The SEC games on ABC were some of the best to watch this season. A ranked Ole Miss fell to a resilient Kentucky team. Sooner Magic appeared in its first SEC play at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Then, the Georgia/Alabama game concluded with a near historic comeback made by Georgia. I thought this day would never end (in a good way). I’ll be out of town at UC Berkeley for the Miami/Cal game, so it’s possible my power rankings posts will be a day late. Also, if possible, I’ll post my feedback of my trip. I can’t wait for the whole thing!

12) IOWA STATE

The Cyclones have yet to receive any love. They’re not even mentioned in the Big 12 past Texas Tech, Colorado, and even BYU. That’s insulting, but maybe it’s a good thing. Iowa State can work under-the-radar and maybe hit some of those top Big 12 teams by surprise this month.

11) BOISE STATE

Boise State thanked Washington State for being welcomed into the soon-to-be new Pac-12 with a big win. Ashton Jeanty set the example with 26 carries for 259 yards and four touchdowns. While UNLV is the highest Group of Five program to be in the 12-team playoff, Boise State isn’t far off. The future matchup will decide who controls the Mountain West.

10) UNLV

Matt Sluka chose to sit out because of a dispute over his NIL deal. It seemed detrimental to their team at first, but on the contrary. Backup quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams made work of Fresno State with ease. While losing Sluka sounded bad, the Rebels actually have a good quarterback room. Not only does the team deserve credit for handling their situation while stomping Fresno State, but so does the coach for getting his players ready no matter the situation.

9) MIAMI

Miami survived, but not unscathed. They breathed a major sigh of relief after stopping a hail mary touchdown that could’ve ended them, but their defense is a problem. The team must ride behind quarterback Cam Ward as he faces his former Pac-12 opponent in Cal. That game’s likely a trap game.

8) USC

The Trojans outplayed Wisconsin at home thanks to quarterback Miller Moss and receiver Ja’Kobi Lane. It was a struggle in the first half, but they controlled the second half, and USC’s defense didn’t allow a single point in that stretch. This is a new high for a Lincoln Riley coached team.

7) CLEMSON

Clemson deserves to get back in. I think they’re on a run and could be a hard out for the playoffs. The Georgia loss is history. If it was anything like Oregon’s situation after losing to Georgia in the opener two seasons ago, Clemson should be fine tearing apart the ACC with ease. Is anyone on their schedule able to challenge them???

6) TENNESSEE

Tennessee’s on a bye before they travel to Fayetteville to face Arkansas.

5) PENN STATE

Penn State was in a grudge match against a formerly undefeated Illinois team that wouldn’t back down. Penn State eventually broke through thanks to the duo backs Kaytron Allen and Nic Singleton. They now face Southern California teams in back-to-back weeks.

4) OHIO STATE

The Buckeyes dismantled Michigan State on the road. They head back home and await a defensive-led Iowa Hawkeyes in the Shoe. Outside of Iowa’s defense, I doubt Ohio State will have much struggle.

3) TEXAS

Texas started Arch Manning once again and in his first ever SEC game against Mississippi State. He played well, but now he can sit back and let Quinn Ewers control the starting spot moving forward again. They have two weeks off to prepare for a defensive-led Oklahoma team.

2) GEORGIA

The Dawgs were left for dead in the first half, but then life was pumped right back in late in the second half. They fought way back from 30-7 at half and kept fighting to the end. The Dawgs proved they will not go down without a fight no matter who they face moving forward.

1) ALABAMA

Bama gained huge and early momentum in the first half. It eventually wiped away, but they fought through and held strong in the end. The win was deserving despite momentum swinging the other way. The road is much lighter next week.

HONORABLE MENTION

SAM HOUSTON STATE

The Bearkats in their second season was down double-digits to a Sun Belt title aspiration Texas State. The Kats never gave up and the second half defense and quarterback Hunter Watson brought them back and sinched it with a game-winning field goal. They are 4-1 and eclipsed their 3-win mark from Year 1. Maybe newcomers of the FBS can fare well at the next level after all. Congrats, Kats!

OKLAHOMA

I’m calling 911…just to get OU’s defense’s extension number. They came through when things looked bleak. Plenty of OU fans, including me, didn’t see a comeback with how lackadaisical the offense looked. But then, freshmen quarterback Michael Hawkins threw a long ball to spark the offense before the first responders came through with a pick-6 and a big stop to end the game. OU’s defense is for sure our hope for something truly big.

RUTGERS, INDIANA, BYU, NAVY, ARMY, JAMES MADISON, DUKE, PITT

These are the Unlikelies that are off to hot starts undefeated entering October. Can they stay undefeated? Until their first loss arrives, let the Unlikelies continue cooking!

MOST DISAPPOINTED

NCAA

After the news about UNLV’s quarterback Matt Sluka and USC’s defensive lineman Bear Alexander chose to sit out for the rest of the season over NIL disputes, something must be done with the NIL policy and then some. This is solely on the NCAA for having no organization or direction to keep college football organized. This goes beyond the transfer portal and conference realignment. We’re seeing a shift in college football altogether and it could likely become…NFL-ish.

FSU COACH MIKE NORVELL

They lost badly to ACC newcomer SMU. So, yeah…when’s Norvell getting the pink slip??? Are we waiting until the Miami game for confirmation???