College Football Rankings 2015: Power Ranking All 128 Teams for Week 8
The college football landscape has become more defined after this past weekend of action, with several high-profile matchups giving us definitive winners (as well as those who came out on top thanks to miraculous plays). And as we move into the second half of the 2015 season, a clear pecking order is taking shape at the top and trickling downward.
You'll see the same in the latest version of the Bleacher Report power rankings.
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
Idaho didn't arrive at Troy until Saturday morning because of flight delays, but that somehow didn't affect the Vandals as they ended a 24-game road losing streak by knocking off the Trojans 19-16. Austin Rehkow kicked four field goals, including the game-winning 19-yarder with 3:01 left.
Wyoming removed its name from the list of winless teams in FBS by holding off Nevada 28-21 at home. The Cowboys had lost 14 straight games and were off to their worst start since 1939.
- 128. Charlotte 49ers (2-4, 0-3 Conference USA)
- 127. New Mexico State Aggies (0-6, 0-2 Sun Belt)
- 126. North Texas Mean Green (0-6, 0-3 Conference USA)
- 125. Miami (Ohio) RedHawks (1-6, 0-3 Mid-American)
- 124. Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-6, 0-3 Mid-American)
- 122. (tie) Wyoming (1-6, 1-2 Mountain West)
- 122. (tie) Georgia State (2-4, 1-1 Sun Belt)
- 121. UTEP Miners (2-4, 0-2 Conference USA)
- 120. Idaho Vandals (2-4, 1-2 Sun Belt)
- 119. Old Dominion Monarchs (3-3, 1-1 Conference USA)
- 118. Massachusetts Minutemen (1-5, 0-2 Mid-American)
- 117. Troy Trojans (1-5, 0-2 Sun Belt)
- 115. (tie) UTSA Roadrunners (1-6, 1-2 Conference USA)
- 115. (tie) Florida Atlantic Owls (1-5, 1-2 Conference USA)
- 113. (tie) Texas State Bobcats (1-4, 0-1 Sun Belt)
- 113. (tie) Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (1-5, 0-2 Sun Belt)
- 112. UCF Knights (0-7, 0-3 American)
- 111. Tulane (2-4, 1-2 American)
- 110. Kansas Jayhawks (0-6, 0-3 Big 12)
- 109. Ball State (2-5, 1-2 Mid-American)
- 108. Army Black Knights (2-5)
- 107. SMU Mustangs (1-5, 0-2 American)
- 106. South Alabama Jaguars (3-3, 1-1 Sun Belt)
- 105. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (2-5, 0-3 Mountain West)
- 104. Kent State Golden Flashes (3-4, 2-1 Mid-American)
- 103. New Mexico Lobos (4-3, 2-1 Mountain West)
- 102. Fresno State Bulldogs (2-5, 1-3 Mountain West)
- 101. UNLV Runnin' Rebels (2-5, 1-2 Mountain West)
- 100. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (2-3, 1-0 Sun Belt)
- 99. Buffalo Bulls (2-4, 0-2 Mid-American)
- 98. Akron Zips (3-4, 1-2 Mid-American)
- 97. Florida International Golden Panthers (3-4, 1-2 Conference USA)
- 95. (tie) Purdue Boilermakers (1-6, 0-3 Big Ten)
- 95. (tie) Nevada Wolf Pack (3-4, 1-2 Mountain West)
- 94. Rice Owls (3-3, 2-1 Conference USA)
- 92. (tie) San Jose State Spartans (3-4, 2-2 Mountain West)
- 92. (tie) Connecticut Huskies (3-4, 1-2 American)
- 91. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3-3, 0-2 American)
Nos. 90-61
2 of 53
South Carolina won a game without the Head Ball Coach (Steve Spurrier) on the sidelines for the first time since 2004, as interim coach Shawn Elliott paced the Gamecocks to a 19-10 home victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday.
Perry Orth hooked up with Pharoh Cooper on a 78-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter for the go-ahead score, giving South Carolina its first win since Spurrier resigned midway through his 11th season.
Also claiming their first conference wins this week were Rutgers (Big Ten), Virginia (ACC), South Florida (American) and Colorado State (Mountain West), and the first two did so in dramatic fashion. Rutgers scored 22 points in the fourth quarter and won 55-52 with a field goal in the final seconds, while Virginia knocked off Syracuse 44-38 in triple overtime.
- 90. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-4, 1-3 ACC)
- 88. (tie) Oregon State Beavers (2-4, 0-3 Pac-12)
- 88. (tie) Arkansas State Red Wolves (3-3, 2-0 Sun Belt)
- 86. (tie) Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (4-3, 2-1 Conference USA)
- 86. (tie) Colorado State Rams (3-4, 1-2 Mountain West)
- 84. (tie) South Florida Bulls (3-3, 1-1 American)
- 84. (tie) Ohio Bobcats (5-2, 2-1 Mid-American)
- 83. Colorado Buffaloes (3-4, 0-3 Pac-12)
- 82. Central Michigan Chippewas (3-4, 2-1 Mid-American)
- 81. Iowa State Cyclones (2-4, 1-2 Big 12)
- 80. Air Force Falcons (3-3, 2-1 Mountain West)
- 78. (tie) Vanderbilt Commodores (2-4, 0-3 SEC)
- 78. (tie) San Diego State Aztecs (4-3, 3-0 Mountain West)
- 75. (tie) Virginia Cavaliers (2-4, 1-1 ACC)
- 75. (tie) Syracuse Orange (3-3, 1-1 ACC)
- 75. (tie) Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-4, 2-1 Conference USA)
- 74. Maryland Terrapins (2-4, 0-2 Big Ten)
- 73. Boston College Eagles (3-4, 0-4 ACC)
- 72. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten)
- 71. Western Michigan Broncos (3-3, 2-0 Mid-American)
- 70. Indiana Hoosiers (4-3, 0-3 Big Ten)
- 68. (tie) Northern Illinois (4-3, 2-1 Mid-American)
- 68. (tie) East Carolina (4-3, 2-1 American)
- 67. Cincinnati Bearcats (3-3, 0-2 American)
- 66. South Carolina Gamecocks (3-4, 1-4 SEC)
- 65. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (4-3, 2-1 Conference USA)
- 64. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-5, 0-4 ACC)
- 63. Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten)
- 61. (tie) Virginia Tech Hokies (3-4, 1-2 ACC)
- 61. (tie) Georgia Southern Eagles (5-1, 3-0 Sun Belt)
Nos. 60-51
3 of 53
Nebraska made sure the final outcome wasn't in doubt heading into the last minute of play on Saturday, cruising to a 48-25 win at Minnesota to avoid its first 0-3 start in Big Ten play. Tommy Armstrong Jr. threw three touchdown passes, and Terrell Newby ran for 116 yards and two scores.
Each of the Cornhuskers' four losses this season have come on their opponent's final play.
- 60. Appalachian State Mountaineers (5-1, 2-0 Sun Belt)
- 58. (tie) Texas Longhorns (2-4, 1-2 Big 12)
- 58. (tie) North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-2, 0-2 ACC)
- 57. Louisville Cardinals (2-4, 1-2 ACC)
- 56. Marshall Thundering Herd (6-1, 3-0 Conference USA)
- 55. Kentucky Wildcats (4-2, 2-2 SEC)
- 54. Washington State Cougars (4-2, 2-1 Pac-12)
- 51. (tie) Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-4, 1-2 Big Ten)
- 51. (tie) Kansas State Wildcats (3-3, 0-3 Big 12)
- 51. (tie) Arkansas Razorbacks (2-4, 1-2 SEC)
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
50. Bowling Green Falcons
4 of 53
Average rating: 50.0
Week 7 result: Won 59-10 vs. Akron
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Kent State
Bowling Green (5-2, 3-0 Mid-American) topped 40 points for the fourth time this season, once again paced by the nation's leading passer.
Senior Matt Johnson threw for 357 yards and five touchdowns on 25-of-30 passing, and for the year he has an FBS-best 2,891 yards with 24 TDs. He is completing 70.5 percent of his passes and has only three interceptions in 305 attempts.
49. Illinois Fighting Illini
5 of 53
Average rating: 49.83
Week 7 result: Bye
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Wisconsin
Illinois (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten) is unbeaten at home but has yet to win outside of Champaign, including last time out when it fell 29-20 at Iowa. The Fighting Illini still have to play at Penn State, Purdue and Minnesota but get Wisconsin and Ohio State at home.
The Illini offense is dealing with two notable injuries to standout players. Running back Josh Ferguson missed last game with a shoulder injury, while receiver Geronimo Allison continues to undergo concussion protocol after suffering a head injury at Iowa. Allison is second in the Big Ten in receptions (40) and yards (601).
48. Miami (Florida) Hurricanes
6 of 53
Average rating: 49.0
Week 7 result: Won 30-20 vs. Virginia Tech
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Clemson
Miami (4-2, 1-1 ACC) ended a two-game losing streak to take a little heat off head coach Al Golden despite its lowest yardage output since the season opener.
Brad Kaaya threw for 296 yards and two touchdowns, while Joseph Yearby ran for 60 yards and a score. But the Hurricanes failed to top 100 rushing yards for the second week in a row after averaging 174.8 yards per game in the first four contests.
47. Missouri Tigers
7 of 53
Average rating: 46.5
Week 7 result: Lost 9-6 at Georgia
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Vanderbilt
Missouri (4-3, 1-3 SEC) has now lost more conference games in 2015 than in the previous two years combined, when it claimed back-to-back East Division titles. Much like this team, those were ones paced by defense, but at least they had some semblance of an offense.
The Tigers got two field goals and gained 164 yards, and in SEC play they're averaging 11.5 points per game. Missouri ranks 126th nationally in total offense at 290.4 yards per game.
46. Penn State Nittany Lions
8 of 53
Average rating: 44.5
Week 7 result: Lost 38-10 at Ohio State
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Maryland (in Baltimore)
Penn State (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) has to go back to the drawing board after the progress made during a five-game win streak was stifled by the defending national champions in Week 7. Other than the return of freshman running back Saquon Barkley, nothing went well.
Barkley ran for 194 yards on 26 carries after missing the previous two games because of injury, but PSU gained only 121 yards on its other 27 offensive plays. Christian Hackenberg only attempted 13 passes and was sacked five times.
45. Arizona Wildcats
9 of 53
Average rating: 41.83
Week 7 result: Won 38-31 at Colorado
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Washington State
Arizona (5-2, 2-2 Pac-12) scored 21 points in a 10-minute span in the fourth quarter to rally for its second straight win, doing so behind its backup quarterback and backup running back.
Jared Baker ran for a career-high 207 yards and two touchdowns, while Jerrard Randall replaced Anu Solomon and ran for 81 yards and a TD while completing all three of his passes. That pair helped the Wildcats rush for 291 yards, and for the year they are tied for sixth nationally at 297.4 rushing yards per game.
44. Auburn Tigers
10 of 53
Average rating: 39.5
Week 7 result: Won 30-27 at Kentucky
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Arkansas
Auburn (4-2, 1-2 SEC) avoided its first 0-3 start in the conference since 2012 by getting its best passing performance of the season in a Thursday road victory.
Sean White threw for 255 yards on 17-of-27 passing, firmly entrenching himself as the Tigers' starting quarterback. White hasn't thrown a touchdown pass, but he's completing 66.2 percent of his throws with only one interception compared to six picks and 59.7 percent passing from Jeremy Johnson.
43. Navy Midshipmen
11 of 53
Average rating: 39.25
Week 7 result: Bye
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Tulane
Navy (4-1, 2-0 American) has the No. 3 rushing offense in the country at 335.4 yards per game, and that group should be well-rested for the stretch run having already had two bye weeks.
Quarterback Keenan Reynolds leads the Midshipmen with 598 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, but he's gone two straight games without a TD run for the first time since September 2012. He remains tied for second all-time with 73 rushing scores, four behind FBS career leader Montee Ball.
42. Northwestern Wildcats
12 of 53
Average rating: 38.4
Week 7 result: Lost 40-10 vs. Iowa
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Nebraska
Northwestern (5-2, 1-2 Big Ten) is hoping history isn't repeating what happened in 2013, when the Wildcats got off to an unbeaten start and then fell apart in league play.
The Wildcats have been outscored 78-10 the past two games after allowing only 35 points in their first five games. The defensive breakdowns have been exacerbated by an offense that has gained 356 yards the last two weeks, including only 91 rushing yards on 51 carries.
In 2013 Northwestern opened 4-0 and then lost seven in a row, finishing the year with a 5-7 record.
41. Washington Huskies
13 of 53
Average rating: 37.0
Week 7 result: Lost 26-20 vs. Oregon
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Stanford
Washington (3-3, 1-2 Pac-12) lost for the 12th straight time against Oregon a week after pulling off a 17-12 upset win at USC.
Myles Gaskin ran for 155 yards and a touchdown, and Jake Browning threw for 199 yards and a score. But the QB injured his shoulder late in the game and wasn't able to play during the Huskies' final drive that ended with an interception.
40. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
14 of 53
Average rating: 36.8
Week 7 result: Won 55-28 at North Texas
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at LSU
Western Kentucky (6-1, 4-0 Conference USA) has moved up to No. 9 nationally in total offense after gaining 683 yards at North Texas in its fourth straight win.
Brandon Doughty, who threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns, ranks third in FBS with 387 passing yards per game to go with 24 TDs and only four interceptions on 266 pass attempts.
39. Oregon Ducks
15 of 53
Average rating: 36.5
Week 7 result: Won 26-20 at Washington
Week 8 matchup: Bye
Oregon (4-3, 2-2 Pac-12) continued its dominance of Washington while also getting its offense back to a more balanced approach with the return of quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.
Adams Jr. threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns to go with 138 rushing yards from Royce Freeman in the Ducks' 12th straight win over the Huskies. Adams had missed the past two games and threw only seven passes in the last four games while recovering from a broken finger on his throwing hand.
37. (tie) Utah State Aggies
16 of 53
Average rating: 36.0
Week 7 result: Won 52-26 vs. Boise State
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 23 at San Diego State
Utah State (4-2, 3-0 Mountain West) capitalized on eight turnovers to earn its first win over Boise State since 1997 and in doing so took control of the tough Mountain Division.
The Aggies have won three straight, all with sophomore Kent Myers at quarterback after he replaced injured starter Chuckie Keeton. Myers has thrown for 554 yards and five touchdowns and run for 244 yards and two scores in his three starts.
37. (tie) Tennessee Volunteers
17 of 53
Average rating: 36.0
Week 7 result: Bye
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Alabama
Tennessee (3-3, 1-2 SEC) plays its next two games on the road, starting with a visit to an Alabama team it hasn't beaten since 2006, and then it's off to Kentucky in search of a fourth straight win in that series.
The Volunteers ended their run of blowing late leads by being the comeback artists last time out, rallying from down 21 points in the first half to upset Georgia at home. In that game quarterback Joshua Dobbs had 430 yards of total offense, including his second 100-yard rushing game of the season.
Tennessee is still looking for a receiver to step up and be the go-to target. There are seven players with at least 100 yards, but tight end Ethan Wolf tops the list with 213 yards.
36. Arizona State Sun Devils
18 of 53
Average rating: 36.0
Week 7 result: Lost 34-18 at Utah
Week 8 matchup: Bye
Arizona State (4-3, 2-2 Pac-12) nearly knocked off an unbeaten team on the road despite having very little offense to speak of, relying on great special teams play and a defense that was stellar for three quarters.
The Sun Devils' only touchdown came on a 100-yard kickoff return by Tim White, while Zane Gonzalez kicked three field goals. And they earned a safety after Utah was called for an illegal forward pass in the end zone on a kickoff. They led 18-14 but failed to score in the fourth quarter, when they allowed 20 points, including two long TD runs by Utah's Devontae Booker.
Mike Bercovici threw for 242 yards on 20-of-41 passing with an interception, and he was sacked five times. ASU's offensive line has allowed 21 sacks this season, tied for 120th in FBS.
35. West Virginia Mountaineers
19 of 53
Average rating: 34.5
Week 7 result: Lost 62-38 at Baylor
Week 8 matchup: Bye
West Virginia (3-3, 0-3 Big 12) is Exhibit A when it comes to how tough it's going to be to knock off the top teams in the conference, as its defense-driven unbeaten start in non-league play seems like a distant memory following losses to three schools with a combined record of 17-1.
And the Mountaineers have allowed 139 points in those losses while yielding 693 yards to Baylor.
West Virginia's offense remains in the top 20 nationally in yards per game at 485.5 yards per game, but quarterback Skyler Howard has completed only 51 percent of his passes with five interceptions during the three-game losing streak.
34. Boise State Broncos
20 of 53
Average rating: 34.5
Week 7 result: Lost 52-26 at Utah State
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Wyoming
Boise State (5-2, 2-1 Mountain West) tends to lose its conference games in blowout fashion, as both of the setbacks it's had in the league the past two seasons have been ugly. And both have been the result of major turnover issues.
The Broncos turned the ball over eight times at Utah State, including seven in the first half when they allowed 45 points. Last year's loss at Air Force saw them give it away seven times, including five interceptions.
Boise also had to make do without top running back Jeremy McNichols, who has 14 touchdowns this year but didn't play because of a concussion. That meant freshman quarterback Brett Rypien had to carry the team, and he completed only 25 of 50 passes with three picks.
33. Texas Tech Red Raiders
21 of 53
Average rating: 33.0
Week 7 result: Won 30-20 at Kansas
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Oklahoma
Texas Tech (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) registered a season low in points and nearly squandered a 20-0 lead, but it ended up winning its third straight road game.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes II threw for 354 yards and a touchdown, and DeAndre Washington ran for 157 yards and a TD on 23 carries. Washington is averaging 7.01 yards per carry, while Mahomes has thrown 20 TD passes and run for six scores.
32. BYU Cougars
22 of 53
Average rating: 32.2
Week 7 result: Won 38-24 vs. Cincinnati
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Wagner
BYU (5-2) has won three straight against American Athletic Conference opponents, scoring 21 fourth-quarter points to win this past contest against Cincinnati. The Cougars have now won six in a row at home and are a victory away from locking up a prearranged bid to either the Las Vegas or Hawaii Bowl.
Tanner Mangum threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns, while Algernon Brown ran for two scores. And BYU's defense shut down a high-powered Cincinnati attack that came in averaging 587.2 yards per game.
31. North Carolina Tar Heels
23 of 53
Average rating: 29.6
Week 7 result: Won 50-14 vs. Wake Forest
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Virginia
North Carolina (5-1, 2-0 ACC) has won five straight since opening with a 17-13 setback against South Carolina in Charlotte, and the Tar Heels are reaping the benefits of improved defensive play under coordinator Gene Chizik.
The Tar Heels allow 17.3 points and 349.3 yards per game after yielding 39 and 497.8 per game in 2014. That has enabled their offense to become more balanced instead of needing to score quickly, and as a result, they average 218.5 rushing yards per game.
Quarterback Marquise Williams has thrown for 1,127 yards and run for 405 yards with 14 total touchdowns, with Williams and Elijah Hood gaining 7.04 yards per carry.
30. Temple Owls
24 of 53
Average rating: 28.8
Week 7 result: Won 30-16 vs. UCF
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 22 at East Carolina
Temple (6-0, 3-0 American) has now achieved its best start in program history, but this past game it trailed at home in the second half to a winless team before scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter.
The Owls are tied for 13th nationally in total defense, allowing 296 yards per game, and they've given up only 29 points in the past three games.
Running back Jahad Thomas averages 189.3 all-purpose yards per game, fifth in FBS, following a 199-yard, three-touchdown performance against UCF.
29. Wisconsin Badgers
25 of 53
Average rating: 28.38
Week 7 result: Won 24-7 vs. Purdue
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Illinois
Wisconsin (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) is on pace to have its offense gain more yards in a season via the pass than the run for the first time since 2009 thanks to the influence head coach Paul Chryst has had on quarterback Joel Stave.
Stave has thrown for 1,708 yards after back-to-back 322-yard games, completing 30 of 39 passes against Purdue. The Badgers average 251 passing yards and 154.7 rushing yards per game compared to 148.7 and 320.1 in 2014.
The Badgers defense ranks seventh overall at 272.3 yards per game.
28. UCLA Bruins
26 of 53
Average rating: 27.9
Week 7 result: Lost 56-35 at Stanford
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 22 vs. California
UCLA (4-2, 1-2 Pac-12) saw its 12-game win streak in road or neutral-site games come to an end in blowout fashion, as the Bruins allowed the most points since 2010.
Despite putting up 506 yards, including 325 from quarterback Josh Rosen and 104 from running back Paul Perkins, UCLA was never in the lead thanks to an interception thrown by Rosen that Stanford returned for a touchdown early in the first quarter. And the Bruins run defense continued its struggles, giving up 310 yards, including 243 yards and four TDs to Christian McCaffrey.
The injuries UCLA has suffered on defense are piling up, leading to a run defense that ranks 114th nationally.
27. Pittsburgh Panthers
27 of 53
Average rating: 27.2
Week 7 result: Won 31-28 at Georgia Tech
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Syracuse
Pittsburgh (5-1, 3-0 ACC) is a three-point loss away from being unbeaten under first-year coach Pat Narduzzi, who has the Panthers tied atop the Coastal Division thanks to the nation's No. 17 defense.
Pittsburgh's lone loss this season came at unbeaten Iowa as it fell on a 57-yard field goal by Hawkeyes kicker Marshall Koehn, and on Saturday it won on a 56-yard field goal.
Tennessee transfer Nathan Peterman threw three touchdown passes at Georgia Tech to give him nine for the season, with Tyler Boyd catching two of those. Boyd has 41 receptions, while the rest of the team has 50 catches.
26. USC Trojans
28 of 53
Average rating: 26.83
Week 7 result: Lost 41-31 at Notre Dame
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Utah
USC (3-3, 1-2 Pac-12) had one of its most spirited performances of the season despite dropping a second straight game, brushing aside the distractions related to head coach Steve Sarkisian's firing to lead at Notre Dame in the fourth quarter.
The Trojans gained 590 yards on a defense that was allowing fewer than 334 per game, and they did so with several long plays, including touchdowns of 75 and 83 yards in the second quarter. Cody Kessler threw for 346 yards and two TDs, but he was also intercepted twice, giving him five interceptions in the last three games after not throwing one in USC's first three contests.
USC couldn't generate anything over the final 24-plus minutes, though, failing to score during that stretch while allowing 17 fourth-quarter points to Notre Dame.
25. Mississippi State Bulldogs
29 of 53
Average rating: 26.4
Week 7 result: Won 45-20 vs. Louisiana Tech
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Kentucky
Mississippi State (5-2, 1-2 SEC) has scored 90 points the past two weeks after managing only 87 in the previous four games against FBS opponents, but both victories came against non-SEC teams. This past game the Bulldogs had to battle back from an early 14-0 deficit, though, doing so behind senior leader Dak Prescott.
Prescott threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns and added 34 rushing yards with a score. He now has 9,470 yards of total offense and 87 TDs for his career, which ranks 14th in SEC history.
MSU averages 34.1 points per game but only 17.7 in SEC play, which accounts for the remainder of its regular-season schedule.
24. Georgia Bulldogs
30 of 53
Average rating: 25.6
Week 7 result: Won 9-6 vs. Missouri
Week 8 matchup: Bye
Georgia (5-2, 3-2 SEC) ended a two-game losing streak, but its offense has become abysmal in the wake of losing running back Nick Chubb to a season-ending knee injury. It still managed to score 31 points at Tennessee but this past game failed to score a touchdown for the first time since the 2010 Liberty Bowl.
"Chubb's absence is only one piece of a more concerning puzzle for [coach Mark] Richt and first-year offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer," Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee wrote. "Georgia currently ranks 12th in the SEC in red-zone scoring percentage (80.77 percent), 10th in red-zone touchdown percentage (50 percent) and 12th in third-down conversion percentage (33.33 percent)."
Sony Michel had 87 rushing yards on 26 carries after going for 145 yards the week before, but there's no rhythm to the offense like when Chubb was available. The Bulldogs gained 298 yards on 78 offensive plays.
23. Houston Cougars
31 of 53
Average rating: 24.8
Week 7 result: Won 42-7 at Tulane
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at UCF
Houston (6-0, 3-0 American) remains one of the most balanced teams in the country, getting at least 200 rushing and passing yards in every game en route to the No. 5 overall attack in FBS at 554.7 yards per game. That's paired with a defense that has held four of six opponents under 400 yards.
Quarterback Greg Ward Jr. has thrown nine touchdowns while completing 71.8 percent of his passes while rushing for 631 yards and 14 scores. He's run for at least three TDs in three straight games.
The Cougars have yet to face a team that currently has an above-.500 record, though in November they're set to face unbeaten Memphis and 4-1 Navy.
22. Duke Blue Devils
32 of 53
Average rating: 24.2
Week 7 result: Bye
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Virginia Tech
Duke (5-1, 2-0 ACC) is a win away from being bowl-eligible for the fourth year in a row, continuing the longest streak in program history. But the Blue Devils have more notable goals still in play, such as another trip to the ACC title game as one of three teams in the Coastal Division without a conference loss.
Thanks to a defense that has allowed seven or fewer points in four of six games, Duke ranks fourth nationally in yards allowed at 252.8 per game. Its pass defense is second-best, allowing 131.2 yards per game with opponents completing only 43.4 percent of their throws for three touchdowns.
Quarterback Thomas Sirk is Duke's leading rusher as well, with 325 yards.
21. Toledo Rockets
33 of 53
Average rating: 23.6
Week 7 result: Won 63-20 vs. Eastern Michigan
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Massachusetts
Toledo (6-0, 3-0 Mid-American) has won nine straight games and is off to its best start since 1997, registering season highs for points and yards (611) despite not scoring in the first quarter.
The Rockets got 327 passing yards and four touchdowns from Phillip Ely, a former Alabama reserve who has 10 TDs this season. The run game is averaging better than 204 yards per game, with three backs combining for 1,047 yards and 12 TDs.
Toledo, which has already beat power-conference teams Arkansas and Iowa State this season, will get several chances to play on a national stage with a trio of weeknight #MACtion games in November.
19. (tie) Ole Miss Rebels
34 of 53
Average rating: 21.4
Week 7 result: Lost 37-24 at Memphis
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Texas A&M
Ole Miss (5-2, 2-1 SEC) is still very much in the hunt for a division and conference title, but after losing at Memphis, the Rebels have probably eliminated themselves from national championship contention. Despite how Memphis has played this year, losing to a mid-major team doesn't bode well for a power program.
"The magic Ole Miss had at Alabama...is gone," wrote Dan Wolken of USA Today. "Two weeks later, they got handled at Florida 38-10. And now their world is turned upside down having lost to Memphis, a school their effete, mint julep-sipping fanbase looks down on like a community college for people who can't get into Ole Miss."
The Rebels couldn't run the ball, a season-long trend. This was highlighted by a play in which it used defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche to carry it on a short-yardage play, and he ended up suffering a concussion. Their defense has been getting beat up all season by injuries, and now center Robert Conyers is out for the year with a torn ACL, as head coach Hugh Freeze confirmed in his Monday presser.
19. (tie) California Golden Bears
35 of 53
Average rating: 21.4
Week 7 result: Bye
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 22 at UCLA
California (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) rose in the rankings despite having the week off and coming off a loss, benefiting from the turmoil of this past weekend's action. The Golden Bears can now help their own cause by knocking off UCLA for the first time since 2012.
Quarterback Jared Goff will be trying to rebound from the worst game of his career, having thrown five interceptions in the loss at Utah. He still threw for 340 yards and ranks eighth in FBS at 328.3 passing yards per game.
Cal's defense is still trending far ahead of last year, when it allowed 39.8 points and 511.8 yards per game. The Golden Bears have intercepted 12 passes and forced 21 turnovers.
18. Memphis Tigers
36 of 53
Average rating: 19.7
Week 7 result: Won 37-24 vs. Ole Miss
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 23 at Tulsa
Memphis (6-0, 2-0 American) has a 13-game win streak, but none of those victories carries more significance for the program than the most recent. The Tigers claimed their first win over an Associated Press-ranked opponent since 1996 and did it by coming back from a 14-0 deficit.
Paxton Lynch threw for 384 yards and three touchdowns, outdueling Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly and showing why the 6'7" junior is becoming a rapidly rising NFL prospect. He threw his first interception of the season but completed 39 of 53 passes, spreading the ball to 10 different receivers.
The most impressive aspect of Memphis' win was its performance on defense, a unit that had allowed 752 yards to Cincinnati last month but held Ole Miss to 40 rushing yards.
17. Texas A&M Aggies
37 of 53
Average rating: 16.0
Week 7 result: Lost 41-23 vs. Alabama
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Ole Miss
Texas A&M (5-1, 2-1 SEC) outscored Alabama if you didn't count the three defensive touchdowns it gave up, the result of a trio of interceptions by Kyle Allen that the Crimson Tide returned for scores.
Allen had 263 passing yards and a TD, but he was sacked six times. And on multiple occasions he was benched for freshman Kyler Murray. This is the second time this has happened in 2015, but after getting replaced in the opener against Arizona State, he responded with some of his best performances.
The progress A&M had made on defense took a hit, particularly against the run, as it allowed 236 rushing yards to Derrick Henry and 258 for the game. The Aggies are now 98th in rushing defense.
Overlooked in the loss was another all-around performance from Christian Kirk, who returned a punt 68 yards for a TD and had 212 all-purpose yards.
16. Michigan Wolverines
38 of 53
Average rating: 15.9
Week 7 result: Lost 27-23 vs. Michigan State
Week 8 matchup: Bye
Michigan (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) will get extra time to process the unbelievable way its third straight loss to Michigan State ended, since it's still hard to imagine. All the Wolverines needed to do was execute a punt with seven seconds left. But instead punter Blake O'Neill muffed the snap, and then MSU returned the ball for a game-winning touchdown as time expired.
"Played winning football, didn't get the result," a still-stunned Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said afterward, per Michael Rosenberg of Sports Illustrated. "Welcome to football. Move forward."
Just before that play, the Wolverines had stopped MSU on fourth down by forcing the 21st incompletion on 39 attempts by Connor Cook. Despite having a three-game and 13-quarter shutout streak come to an end, it was defense that paced the game and what they'll continue to mold their season around.
But Michigan's offense needs to become more efficient to make such late craziness not possible. It only had 230 yards, rushing for 62 yards on 33 carries after having averaged 200-plus yards per game on the ground coming in.
14. (tie) Oklahoma State Cowboys
39 of 53
Average rating: 13.8
Week 7 result: Bye
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Kansas
Oklahoma State (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) has won its three league games by a combined 12 points, two on last-second field goals and then by a touchdown in overtime last time out at West Virginia. And though the Cowboys still have to face Baylor, Oklahoma and TCU, those teams all have to come to Stillwater in November.
The Cowboys have gotten to this point behind an aggressive defense that leads the nation in sacks per game (4.17) and is second in tackles for loss per game at 9.83. This is despite allowing more than 20 points per game, including 29 per contest in Big 12 play.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph has struggled of late, throwing six of his seven interceptions during Big 12 action, and the run game has averaged only 95.3 yards per game over the last three contests.
14. (tie) Oklahoma Sooners
40 of 53
Average rating: 13.8
Week 7 result: Won 55-0 at Kansas State
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Texas Tech
Oklahoma (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) had to wait more than eight hours at the airport while waiting for its charter plane to get repaired on Friday, and it put that time to good use by getting in extra film study that led to its most lopsided victory over Kansas State in 41 years.
The Sooners gained 568 yards and allowed 110 only a week after looking lethargic on offense and defense in a loss to rival Texas. It was their first shutout of a Big 12 opponent since 2010.
Baker Mayfield threw for 282 yards and five touchdowns on 20-of-27 passing, and for the year he has 19 TD passes with four rushing scores.
13. Florida Gators
41 of 53
Average rating: 13.2
Week 7 result: Lost 35-28 at LSU
Week 8 matchup: Bye
Florida (6-1, 4-1 SEC) didn't have its best offensive player available for its biggest game of the year, and though the Gators are no longer unbeaten, they did show great poise and mettle in defeat. The play of quarterback Treon Harris, who has become the starter with Will Grier suspended for the remainder of the season because of a failed drug test, has to be promising for the future.
Harris threw for 271 yards and two touchdowns, topping his yardage total and matching his TD output from the first six games, and he did it against an LSU defense that had intercepted six passes in the last four weeks. Harris wasn't able to run as effectively as in the past, though, as Florida was held to its lowest tally (55 yards) in nearly two years.
The Gators were able to make a few stops on Leonard Fournette but still ended up yielding 180 yards and two TDs to the nation's leading rusher. Now the focus turns to holding on to their lead in the SEC East, which will be on the line when they face rival Georgia on Halloween at home in Jacksonville.
12. Iowa Hawkeyes
42 of 53
Average rating: 12.2
Week 7 result: Won 40-10 at Northwestern
Week 8 matchup: Bye
Iowa (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) is looking like a legitimate playoff contender after absolutely dominating on the road and doing so despite losing leading rusher Jordan Canzeri to an ankle injury just minutes into the game. Canzeri set the school single-game rushing record last week, but replacement Akrum Wadley stepped right in and went for 204 yards and a school-record-tying four touchdowns.
"Now Iowa has five games against five unranked foes and a fairly clear path to the Big Ten title game," Sports Illustrated's Andy Staples wrote. "Given the Hawkeyes' schedule—no Michigan, no Michigan State, no Ohio State—it's possible Iowa could go 12–0."
11. Stanford Cardinal
43 of 53
Average rating: 10.6
Week 7 result: Won 56-35 vs. UCLA
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Washington
Stanford (5-1, 4-0 Pac-12) remains on a torrid offensive pace and has now scored more points in each game as the season has gone on. The Cardinal are a far cry from the team that lost 16-6 at Northwestern on Sept. 5, as they now rank 17th in scoring at 38.5 points per game.
And though many people are responsible for this surge, the main instigator has been sophomore Christian McCaffrey. Following his school-record 243 rushing yards and four TDs (along with four receiving yards and 122 on kickoff returns, including a 96-yarder), the running back is far and away the FBS leader for all-purpose yards at 253 per game.
That performance has vaulted McCaffrey into the Heisman Trophy discussion, per Andy Hutchins of SB Nation.
"If he can click off more 200-yard games as Stanford piles up wins, he'll be in the mix with [Leonard] Fournette and [Dalvin] Cook come December," Hutchins wrote.
10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
44 of 53
Average rating: 10.2
Week 7 result: Won 41-31 vs. USC
Week 8 matchup: Bye
Notre Dame (6-1) looked really good in the first and fourth quarters against USC, but in between it slacked and nearly knocked itself out of the playoff race.
The Fighting Irish scored 21 points in the first 9:56 but then managed just a field goal until outscoring the Trojans 17-0 in the final period to rally from a seven-point deficit. Offensive stars C.J. Prosise, Will Fuller and DeShone Kizer keyed the late push, as has been the case for much of the season.
Prosise ran for 143 yards and two TDs, Fuller had 131 receiving yards that included a 75-yard TD catch, and Kizer threw for 227 yards and two TDs and ran for 47.
Notre Dame's defense gave up three plays of at least 60 yards, including passing TDs of 75 and 83 yards in a 2:24 span in the second quarter. The 590 yards allowed were the most by any team since head coach Brian Kelly arrived in 2010.
9. Florida State Seminoles
45 of 53
Average rating: 8.8
Week 7 result: Won 41-21 vs. Louisville
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Georgia Tech
Florida State (6-0, 4-0 ACC) has upped its win streak against league opponents to 28 games, and the latest one saw transfer quarterback Everett Golson step up for his best performance since coming to the Seminoles from Notre Dame.
Golson threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns on 26-of-38 passing, and he remains without a turnover after being plagued by interceptions and lost fumbles last season.
"This season, no quarterback has more action plays without a turnover (240) than Golson, and since 2004, only 10 teams have gone without an interception in their first six games," ESPN.com's Jared Shanker wrote.
Paired with another big game from running back Dalvin Cook (163 yards, two TDs) and a defense that stifled mobile Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, FSU is starting to hit its stride at the right time with the Nov. 7 showdown at Clemson coming soon.
8. Michigan State Spartans
46 of 53
Average rating: 8.4
Week 7 result: Won 27-23 at Michigan
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Indiana
Michigan State (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) remains the big brother over its rival, beating Michigan for the third straight time and seventh in eight meetings, though it took a freak play at the end for the Spartans to come out on top.
Having forced Michigan to punt with seven seconds left, the Spartans brought the house toward punter Blake O'Neill, which made it possible for Jalen Watts-Jackson to recover the muffed kick and return it 38 yards for a touchdown as time expired. The sophomore ended up suffering a major hip injury at the end of the play and is out for the rest of the season.
MSU's only lead came on that play, but it remained close throughout thanks to 328 passing yards from Connor Cook and two short TD runs from LJ Scott, the first of which came in the second quarter and ended Michigan's 13-period scoreless streak. While in no way pretty, the Spartans did gain 386 yards on the nation's No. 2 defense.
7. LSU Tigers
47 of 53
Average rating: 7.0
Week 7 result: Won 35-28 vs. Florida
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Western Kentucky
LSU (6-0, 4-0 SEC) passed the first of what will be a running series of challenges over the next month, using one of coach Les Miles' patented trick plays to break a stalemate against unbeaten Florida in a game that was evenly matched throughout.
The Tigers turned a fake field goal into a 16-yard touchdown run by Trent Domingue in the fourth quarter with the game tied at 28. They'd led by 14 at the half but allowed the Gators to get back into it after running back Leonard Fournette wasn't able to continue his trend of carrying them with his running.
Fournette ran for 180 yards and two TDs, both in the first half, while Brandon Harris had his most efficient game with 202 yards and two TDs on 13-of-19 passing.
LSU's remaining schedule is very tough, starting with a visit from one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the country in Western Kentucky's Brandon Doughty. It also still has to face Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas A&M in November.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide
48 of 53
Average rating: 6.6
Week 7 result: Won 41-23 at Texas A&M
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Tennessee
Alabama (6-1, 3-1 SEC) has been a completely different team since losing at home to Ole Miss last month, and it's done so by locking down on the defensive end and getting big plays from that unit. This was in full effect at Texas A&M, as the Crimson Tide intercepted four passes and returned three of those for touchdowns.
Freshman Minkah Fitzpatrick had pick-sixes in the first and fourth quarters, while Eddie Jackson brought one back 93 yards late in the first half. That meant Alabama's defense outscored the offense 21-20.
Additionally, Alabama held to 32 rushing yards thanks to six sacks. According to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports, "Alabama has held all seven opponents in 2015 at least 69 yards below their season rushing average."
The offense is slowly morphing into one that maximizes its best weapon, that being junior running back Derrick Henry. He had career highs in yards (236) and carries (32) with two TDs, the third straight game he's set a new benchmark for carries.
5. Utah Utes
49 of 53
Average rating: 5.8
Week 7 result: Won 34-18 vs. Arizona State
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at USC
Utah (6-0, 3-0 Pac-12) survived a series of special teams mistakes, including a horribly executed trick play at the worst possible time, to remain unbeaten thanks to the late running of Devontae Booker.
Booker scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns, part of a 20-0 final period for the Utes after falling behind 18-14. They allowed eight points in a 3:34 span in the third, the result of an illegal forward pass in the end zone on a kick return after Arizona State had kicked a field goal, resulting in a safety that ASU then converted into another field goal.
Booker finished with 118 yards on 21 carries, but before the fourth, he was not involved much in the offense as Utah went to the air. Travis Wilson threw for 297 yards and two TDs on 26-of-36 passing.
Utah's defense stifled ASU on the ground, holding it to 15 yards on 28 carries thanks to five sacks.
4. Clemson Tigers
50 of 53
Average rating: 5.0
Week 7 result: Won 34-17 vs. Boston College
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Miami (Florida)
Clemson (6-0, 3-0 ACC) managed to do something no other team has done this season by throwing effectively on Boston College, and it did so quite often behind sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson. He threw for a career-high 420 yards and three touchdowns on 27-of-41 passing against a unit that came in allowing 98.7 yards per game.
The Tigers allowed only 87 passing yards and 246 total, moving up to 10th nationally in total defense at 281.7 yards per game.
Clemson is on a nine-game win streak, winning 14 straight at home.
3. TCU Horned Frogs
51 of 53
Average rating: 3.2
Week 7 result: Won 45-21 at Iowa State
Week 8 matchup: Bye
TCU (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) heads into its bye having figured out how to play defense on the road, at least after the first quarter. The Horned Frogs were down 21-14 after 15 minutes and then outscored Iowa State 31-0.
The Frogs forced three turnovers on downs and recovered two fumbles over the final three quarters, while their own offense churned out big plays like it has all season. Again it was Trevone Boykin leading that charge, throwing for 436 yards and four touchdowns along with 74 rushing yards and a score.
Boykin is second in FBS in total offense at 425.6 yards per game.
Josh Doctson had 10 catches for 190 yards and two TDs despite missing time because of injury, and with 1,067 yards and 12 TDs, he's already surpassed his 2014 numbers while setting the school record for TD catches in a season.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
52 of 53
Average rating: 2.4
Week 7 result: Won 38-10 vs. Penn State
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 at Rutgers
Ohio State (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) seems to have figured out how to maximize its many offensive assets after the way it utilized quarterbacks J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones as well as running back Ezekiel Elliott and receiver Braxton Miller against Penn State. However, head coach Urban Meyer remains mum on how he plans to go forward at QB, despite Barrett getting the bulk of the snaps in the second half.
"I have an idea, but I want to make sure I visit with everybody [involved]," Meyer said Monday, per Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod.
Barrett ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns while completing all four of his passes, including two for TDs. Jones only had 84 yards on 9-of-15 passing.
Elliott ran for 153 yards and a TD on 27 carries, his 13th straight 100-yard game, and Miller had 30 rushing yards and 33 via receptions, including a TD catch.
Ohio State has won 20 consecutive games, the fourth time in Meyer's career he's had a 20-game win streak.
1. Baylor Bears
53 of 53
Average rating: 1.6
Week 7 result: Won 62-38 vs. West Virginia
Week 8 matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Iowa State
Baylor (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) is the unstoppable force that just keeps barreling along, its latest win coming at the expense of a West Virginia defense that was one of the best in the country through the first month of the season. Against the Bears, though, it resembled a swinging door as our top-rated team put up 693 yards and topped 60 points for the fifth straight game.
That's the longest streak by an FBS team since Oklahoma did the same in 2008.
Baylor remains the nation's top-ranked team in scoring (63.8 points per game) and total offense (719.7 yards per game), and the contributions are spread out. Seth Russell has 27 touchdown passes and also ran for 160 yards and a TD last week. Meanwhile, Shock Linwood is averaging better than 8.5 yards per carry, and Corey Coleman is on pace to destroy the FBS single-season receiving TD record with 16 (on 41 catches) in only six games.
All statistics courtesy of CFBStats.com.
Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
