After week one of college football, many upsets and great memories have already been made. The Top 25 has already been altered because of this. From the stunning defeat of the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tallahassee to the defending champs defeating number No. 1 Texas, there has already been much excitement. After week one, the question remains who did the best to who did the worst, and the AP Top 25 Poll shows that:
New Number 1 Emerges, Two Teams Crack Into the Rankings
No. 1 Ohio State: After defeating the No. 1 Texas Longhorns, Ohio State moved up a couple of spots in the rankings to the top spot. The Buckeyes were largely disappointing offensively, managing only 200 yards total. However, Ohio State held back Texas all game, with a very effective defense that stopped Texas on a fourth & Goal and got an interception that set up a touchdown, ultimately winning 14-7.
No. 14 Florida State: After being 2-10 last season, few expected the Florida State Seminoles to demolish the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide. The now playoff hopeful and ACC hopeful Noles looked in control of the game after the first quarter. Both on defense and on offense, Florida State looked efficient and some might even say excellent. Maybe Alabama has collapsed, but for now, the Noles have earned a high spot in the Top 25.
No. 25 Utah: After a very ugly 2024 season, the Utah Utes opened this year with a bang. The then-hopeful UCLA Bruins looked ready to take on Utah at home with transfer Nico Iamaleava, but got crushed 43-10 to open the season. Utah may not be number #5, but the Utes are a serious threat to win the Big 12 and showed that last Saturday.
Many Teams Disappoint in Opening Week
After opening weekend, two teams remain to be out of the rankings, while others fell considerably in the eyes of the nation. First, Kansas State and Boise State both have fallen out of the top 25, with KSU losing to Iowa State in Ireland and barely beating the North Dakota Fighting Hawks and Boise State being destroyed by the USF Bulls 34-7.
Meanwhile, Alabama has fallen all the way from #8 to #21, which definitely feels reasonable after looking very “average” in week 1. The Indiana Hoosiers have dropped from #20 to #23 after a disappointing performance against the Old Dominion Monarchs. The Hoosiers’ high hopes already looked bad before, but now, Indiana made themselves look much worse over the weekend.
Teams To Look Out for Entering Week 2
Entering Week 2, many teams will be seeking to enter the Top 25. This includes the Iowa Hawkeyes, Auburn Tigers, USC Trojans, BYU Cougars, Missouri Tigers and Nebraska Cornhuskers, all of which received votes. Many of these teams have been unimpressive in recent seasons, especially the Tigers, Huskers, and Trojans. Auburn seeks to become dangerous again, while USC has been very unimpressive with Lincoln Riley.
Nebraska enters year three with Matt Rhule, who has historically been great, not to mention the talent of the Huskers is evident. BYU, Missouri and Iowa all have been good in the past, but would love to become great.
Overall, week 1 of the football season was fascinating. The AP Poll is very important as it measures teams talent and other things. At the end of the year, the top 15 all have a chance at entering the playoffs, so this really shows how things have already shaken up. In week 2, things may be no less exciting. Many teams seasons may make or break in week 2, just as many have already after week 1. One thing is for sure, it will be exciting to see the Top 25 after week 2.
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