Top 25 Teams October Expectations

1) GEORGIA

The somewhat new-look Georgia was indeed tested by South Carolina and Auburn, but they prevailed, and a lot is put on the defense and tight end Brock Bowers. Next up, Kentucky. Otherwise, they could make it out of October still unblemished.

2) MICHIGAN

Alright, so Michigan’s season starts…right? They travel to Minnesota for their second straight road game, but their outlook in October is looking like another set of preseason/exhibition games. I’m still trying to figure out who stands out as a trap or formidable…you know what? Check back in November, ok?

3) TEXAS

Texas had some slow starts, but they picked up their motor and ran away in most games. None was more important than a big win at Tuscaloosa. They’re set up for what could be a playoff run. However, the one team standing in their way…is Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry this upcoming weekend. Woo!!!!

4) OHIO STATE

Offense is still trying to figure things out, but it’ll eventually be solved. The win over Notre Dame in grand fashion was a big statement. However, Jim Knowles’ defense is looking every bit as an impact as expected in Year 2. It’ll play a factor as they face Penn State and Wisconsin in back-to-back weeks of October.

5) FLORIDA STATE

Grand opportunity to run the ACC and chill in the Top 4 during October. They host Syracuse and Duke back-to-back, but they’re at home for those matchups luckily. Careful with Wake Forest as a trap game because the last week of October is a curse to ranked teams.

6) PENN STATE

Penn State controlled their September schedule with ease thanks to their defense putting five opponents in a vice grip. They hop skip into October with a bye and with only one gauntlet matchup against Ohio State. This is their first of two moments on their 2023 schedule to conquer if they want to compete for a playoff spot.

7) WASHINGTON

The Huskies proved their point while avoiding the claws of the Wildcats that tried fighting back. They take a nice, needed rest before they wake up and prepare for Oregon’s arrival in Seattle. The matchup by itself will determine if Washington’s for real this season.

8) OREGON

Oregon’s playing with their hair on fire again like parts of last year. They’re averaging 51.6 points per game through five games. They only allowed 30 points once against Texas Tech. By the looks of it, they’re ready for the gauntlet October schedule against the state of Washington in back-to-back weeks and Utah. Luckily, they have a bye week before they head out North and then the Rockies.

9) USC

USC survived September after a couple of close calls against Arizona State and Colorado in back-to-back road games. Offense will carry this team (typical of a Lincoln Riley coached team) because the defense has yet to find answers. They will be tested in mid-October at Notre Dame and against Utah. It’s possible they can finish undefeated that month, but don’t hold your breath if a loss comes from the Irish or Utah (if Cam Rising’s healthy by then).

10) NOTRE DAME

The tale of two games described Notre Dame in September: gritty, physical, tough, competitive, and most importantly…heart. It was there in a loss against Ohio State, but heart came out in a win against Duke. I nearly cried after that one. There’s no easy road early in October as they head to Louisville next weekend, then host Caleb Williams and USC in another potential gauntlet matchup. Let’s hope Sam Hartman’s story continues.

11) ALABAMA

Questions and skepticism soared around Tuscaloosa after years of success and dominance. The loss to Texas caused plenty of it. However, their defense has things figured out, and maybe the offense does too with Jalen Milroe being the guy. October will be interesting for the Tide, but none more interesting than next week’s matchup at College Station.

12) OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma had another season of solid September. Now, they’re right back where they started last year in the second week of October: trying to take down the Longhorns. That’s the main focus after a 49-0 stomping they took last season. Their matchups against UCF and Kansas after the bye are no easy feat. Defense will be the conversation per usual, but the offense will be evaluated before and after the Red River Rivalry. Boomer Sooner!

13) WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State rolls through September and held off Oregon State from completing a big comeback win. October won’t be easy. UCLA’s a trap and Oregon’s a tough test. Don’t sleep on Arizona State either.

14) NORTH CAROLINA

The Tarheels sit nicely in the Top 15 while looking every bit as good as last year. Most importantly, they’re averaging 36 points per game and stayed above 30 in all four of them. Their defense made slight improvements too. Their next two games are against Syracuse and Miami. If they triumph those teams, November will be a photo finish in Chapel Hill.

15) OREGON STATE

Oregon State bounced back after a loss to Washington State. They face two road games and one of them are likely traps. Oregon State could finally ease into cruise control until November.

16) OLE MISS

Ole Miss handled their September business despite a hard-fought loss against Alabama. They head into October feeling optimistic about their SEC West chances, but they’ll need help from a couple of teams trying to take down Alabama. Otherwise, they focus on their three opponents (Arkansas, Auburn, and Vanderbilt).

17) MIAMI (FL)

Miami returns to form with quarterback Tyler Van Dyke playing well again in Mario Cristobal’s second year. They triumphed Texas A&M in their first test. They head into October for their first ACC matchups at North Carolina and home against Clemson. Let’s see if the Canes will roar in the ACC.

18) UTAH

Utah suffered a loss to Oregon State to cap off what was an offensively inconsistent September. They need a “Cam Rises Again” chant or poster with Phoenix wings because they need him for the gauntlet stretch in October. At least they have a bye to see if Cam will rise at the most crucial time.

19) DUKE

After Notre Dame lost a heart breaker at home to Ohio State on primetime, Duke loses a heart breaker at home to the Irish on primetime. Hopefully they didn’t lose quarterback Riley Leonard in the process after a leg injury at the end of the game. Either way, their schedule beefs up against NC State, and back-to-back road games at Florida State and Louisville. They have a bye week at least to figure out his situation. Wish him a speedy recovery🙏🏾

20) KENTUCKY

Kentucky’s finally recognized after quietly dominating early and dragging down the Gators. However, they face a tough October schedule…starting with Georgia and ending with Tennessee. Let’s see who the Wildcats are this season.

21) MISSOURI

Missouri jumps into the Top 25 after an impressive victory over Kansas State. They face a tall task in October. LSU, Kentucky, and South Carolina are challenging but winnable if their offense plays efficient and their defense comes through in impactful moments.

22) TENNESSEE

Tennessee bounces back and continues running up the score on opposing teams. They rest next week before they matchup with Texas A&M, and then travel to Alabama and Kentucky. The road to the playoffs looks a little bleak at this point unless Tennessee’s defense turns an immediate corner.

23) LSU

LSU started the month and finished the month with losses to ranked teams. Flaws are there with their run to another SEC West title and playoff opportunity becoming difficult. They travel to Missouri, and then face Auburn and Army. Is the motivation there going forward into October???

24) FRESNO STATE

The Bulldogs makes the Top 25 for the third straight season and fifth time in the last seven seasons (hope you’re watching Pac-12 front office). Upsetting Purdue and shutting out Arizona State means the Bulldogs put the Mountain West on notice going the rest of the way. They must treat Wyoming as a trap and find out who UNLV is when they come into the Valley.

25) LOUISVILLE

The Cards did what they were supposed to do in September: win. They escaped the clutches of Georgia Tech and Indiana in neutral site and took down NC State on the road. Winning games like that away from home this early means they’re confident enough to challenge a tough opponent. Guess what, they have Notre Dame and Duke at home (coincidently after both played each other last week). They also can’t overlook their Big East rival, Pitt.