Columbus, OH – Week 9 of college football has brought about some surprising developments, all set to shake up the latest AP Top 25 rankings. While there weren’t as many matchups featuring ranked opponents, a total of six ranked teams faced losses this week, giving others the opportunity to rise in the polls.
One of the most noteworthy results came from Ole Miss, who headed into Norman as underdogs against Oklahoma. The Rebels put together an impressive performance, taking an early lead and finishing strong to secure a 34-26 win, improving their season record to 7-1. This victory not only marks a significant boost for the team but could also help close the gap in voting points as they now remain in the race for the SEC title.
Another big winner was Texas A&M, whose dominant victory over LSU has placed them in prime position to potentially receive some first-place votes. At 8-0, the Aggies showcased a well-rounded effort in their 42-0 win, which was significant as it handed LSU’s head coach Brian Kelly just his second loss at night in Tiger Stadium.
The No. 1 team, Ohio State, stayed put in the rankings after a week off, while Georgia and the No. 4 Alabama team will be looking ahead to their upcoming matchups next week.
As we anticipate the new AP Top 25, some teams are making bold moves with low loss counts. Georgia Tech continued its remarkable streak, defeating Syracuse 41-16 to push its record to 8-0. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt improved to 6-1, marking their best start since 1941, after edging out Missouri with a 17-10 victory.
On the other hand, we may see some shifts in the bottom half of the rankings as teams like Navy and Houston make a case after solid wins, while Missouri may drop following their second loss of the season.
With the season nearing its conclusion, each game’s outcome has considerable implications for teams looking to secure a strong position in the rankings moving forward. The latest poll will be closely watched as teams gear up for the final stretch.
