like in the past, getting sacked six times. And with Samaje Perine getting a season-low 10 carries, Oklahoma's offense had no rhythm.
16. Oklahoma State Cowboys
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Average rating: 17.0
Week 6 result: Won 33-26 (in OT) at West Virginia
Week 7 matchup: Bye
Oklahoma State (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) has quite a flair for the dramatic, particularly since conference play has began. The Cowboys' three league wins are by a combined 12 points, beating Texas and Kansas State on last-second field goals and then winning in Morgantown in overtime.
And the Cowboys' winning score in OT was of the gambling variety, with coach Mike Gundy opting to go for it on 4th-and-goal at the 2-yard line rather than play it safe and kick a field goal. The risk paid off, and J.W. Walsh scored on a quarterback keeper.
"Maybe it's time we start calling Mike Gundy's crew the Cardiac Cowboys," Zach Barnett of NBC Sports Talk wrote.
Walsh's OT score helped negate OK State blowing a 17-2 lead as well as a bad outing from starting quarterback Mason Rudolph, who was intercepted three times. Six of his seven picks have come in the past three games.
15. Stanford Cardinal
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Average rating: 13.8
Week 6 result: Bye
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 15 vs. UCLA
Stanford (4-1, 3-0 Pac-12) has averaged 42.3 points per game during its four-game win streak, with quarterback Kevin Hogan and all-purpose star Christian McCaffrey pacing that attack.
Hogan is completing 67.5 percent of his passes, a rate that jumps to 78.6 percent in the past three contests, while McCaffrey is second nationally at 229.8 all-purpose yards per game.
Since being held to six points and 240 yards in a season-opening loss to Northwestern, the Cardinal have averaged 505.8 yards per game.
14. Michigan State Spartans
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Average rating: 13.0
Week 6 result: Won 31-24 at Rutgers
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Michigan
Michigan State (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) has won 10 in a row and 16 of 17, but other than beating Oregon—which isn't looking as impressive anymore—the six victories in 2015 have been far from impressive. It's why the Spartans continue to slide in the power rankings, despite remaining unbeaten, as they were seventh in the preseason.
This past game might have been where MSU turned a corner, though, falling behind in the first half at Rutgers and finding itself tied in the fourth quarter on the road. Connor Cook had his best game of the year, his 357 passing yards far above the 197.4 per game he'd been averaging, though he's still completing less than 60 percent of his passes.
13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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Average rating: 12.4
Week 6 result: Won 41-24 vs. Navy
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. USC
Notre Dame (5-1) handled an option team for the second time this season but wasn't as successful against Navy's attack (318 yards, three touchdowns, 6.49 yards per carry) as it was earlier against Georgia Tech (216 yards, one TD, 4.16). In fact, run defense has been the Fighting Irish's biggest problem this year, ranking 94th in FBS by allowing 4.76 yards per rush.
But with DeShone Kizer, C.J. Prosise and Will Fuller continuing to come through on offense, Notre Dame is able to withstand games when its defense doesn't shut the opponent down.
Kizer is completing 65.9 percent of his passes with eight TDs and four interceptions, Prosise is 10th in FBS at 161 all-purpose yards per game and Fuller has seven scores on 29 receptions.
12. Ole Miss Rebels
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Average rating: 11.8
Week 6 result: Won 52-3 vs. New Mexico State
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Memphis
Ole Miss (5-1, 2-1 SEC) is in the middle of a stretch where three of four opponents are currently unbeaten, with the Rebels having been blown out at Florida and have to visit 5-0 Memphis this week before hosting 5-0 Texas A&M on Oct. 24. That made the New Mexico State game as close to an off week as you could hope for.
The Rebels effortlessly put up 665 yards, including 416 (384 passing, 32 rushing) from quarterback Chad Kelly along with four total touchdowns, while they held the winless Aggies to 239 yards and forced two turnovers.
Ole Miss hadn't recorded a takeaway in the previous two games, after going only one game in the previous 40 without one.
11. Michigan Wolverines
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Average rating: 11.6
Week 6 result: Won 38-0 vs. Northwestern
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Michigan State
Michigan (5-1, 2-0 Big Ten) has shut out three straight opponents, the first time it has accomplished that since 1980, and at 6.3 points allowed per game, it ranks No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense. The Wolverines gave up only 139 yards against Northwestern while doubling the most points any opponent had scored on the Wildcats.
While the Wolverines offense hasn't been that flashy, and its 29.5 points and 390.5 yards per game are far from the top of the national rankings, they're not completely bland either. According to Big Ten Network's Gerry DiNardo, coach Jim Harbaugh is actually doing a lot more than you think.
"He's being very creative, and yet to the naked eye it appears old-fashioned," DiNardo told Stewart Mandel of Fox Sports. "It's not. It's fascinating. It's the most exciting X's and O's thing I've seen in a long time."
10. Florida State Seminoles
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Average rating: 11.0
Week 6 result: Won 29-24 vs. Miami (Florida)
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Louisville
Florida State (5-0, 3-0 ACC) faced a deficit for the first time this season, but thanks to another big game from Dalvin Cook and more mistake-free play from Everett Golson, the Seminoles' win streak against ACC opponents has risen to 27 games.
Cook ran for 222 yards and two TDs after missing most of the previous game with a hamstring injury. Golson threw for 291 yards and a TD on 25-of-33 passing, and he's one of four quarterbacks to have started at least five games this year who hasn't thrown an interception.
That's a vast turnaround from last year at Notre Dame, when bad throws and fumbles became what Golson was known for.
FSU has only one turnover this year after having 32 giveaways in 2014.
9. Florida Gators
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Average rating: 10.0
Week 6 result: Won 21-3 at Missouri
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at LSU
Florida (6-0, 4-0 SEC) has already locked up bowl eligibility and is way out in front in the East Division race, but now it will have to go the rest of the way without quarterback Will Grier after he was suspended by the NCAA for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, per the Associated Press.
According to coach Jim McElwain, the redshirt freshman "won't play this week and in the near future due to taking a supplement, over the counter that had something in it," per Dan Wolken of USA Today.
Grier threw for 208 yards in the win at Missouri and had been Florida's best offensive player, with 10 touchdown passes and a 65.8 percent completion rate. Now backup Treon Harris, who himself was suspended for one game this season for violation of team rules, will take over.
Without Grier, Florida will likely have to rely even further on a defense that ranks 16th in yards allowed and allows 99.2 rushing yards per game.
8. Texas A&M Aggies
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Average rating: 9.4
Week 6 result: Bye
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Alabama
Texas A&M (5-0, 2-0 SEC) got to have a week off before its big showdown with Alabama, which will mark its sixth game in its home state this season without a trip outside the borders.
The Aggies have won neutral-site games in Houston (over Arizona State) and Arlington (against Arkansas) and last time out beat Mississippi State. This is the second straight 5-0 start, but last year A&M lost its next three, including a 59-0 loss at Alabama that was the first time a Kevin Sumlin-coached team has ever been shut out.
A&M ranks 20th nationally in total offense, and its defense has allowed only four passing touchdowns on 156 attempts.
7. LSU Tigers
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Average rating: 9.0
Week 6 result: Won 45-24 vs. South Carolina
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Florida
LSU (5-0, 3-0 SEC) got an unexpected development—besides getting to play a "road" game in Tiger Stadium—when it not only got a season-low 158 rushing yards from Leonard Fournette but also 161 from Derrius Guice. While Fournette will remain the go-to guy, having someone else be able to step up and take some touches will lessen the wear on the Tigers star.
Fournette is the 10th player in FBS history to top 1,000 yards in his first five games, per David Ching of ESPN, and at 1,022 yards he's 12 behind what he tallied as a freshman in 2014.
LSU also got 228 passing yards and two TDs from Brandon Harris, who in the first four games had thrown for only 382 yards and two scores.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide
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Average rating: 7.4
Week 6 result: Won 27-14 vs. Arkansas
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 at Texas A&M
Alabama (5-1, 2-1 SEC) has turned to defense the past few weeks to get everything back on track, and that has resulted in three straight games holding opponents under 300 yards. That included holding Arkansas to 44 yards on the ground, boosting the Crimson Tide's run defense to fourth in the nation at 77.3 yards allowed per game.
"Any discussion about its chances of making a run at the SEC title clearly begins and ends with the defense," Bleacher Report's Christopher Walsh wrote.
Jake Coker is also showing improvement, throwing for a career-high 262 yards on 24-of-33 passing, though he also threw two more interceptions to give him six this season.
5. Utah Utes
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Average rating: 6.2
Week 6 result: Won 30-24 vs. California
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Arizona State
Utah (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12) continues its best start since 2010 by surviving a turnover-filled game against California, capitalizing on six takeaways but still needing to make a defensive stop in the final minute. The Utes also registered three sacks and hit Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff on a regular basis, helping to throw off his accuracy and lead to many of his five interceptions.
Devontae Booker carried the offense with 222 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries, giving him 665 yards with six rushing scores this year. He's run the ball 140 times, his 28-per-game average is tops in the nation and he also has a team-high 19 receptions.
Utah has intercepted 12 passes this season, and its plus-10 turnover margin tied for second in the nation.
4. Clemson Tigers
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Average rating: 4.8
Week 6 result: Won 43-24 vs. Georgia Tech
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Boston College
Clemson (5-0, 2-0 ACC) has won eight straight games, and this past victory was impressive both in the Tigers' ability to produce on offense with a balanced attack and also how their defense shut down a dangerous option run game.
Deshaun Watson threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns, while Wayne Gallman ran for 115 yards and two scores. Gallman's five TDs are already more than he had as a freshman, and he needs 234 yards to top last season's rushing total.
Clemson's defense held Georgia Tech to 71 yards on 42 carries, and for the season, it's holding opponents to 2.74 yards per carry with just three rushing scores.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
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Average rating: 4.2
Week 6 result: Won 49-28 vs. Maryland
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Penn State
Ohio State (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) again didn't flat-out dominate as expected, but after finding itself tied at 21 early in the second half, it changed gears and finally showed some consistent offensive firepower. And the Buckeyes got everyone into the mix with success rather than have one break through while others struggled.
Ezekiel Elliott had another 100-yard rushing game with two touchdowns, J.T. Barrett scored three times on the ground as a change of pace to Cardale Jones, while Jones had two TD passes and his first interception-less game in a month. Braxton Miller also had a 19-yard TD reception.
After committing 10 turnovers in the previous three games, OSU had only its second clean game of the season.
2. TCU Horned Frogs
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Average rating: 3.0
Week 6 result: Won 52-45 at Kansas State
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Iowa State
TCU (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) pulled out another late victory in a last-team-to-score-wins game, just like it did two weeks ago to win at Texas Tech. The Horned Frogs' three road wins are by a combined 16 points, compared to 125 in three home wins.
The venue hasn't mattered as much as the opponent, with Texas Tech and Kansas State able to match scoring with TCU's explosive offense. Last time out, the Frogs had 543 yards of total offense but trailed 35-17 at halftime and needed to score on almost every second-half possession to win.
It remains a star-driven attack for TCU, with Trevone Boykin ranking second in FBS in total offense (411.5 yards per game) with 25 total touchdowns, running back Aaron Green averaging 6.38 yards per carry with eight rushing scores and receiver Josh Doctson ranking second nationally with 877 receiving yards on 50 receptions with 10 TDs.
1. Baylor Bears
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Average rating: 1.6
Week 6 result: Won 66-7 at Kansas
Week 7 matchup: Oct. 17 vs. West Virginia
Baylor (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) will, at some point, face a decent opponent and one that has a serviceable defense, though it might not seem to matter with how the Bears score so easily.
None of their four FBS foes is ranked better than 110th in total defense, and three are among the bottom four teams in yards allowed, though that's partly due to the FBS-leading 725 yards per game the Bears are putting up. They're averaging more than nine yards per offensive snap, and their 1,788 rushing yards are more than 17 FBS teams have accrued in total offense.
Quarterback Seth Russell's 22 passing touchdowns and 210.68 QB rating are both tops in the nation, and that's come on only 136 attempts, while Corey Coleman's 13 receiving scores put him well on pace to top the Big 12 record of 25 set by West Virginia's Stedman Bailey in 2012.
Statistics provided by cfbstats.com.
Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.
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