This is actually a week where there isn’t too much changing around, as the big teams either comfortably won their games, or weren’t playing at all. The ones that did play, mostly did the business. If one wanted, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish blowing out a pretty good USC Trojans is probably the only game that resembles an upset. How far do they rise as a result of that? So, it’s mostly about some tight decisions based on play. Like possibly punishing the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys teams for having close games in conference. Not to mention, the anomaly of the American Conference this season. So focus may be on more at the bottom of the College Football Top 25 Poll, as once again a team put in, bombs out the next week.

* just a reminder that seven staff members voted on this Top 25* Also, here’s the previous week’s Top 25 for reference

W2Mnet College Football Top 25 (Week 8)

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide (seven first place votes)

Record: 8-0 (5-0, 1st in SEC West)

Last Week: 1

The Alabama Crimson Tide had a very impressive victory over the Tennessee Volunteers. Alabama even pulled their QB Jalen Hurts one series into the third quarter and the only noticeable drop off was an interception returned 97 yards for a touchdown (Tennessee’s only score of the game.) The Tide’s defense allowed nothing on offense, and were as impressive as expected. The Tide just keep rolling along. – Daniel Anderson

Next Week: OPEN, Next Game: vs. LSU on 11/4

#2 Penn State Nittany Lions

Record: 7-0 (4-0, 1st in Big Ten East)

Last Week: 2

The Penn State Nittany Lions proved that they are the class of the Big Ten East thus far. By putting a beating on the Michigan Wolverines this week. It was a 21-13 game at the break, but Penn St shut down Michigan in the second half, outscoring them 21-0. Trace McSorley had 282 yards through the air and Saquon Barkley scored twice while rushing for over 100 yards to lead the Nittany Lions. – Harry Broadhurst

Next Week: @ Ohio State (6-1)

#3 Georgia Bulldogs

Record: 7-0 (4-0, 1st in SEC East)

Last Week: 3

The Georgia Bulldogs had a week off to rest up and prepare for next week’s game against the Florida Gators. Georgia has some tough games coming up against not only Florida, but also Auburn, and Georgia Tech to finish up the year. If they can stay undefeated. They will have a very strong case to get a playoff slot. – Daniel Anderson

Next Week: vs. Florida (3-3)

#4 TCU Horned Frogs

Record: 7-0 (4-0, 1st in Big 12)

Last Week: 4

Saturday night was very good for TCU Horned Frogs fans, as they watched the their team dominate the Kansas Jayhawks. This game was all about the tremendous Horned Frogs defense, as they shutout Kansas. The Jayhawks were held to 21 total yards on offense with only four first downs all game. TCU only gave up 46 yards through the air and forced Kansas backwards for -25 rushing yards. Sure, you can give props to Kenny Hill on a five touchdown performance. However, it was his defense that opened up the opportunities. – Gary Vaughan

Next Week: @ Iowa State (5-2)

#5 Wisconsin Badgers

Record: 7-0 (4-0, 1st in Big Ten West)

Last Week: 6

These Wisconsin Badgers and PSU remain the only two undefeated teams in the Big Ten. Wisconsin rolled the Maryland Terrapins. Freshman running back Jonathan Taylor went over the 1000 yard mark on the season by gaining 126 yards in the game. Alex Hornibrook added two more touchdown passes as well. The Badgers continue to dominate the Big Ten West. – Harry Broadhurst

Next Week: @ Illinois (2-5)

#6 Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: 6-1 (4-0, 1st in Big Ten East)

Last Week: 5

The Ohio State Buckeyes had the week off. A revenge game against the undefeated Nittany Lions at the ‘Horseshoe’ awaits next week. – Harry Broadhurst

Next Week: vs. Penn State (7-0)

#7 Miami Hurricanes

Record: 6-0 (4-0, 1st in ACC Coastal)

Last Week: 8

Another week, another nail biter for the Miami Hurricanes. The Syracuse Orange weren’t completely used to, either the conditions, or the field as the game progressed. However, Orange stuck to their plan of forcing the tempo, and forced a vaunted Canes defense to play a lot. Miami had the initial answers, intercepting Eric Dungey four times in the first half and keeping Syracuse behind midfield on almost every drive. A 20-3 third-quarter lead nearly went away as Dungey and Dontae Strickland both found holes in the run game, but between Malik Rosier’s 344 yards and two scores, Travis Homer’s game-sealing TD run. the winning streak is alive and well. – Erik Watkins

Next Week: @ North Carolina (1-7)

#8 Clemson Tigers

Record: 6-1 (4-1, 2nd in ACC Atlantic)

Last Week: 7

A week off means another seven days with a bitter taste in the Clemson Tigers mouths after suffering their first loss of the season. With a big game against Georgia Tech on the horizon, and an even bigger one against NC State after that, it’s gut check time for the Tigers. Two wins means a near certain date in Charlotte, but with five must-win games to get back into the playoffs, they need to be at their absolute best if they want any talk of a repeat. – Erik Watkins

Next Week: vs. Georgia Tech (4-2)

#9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Record: (6-1, Independent)

Last Week: 17

Supposedly head coach Brian Kelly expected this result, but even he has to be a little surprised with this big of a win. The defense forced three turnovers on the day. While the combination of Brandon Wimbush and Josh Adams combined for all seven touchdowns for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Wimbush threw for two and also ran for two. While Josh Adams cracked a 84 yard run to completely put the game out of reach. Notre Dame continues their great run, and should continue their climb in the rankings as well. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: vs. North Carolina State (6-1)

#10 Washington Huskies

Record: 6-1 (3-1, 2nd in Pac-12 North)

Last Week: 9

After suffering their first loss of the season to the Arizona State Sun Devils last week, the Washington Huskies and Jake Browning got their week off at a good time. They now gear up to confront the helter skelter UCLA Bruins and Josh Rosen. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: vs. UCLA (4-3)

#11 Oklahoma Sooners

Record: 6-1 (3-1, 2nd in Big 12)

Last Week: 11

It was another hard fought victory for the Oklahoma Sooners against a scrappy Kansas State Wildcats team. Oklahoma had a slow start and got behind early, as they struggled to get in gear on both sides of the ball. It wasn’t until the second half that the Sooners would begin gaining momentum. Baker Mayfield had to be a dual threat; as he scored a pair of touchdowns both on the ground and through the air. Rodney Anderson steadily gashed the Wildcats for 147 rushing yards and a score. We can clearly see Oklahoma is not as dominant as they want to be, but they continue to overcome in close games. – Gary Vaughan

Next Week: vs. Texas Tech (4-3)

#12 Oklahoma State Cowboys

Record: 6-1 (3-1, 2nd in Big 12)

Last Week: 13

Unlike last week, the Oklahoma State Cowboys found themselves in a battle to the very end. It took a Matt Ammendola 34 yard field goal to seal the victory for the Cowboys to beat the Texas Longhorns in overtime. As a whole, Oklahoma State lead in almost every stat in the game. Yet, Texas did enough to force a tight game. seems to be very consistent and has the talent to contend with almost any team. – Gary Vaughan

Next Week: vs. West Virginia (5-2)

#13 South Florida Bulls

Record: 7-0 (4-0, 1st in American East)

Last Week: 12

The South Florida Bulls got out to a 34-7 lead in the middle of the third quarter, and then the defense let the pedal off the gas for the rest of the game. There’s truly no reason why the final score should have wound up so close. Especially after the showing quarterback Quinton Flowers put on in this one. He ran for 138 yards, passed for two touchdowns, and also ran one into the endzone too. Darius Tice added a TD of his own and 141 yards on the ground too. Regardless, the winstreak continues for USF. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: vs. Houston (4-3)

#14 Virginia Tech Hokies

Record: 6-1 (2-1, 3rd in ACC Coastal)

Last Week: 15

Rested, refreshed, and ready to play, the Virginia Tech Hokies put a big pre-Halloween scare into the North Carolina Tarheels and everyone else in the Atlantic division. Appropriately dressed in orange, the Tar Heels felt extra blue after Tech scored on a fumble return and a 91-yard punt return in the first quarter. A 69-yard pick six and two Josh Jackson touchdown passes in the first half made the second half a formality. Jackson added a third, and the shutout mercifully ended in the fourth quarter. Jalen Holston answered back with a short run, and next up it’s Duke’s turn to answer “trick or treat.” – Erik Watkins

Next Week: vs. Duke (4-4)

#15 Washington State Cougars

Record: 6-1 (3-1, 2nd in Pac-12 North)

Last Week: 16

Luke Falk threw three touchdowns and the defense held the Colorado Buffaloes scoreless for the entire game. Also thanks in large part to a running game that seemed to get whatever they wanted on the ground. Head coach Mike Leach got a wonderful performance out of the team, after a poor one last week. The Washington State Cougars continue to roll at home, at least. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: @ Arizona State (5-2)

#16 North Carolina State Wolfpack

Record: 6-1 (4-0, 2nd in ACC Atlantic)

Last Week: 19

The North Carolina State Wolfpack hit their bye week leading the Atlantic division and facing two big games to decide any potential playoff talk. NC State gets to prepare for a big trip to South Bend to face a Fighting Irish team on a sudden run of their own, and then hosting Clemson with a bid in the ACC Championship game on the line. With a two-game season and a big three-game conference run-in after that, the ‘Pack have it in their hands to create a little extra chaos – Erik Watkins

Next Week: @ Notre Dame (6-1)

#17 Auburn Tigers

Record: 5-2 (3-1, 2nd in SEC West)

Last Week: 18

After last week’s performance people were concerned about the Auburn Tigers offense. The Tigers then answered those concerns and went out and put up 52 points against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Next week they face a Texas A&M Aggies team that are looking to prove that they are the second best team in the SEC West. With a loss to LSU on their schedule, the Tigers cannot afford to lose another conference game.Daniel Anderson

Next Week: OPEN, Next Game: @ Texas A&M on 11/4

#18 Central Florida Knights

Record: 6-0 (4-0, 2nd in American East)

Last Week: 20

Normally it’s McKenzie Milton taking the headlines. However, in this one, the running game led by Adrian Killins’ 122 yards and two touchdowns. And also Otis Anderson’s 10 yard run that put the game away late in the fourth quarter. Milton still threw a TD of his own, but it’s good that the Central Florida Knights can win in a variety of ways. While also remaining undefeated on the year. – Sean Garmer

Next Game: vs. Austin Peay (5-3)

#19 Michigan State Spartans

Record: 6-1 (4-0, 1st in Big Ten East)

Last Week: 21

A ten yard TD pass from Brian Lewerke to Felton Davis III gave the Michigan State Spartans a fourth quarter lead. While a 18 yard TD rush from LJ Scott sealed the game. However, it was the Michigan State defense that ultimately took down a pesky Indiana Hoosiers team. Holding Indiana to only nine points for the entire game, on three field goals. – Harry Broadhurst

Next Week: @ Northwestern (4-3)

#20 Stanford Cardinal

Record: 5-2 (4-1, 1st in Pac-12 North)

Last Week: 22

The Pac-12 North leading Stanford Cardinal blew out the Oregon Ducks last week, and enjoyed a week off, as they prepare for the Oregon State Beavers on Thursday night. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: @ Oregon State (1-6) on 10/26

#21 LSU Tigers

Record: 6-2 (3-1, 3rd in SEC West)

Last Week: 24

Ed Orgeron was formerly the coach at Ole Miss. In his first trip back to Oxford. His LSU Tigers showed that the coach had gotten a lot better since 2007. The Tigers destroyed Ole Miss in all facets of the game. Ole Miss didn’t even score a touchdown until the third quarter. While LSU was running up and down the field. This is a different LSU team than the one who lost to the Troy Trojans earlier in the year. This team could easily be a spoiler for other teams the rest of the year, and possibly be a threat against Alabama soon as well. – Daniel Anderson

Next Week: OPEN, Next Game: @ Alabama on 11/4

#22 Memphis Tigers

Record: 6-1 (3-1, 1st in American West)

Last Week: 25

The Memphis Tigers found themselves down 17-0 at halftime to conference rival the Houston Cougars. And the second half did not get any easier, as Houston kept scoring. However, quarterback Riley Ferguson and running back Patrick Taylor put the team on their backs. Taylor ran in four touchdowns, all them under 10 yards. While Ferguson threw for 471 yards and the vital 26 yard TD, which won them the game with 1:26 left in the game. The win is huge for the team, as they keep their spot in the American West. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: vs. Tulane (3-4) on 10/27

#23 USC Trojans

Record: 6-2 (4-1, 1st in Pac-12 South)

Last Week: 10

There’s really no other way to put it, but Notre Dame annihilated USC. Sam Darnold continued to add to his growing number of interceptions by throwing yet another one. He did add two touchdowns in the third quarter, but it was quickly answered each time by the Fighting Irish. The defense gave up 497 yards of total offense, and the entire team were down 28-0 at the half. USC suffered their second loss of the season. Opening the door for some teams in the Pac-12 South to catch them for a shot in the title game. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: @ Arizona State (4-3)

#24 Michigan Wolverines

Record: 5-2 (2-2, 4th in Big Ten East)

Last Week: 14

Not so ‘Happy Valley’ if you are a Michigan fan. Penn St rolled in this one. John O’Korn was 16-28 for 166 yards. Karan Higdon and Ty Isaac scored in the second quarter to cut a 14-0 PSU lead to 14-13. However, the Wolverines would not score again after that. Now, they face a tough road to get anything but a bowl game out of this season. – Harry Broadhurst

Next Week: vs. Rutgers (3-4)

#25 West Virginia Mountaineers

Record: 5-2 (3-1, 2nd in Big 12)

Last Week: NR

The West Virginia Mountaineers played a great game Saturday despite the close victory shown on the scoreboard. It was the Mountaineers who controlled a majority of the first three quarters of play. The Baylor Bears attempted a comeback in the 4th quarter but fell short. Will Grier had a great game for West Virginia, as he accounted for all five touchdowns they scored and passed for 375 yards. West Virginia continues to stay relevant in the Big XII conversation. – Gary Vaughan

Next Week: vs. Oklahoma State (6-1)

Others Receiving Votes for this week’s Top 25: Marshall (3), Iowa State (3)

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