Chaos reigned again this past weekend. The Big 12 suffered huge and the door is once again open. BYU and Kansas State collapsed while Big 12 returner Colorado has an opening Arizona State could find their way in. The AAC title game is set. Clemson, Miami, and SMU are locked in the battle, the Big Ten has Oregon in a title game, and the SEC still hasn’t figured out their runaway after Georgia knocked off Tennessee. Notre Dame is log jamming the Top 12, and Boise State may represent the Group of 5 with a playoff bye.

It’s clear that every team is fighting for something after two weeks, even the ones that aren’t in playoff or conference title contention. What I’ve learned thus far is to watch out for these spoilers: Georgia Tech, Kansas, Washington, Minnesota, and South Carolina. This upcoming weekend should provide more chaos. Stay tuned!

12) ARIZONA STATE

After some time, Arizona State returns to my power rankings. The Sun Devils strung out three straight wins, including a road upset against Kansas State. They have a run going and Cam Skattebo leads the charge along with game-managing quarterback Sam Leavitt. They battle a formerly undefeated BYU next.

11) COLORADO

Also after some time, the Buffs return to my power rankings. The offense continues their dominance with Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter while their defense (also led by Hunter) finally figured out how to play proper defensive football. They’re a win or two away from returning to the Big 12 title game for the first time since 2005. However, they face a pesky Kansas team that knocked off formerly undefeated Top 12 teams in Iowa State and BYU in back-to-back weeks.

10) NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame never worried against Virginia. Outside of one Virginia quarterback scoring two touchdowns, the Irish forced three interceptions against another Virginia quarterback. Hopefully the kicking game’s figured out because they have a big matchup against undefeated Army in neutral site.

9) SMU

SMU was in a dogfight against a Thomas Castellanos-less offense and it looked unclear for victory. They outplayed Boston College just enough to escape their clutches. Their fight continues on as they travel to Virginia in a potential trap game. SMU’s on the verge of staying undefeated as the newcomer in their new conference.

8) BOISE STATE

Quarterback Maddux Madsen and Ashton Jeanty carried the offense to victory with some defensive help too. It wasn’t their best first half, but they eventually got going and punished San Jose State in the second half. Jeanty carried a hardworking 32 carries for 159 yards and three touchdowns. The Jeanty Show continues, and the team qualifies for the Mountain West championship. Great (sarcasm clapping)…

7) TEXAS

It wasn’t the easiest win for Texas against rival, Arkansas, but Quinn Ewers connected with former Houston receiver Matthew Golden on two touchdowns to do just enough. Defense did a great job forcing Taylen Green to play quarterback and didn’t make things easy for him scrambling. As long as they don’t look ahead to A&M with Kentucky up next, they should still be in line for a winner-take-all SEC title spot.

6) GEORGIA

Despite injuries on their roster, Carson Beck ended his interception streak, the offense came through, defense held strong in the second half, and they’re the first team in 2024 to end Tennessee’s streak of allowing under 20 points. All they have left is Georgia Tech at the end of the regular season. They finish SEC play and must watch what happens in the end while prepping for Georgia Tech in a couple of weeks.

5) OLE MISS

BYE

4) PENN STATE

They traveled to Purdue and crushed them. Drew Allar, Tyler Warren, Abdul Carter, and company cruised without resistance to stay alive for a playoff spot. Big Ten title hopes are slim, and they’ll need some help getting there. As long as they continue winning big, they should be fine. They travel to Minnesota and the Gophers could complicate things if Penn State starts flat.

3) INDIANA

BYE

2) OHIO STATE

Ohio State’s offense sputtered until the second quarter. Will Howard carved them up with help from Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Quinshon Judkins. Defense coordinator Jim Knowles’ defense shutdown Northwestern after allowing a touchdown. The Buckeyes may have peaked towards Indiana, but they woke up in the second quarter to walk over Northwestern.

1) OREGON

Oregon walked into a trap game in Madison, Wisconsin. Dillon Gabriel didn’t play well, but running back Jordan James had other ideas and punished the defense for 121 rushing yards and an important touchdown in the fourth quarter. Defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei sealed the game with a tipped interception play. Oregon gets a much-needed break with a bye and qualify for their first Big Ten title prior to one more game against rival, Washington in a regular season finale.