The latest AP Poll top 25 rankings were released after Week 8 of the 2023 college football regular season.
There have been some surprises, so there is a shake-up within the top 10 teams. Others also moved up or even down.
With all that said, let’s take a look at the AP poll’s top 25 rankings.
(Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)
Georgia had the week off but will face Florida next weekend in this classic rivalry. The Bulldogs have been a little shaky this season, but of course they haven’t lost yet.
Until they are beaten, the Bulldogs are the presumptive favorites to win a third straight national title. There are moments when they really pick up speed and it seems like there’s no stopping it.
(Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK)
A 49-0 win over Michigan State is the latest example of how good this team is this fall compared to the last two. Despite all the NCAA trash, will Jim Harbaugh finally win it all?
Michigan definitely has what it takes. Quarterback JJ McCarthy is leading the way, Blake Corum is carrying the rock, Roman Wilson is in the midst of a breakout year and the defense is strong every week.
(Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State didn’t look great offensively, but that defense swamped everyone around the Horseshoe on Saturday. The Buckeyes controlled the game and won 20-12 over Penn State.
Will this provide enough firepower to defeat Michigan? That remains to be seen, but Ohio State has overcome its first Big Ten challenge.
(Alicia Devine_Tallahassee Democrat _ USA TODAY NETWORK)
If Riley Leonard had finished that game, Florida State might have been on the verge of a surprise loss. Unfortunately, that was not the case and the Seminoles retreated.
Jordan Travis played pretty well and Keon Coleman didn’t have an underwhelming performance but did what he had to do. The same goes for Johnny Wilson, who has returned to the lineup. FSU kept pace in the inevitable CFP race.
(Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)
Did you see the game last night? What was that given what we’ve seen from the Huskies all season? Certainly not such an offensive performance.
Facing adversity for virtually the first time this season, the Huskies trailed at halftime. Michael Penix Jr. threw two picks and led three field goal drives. Luckily, a pick six was the biggest difference for Washington.
(SARAH PHIPPS_THE OKLAHOMAN _ USA TODAY NETWORK)
It’s been two weeks since we’ve seen Oklahoma in action, but the Sooners returned home after a big win over Texas. It was a close call and UCF almost pulled off the upset, but OU remained undefeated.
Dillon Gabriel threw for 253 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. How about Nic Anderson? He had five catches for 105 yards and two scores. He’s been in hot demand lately because of that offense. OU remained atop the Big 12 with this title.
(Sara Diggins_American-Statesman _ USA TODAY NETWORK)
This wasn’t an overly impressive win, but Texas survived the bye week and beat Houston on the road 31-24. The bigger concern is quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Maalik Murphy only threw two passes, but it was a balanced attack for the Longhorns. The Longhorns better hope Ewers comes back as soon as possible. That’s essentially why the 2022 offense is doomed.
(Ben Lonergan_The Register-Guard _ USA TODAY NETWORK)
Oregon won an old-fashioned Pac-12 shootout over Washington State on Saturday. Well, the Cougars aren’t ranked, but they’re certainly a tough prospect. The Ducks defense gave up 438 yards to Wazzu QB Cam Ward but held on for the 38-24 win.
This win allowed Oregon to keep pace with Washington at the top as the Ducks want the rematch. Utah may have something to say about that, but Oregon is still firmly in the CFP race.
(John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)
You really thought Alabama was done this year, didn’t you? Don’t lie, the loss to Texas certainly changed perceptions early in the season.
Not so fast, my friend. Alabama used a second-half comeback to beat Tennessee and managed to keep its SEC record perfect. A win over LSU in two weeks and it’s time to book a flight to Atlanta for the SEC Championship.
(Kyle Robertson_Columbus Dispatch _ USA TODAY NETWORK)
Penn State remained in the top 10 despite a road loss to Ohio State. That’s nothing to scoff at, it’s a tough place to play, as always. But that was a missed opportunity.
However, Drew Allar and the Penn State offense had no answer for the Buckeyes’ defense. Just 12 points is not enough. Big Ten title and CFP hopes are fading heading into the final stretch of the season.
Rest of AP Poll Top 25
11. Oregon State (+1)
12. Ole Miss (+1)
13. Utah (+1)
14. Notre Dame (+1)
15. LSU (+4)
16. Missouri (+4)
17. North Carolina (-7)
18. Louisville (+3)
19. air force (+3)
20. duke (-4)
21. Tennessee (-4)
22. Tulane (+1)
23. UCLA (+2)
24. USC (-6)
25. James Madison (NO)
Others receiving votes: Florida 34, Liberty 17, Kansas St. 16, Miami 12, Fresno St. 8, Oklahoma St. 5, Toledo 3, Kentucky 2, Rutgers 2, UNLV 1, Wisconsin 1.
Another week is upon us and we are much closer to college football in November. It’s getting colder, it’s getting nastier, and the quality matchups are increasing. Buckle up.