SQ College Football Power Rankings: Week 9
The ACC was the main focus of the college football world last week with Clemson handing Miami its worst loss ever, and Georgia Tech pulling off an improbable miracle to beat undefeated Florida State. Needless to say, the rankings have been shook up as a result. Before today's games kickoff, check out where these teams rank in our Top 25.
1. Ohio State
Previous SQ Rank: 1
Coaches Poll Rank: 1
"For the first time this season, the Ohio State Buckeyes finally lived up to their first-in-the-country billing. The Buckeyes were excellent in their Week 8 49-7 rout of Rutgers. Most importantly, the decision to start sophomore quarterback J.T. Barrett over Cardale Jones turned out to be a great one for Head Coach Urban Myer. Barrett completed an efficient 14 of 18 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran 13 times for 101 yards and two scores. This is the kind of quarterback play that will instill fear in the hearts of opposing defenses for the Buckeyes." - Ray Boone
2. Baylor
Previous SQ Rank: 2
Coaches Poll Rank: 2
"Everyone wants to know, can the Bears keep rolling without Seth Russell? Baylor’s defense still leaves plenty to be desired as teams are averaging 25 points per game against them." - Brian Peel
3. Clemson
Previous SQ Rank: 6
Coaches Poll Rank: 6
"Clemson's 58-0 thrashing of Miami was exactly what this team needed to put them atop the higher echelon of teams this season. The most impressive stat of the week for Clemson was forcing three interceptions from a Miami team that had only thrown one in the six games prior." - Sean Berger
4. LSU
Previous SQ Rank: 5
Coaches Poll Rank: 4
"Another week, another win for the LSU Tigers. This team is rolling behind Heisman hopeful RB Leonard Fournette and QB Brandon Harris, whose performance has been encouraging over the past three games (716 yards passing, 62.7% completion percentage and seven touchdowns)." - Sean Berger
5. TCU
Previous SQ Rank: 4
Coaches Poll Rank: 3
"TCU's 40-10 win against West Virginia has this team yet again looking strong this week. Trevonne Boykin made some incredible plays against the Mountaineers as well as his case to add yet another QB to the list of Heisman Trophy winners (currently second in the nation in total offense with 431.4 yards per game)." - Sean Berger
6. Alabama
Previous SQ Rank: 10
Coaches Poll Rank: 7
"Alabama probably has the best talent in the country, but their offensive inconsistency could spell doom. They're the kind of team that could either be National Champs or lose three games." - Brian Peel
7. Michigan State
Previous SQ Rank: 7
Coaches Poll Rank: 5
"Michigan State struggled with Indiana much more than the final score indicated. The Hoosiers only trailed by five points with under five minutes left to play before the Spartans scored three late touchdowns. That’s not surprising considering MSU seems to save their best for the best." - Brian Peel
8. Stanford
Previous SQ Rank: 15
Coaches Poll Rank: 8
"Stanford continued their roll over Pac-12 competition by dominating Washington 31-14 at home last week. The Cardinal should get a big test in the Palouse on Saturday against a Washington State team averaging 415 passing yards per game." - Brian Peel
9. Notre Dame
Previous SQ Rank: 14
Coaches Poll Rank: 9
"The Fighting Irish had a BYE week in Week 8, so there’s not much to say. However, I will say that they should probably fix their defense — specifically their pass defense. The Irish gave up 440 passing yards and three touchdowns to USC in the Irish’s 41-31 victory. Overall, Notre Dame has an 80th ranked rushing defense and a 34th ranked passing defense." - Ray Boone
10. Florida
Previous SQ Rank: 9
Coaches Poll Rank: 12
"Florida is in control of its own destiny when it takes on SEC East rival and foe Georgia this week. A win likely puts the Gators in the SEC title game for the first time since Tim Tebow was under center for the team. Florida's favored in this game, so far, but expect Georgia to put up a strong fight as they've won three of the last four meetings." - Sean Berger
11. Iowa
Previous SQ Rank: 18
Coaches Poll Rank: 11
"The Hawkeyes are looking to build off a really solid Week 7 performance of crushing the previously highly-ranked Northwestern squad, winning the game 40-10. Defense was always the handicap with this team, but their performance against the Wildcats provided some hope. If this team is to be taken seriously, they need to have similar performances against the quality teams on their schedule." - Ray Boone
12. Oklahoma State
Previous SQ Rank: 16
Coaches Poll Rank: 10
"Oklahoma State has been a pleasant surprise, starting off the season 7-0. However, they've mostly been unchallenged beating teams like Kansas, Texas and Central Michigan. This week offers an interesting challenge against a Texas Tech team that has averaged 46.6 points per game this season." - Sean Berger
13. Oklahoma
Previous SQ Rank: 20
Coaches Poll Rank: 13
"The 6-1 Oklahoma Sooners took care of Texas Tech in Week 8 with a dominating 63-27 win. However, the play of outstanding quarterback Baker Mayfield was not the reason for the huge win. The Sooners racked up a whopping 405 yards and seven scores on the ground. Running back Samaje Perine pounded Tech’s defense to the tune of 201 yards and four touchdowns on 23 carries." - Ray Boone
14. Utah
Previous SQ Rank: 3
Coaches Poll Rank: 14
"The perfect season is no more after being thrashed by USC but Utah is still fighting for a Pac-12 South title. QB Travis Wilson, who threw four interceptions against the Trojans, needs to play better for that to be a reality." - Brian Peel
15. Michigan
Previous SQ Rank: 11
Coaches Poll Rank: 17
"The Michigan Wolverines are coming off a Week 8 BYE — and boy, did they need one. The Wolverines suffered one of the most painful losses in College Football history in Week 7, losing to Michigan State in the final seconds of the game. Michigan’s punter fumbled the snap, which was then recovered by the Spartans and returned for a touchdown for a walk-off 27-23 victory. However, I believe in this Michigan team. Their No. 1 ranked defense is legit, and they were only seconds away from beating a Top-10 team. Look out Ohio State, the Wolverines are hungry." - Ray Boone
16. Memphis
Previous SQ Rank: Not Ranked
Coaches Poll Rank: 16
"Memphis is one of the most underrated teams in the country, but is finally starting to get the recognition that it deserves. After all, the Tigers are tied for second in the nation in scoring (48.9 points per game) and is sixth in total offense (557.3 yards per game)." - Sean Berger
17. Houston
Previous SQ Rank: 24
Coaches Poll Rank: 19
"Houston has been one of the most productive offensive teams in the country under Tom Herman's leadership (561.1 yards per game). And even though they're taking on a lowly Vanderbilt squad, don't underestimate the Commodores defense. The 'Dores have held opponents to 16.3 points per game, good for 13th in the country." - Sean Berger
18. Florida State
Previous SQ Rank: 12
Coaches Poll Rank: 15
"Can you really blame Roberto Aguayo for being such a poor tackler? The guy is so accurate at 89% for his career that he probably doesn’t even watch the ball after he kicks it anymore." - Brian Peel
19. Ole Miss
Previous SQ Rank: 13
Coaches Poll Rank: 21
"Lots of talent, lots of inconsistency. No, I’m not talking about Meryl Streep, I’m talking about Ole Miss. I could see them blowing out a struggling Auburn, but could also see them choking against a down Auburn team." - Brian Peel
20. Toledo
Previous SQ Rank: 23
Coaches Poll Rank: 20
"If you’re scheduled to play football on three straight Tuesday nights, you probably aren’t one of the 25 best teams in the country. But give it up to the Rockets, who are undefeated and in the Top 25 in offensive points per game and defensive points allowed per game." - Brian Peel
21. Duke
Previous SQ Rank: 25
Coaches Poll Rank: 18
"David Cutcliffe really has this team playing well again, and people are now more aware that Duke actually has a football team. Thanks to a stellar defense (has allowed 281.3 yards per game and 14.1 points per game), the Blue Devils have a great shot to get to the ACC title game." - Sean Berger
22. Temple
Previous SQ Rank: Not Ranked
Coaches Poll Rank: 22
"It’s Week 8, and the Temple Owls are still undefeated. Quarterback P.J. Walker continued with his steady season, throwing for 250 yards and one touchdown. He has thrown nine touchdowns to only three interceptions all year. Temple’s 14th ranked defense has also continued with its spectacular ways, coming up with an interception in the win." - Ray Boone
23. Pittsburgh
Previous SQ Rank: Not Ranked
Coaches Poll Rank: 24
"First-year head coach Pat Narduzzi has Pitt rolling at 6-1. The Panthers are 16th in the country in total defense, allowing only 308 yards a game to their opponents. No real surprise considering the Nard Dog was Michigan State’s defensive coordinator for eight seasons." - Brian Peel
24. UCLA
Previous SQ Rank: 17
Coaches Poll Rank: 25
"Josh Rosen continues to impress with three more touchdowns and 399 yards against Cal. The Bruins could have been a playoff contender, if not for several defensive injuries early in the year." - Brian Peel
25. Mississippi State
Previous SQ Rank: Not Ranked
Coaches Poll Rank: 27
"The Bulldogs' offense has been great as of late, averaging 44 points over their last three games. Dak Prescott has been a major reason why, picking up 846 yards of total offense over the past two weeks." - Sean Berger
Others Receiving Votes: Texas A&M