W2Mnet College Football Top 25: Week Five

This might be the craziest Saturday of College Football yet this year. Last week may have had scares, this week had big upsets. Ten ranked teams lost and eight of the victories came from teams either ranked lower or completely unranked. Four of those games had ranked teams facing each other. The Clemson Tigers took control back of the ACC Conference by defeating the Louisville Cardinals in what turned from a blowout in the first half, to a close game in the second half. The Michigan Wolverines defense made a huge play to outlast The Wisconsin Badgers. The Washington Huskies blasted the Stanford Cardinal on Friday night. Then leaving it for last, the Tennessee Volunteers threw a Hail Mary to beat the Georgia Bulldogs. Honestly, this is just a small amount of the wild games from Saturday. The rest is covered in Week Five of the W2Mnet College Football Top 25.

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide

Record: 5-0

Another week, another Alabama Crimson Tide win. Alabama beat a Kentucky Wildcats team that will probably be looking for a new coach at the end of the year. Alabama looked like they were coasting this week, but they were still able to hold a Kentucky team to six points. Now Alabama has to turn their focus to a tough Arkansas Razorbacks team that will definitely show up to play on Saturday. – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: @ Arkansas)

#2 Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: 4-0

Another very easy win for the Ohio State Buckeyes, this week shutting out the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 58-0 in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes were utterly dominant in the air, with J. T. Barrett breaking the school record for career passing touchdowns in the process of throwing four on the day. The Buckeyes look unstoppable right now and they look forward to another easy game against the Indiana Hoosiers next week. – Brandon Biskobing

(Next Week: vs. Indiana)

#3 Clemson Tigers

Record: 5-0

With all the hoopla surrounding Lamar Jackson, people started forgetting about DeShaun Watson. After Clemson’s 42-36 win and a five touchdown performance by Watson, the memories are renewed. The Clemson Tigers blew a 28-10 half-time lead, but Watson and the team remained calm and struck twice in succession with two 20 plus yard passing touchdowns. Then it was up to the defense to make one key stop and with that, Clemson sit a top the ACC Conference and back into one of the playoff seeds as well. Clemson has the Boston College Eagles on Friday night. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: @ Boston College)

#4 Michigan Wolverines

Record: 5-0

The Wolverines had their biggest test of the year, facing top ten ranked and super hot Wisconsin, who just came off beating Michigan’s in state rivals. Michigan passed the test on this day, and looked very strong in the process. This game was a traditional Big 10 game; hard-hitting, defensive and low scoring. The highlight of the game was an incredible behind the back one handed interception by Jourdan Lewis. – Brandon Biskobing

(Next Week: @ Rutgers)

#5 Houston Cougars

Record: 4-0

Tom Herman remains one of the hottest coaches in college football as his Houston Cougars continue to win. On last Thursday night, Houston handled the upset minded UConn Huskies and then some with a 42-14 win. Greg Ward Jr. played some tremendous football throwing for 389 yards along with three touchdowns while also running for 65 yards and tallying two more touchdowns. Houston continues its push for the playoff as Ward continues his push for a Heisman Trophy candidacy as the Cougars roll. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: @ Navy

#6 Washington Huskies

Record: 5-0

Jake Browning and the Washington Huskies made a statement last Friday with a huge blowout win versus a Pac-12 rival who was ranked in the top ten. After a shaky performance on the road against Arizona, Browning connected for three touchdown passes as Washington had no issues moving the ball against a tough Cardinal defense. The Pac-12 looks wide open and the Huskies are clear front runners going into October. – Randy Isbelle

(Next Week: @ Oregon)

#7 Tennessee Volunteers

Record: 5-0

A lot of people will look at the end of the Tennessee game and think that they were lucky to come out with a win. They were, no question about it, but both teams played sloppy football and made mistakes. That being said, Tennessee still ended up with the win. Next week they go to College Station to face a Texas A&M Aggies team that had a tough victory against the South Carolina Gamecocks. – Daniel Anderson

Next Week: Tennessee

#8 Louisville Cardinals

Record: 4-1

In one of the most anticipated match-ups of the season, Lamar Jackson valiantly led the Louisville Cardinals on a major comeback down 28-10 at the half, to take the lead with under eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Jackson threw for one and ran for two scores during that period as well. However, a huge mental error on their last possession led to a rough 4th and 12 in the red zone. The Wide Receiver went out of bounds, instead of cutting back inside, effectively ending Louisville’s chances for a comeback. The Cardinals are not out of playoff contention yet, as they still have a big meeting with Houston near the end of the season, which could turn things back in their favor, if some other things go their way. Louisville’s great performances in big games gives them the benefit of the doubt and they don’t drop much in the rankings. – Sean Garmer:

(Next Week: OFF)

#9 Texas A&M Aggies

Record: 5-0

The Aggies faced a tough South Carolina team this past week and came away with a victory. Next week, Tennessee visits the Aggies and that game will help determine if A&M is for real or not. This is a team that can, and will challenge for the SEC West. – Daniel Anderson:

Next Week: vs. Tennessee)

#10 Baylor Bears

Record: 5-0

The Baylor Bears fired the final shot in a shootout victory over the Iowa State Cyclones. It was the Bears trailing in the fourth quarter by 14 points. Baylor shut down Iowa State’s offense, as the Baylor offense tied the game on the ground with their rushing attack. Chris Callahan kicked the 19 yard game winning field goal to give Baylor the win. Despite having to battle it out in close games, Baylor proves every week that they are a scrappy talented team, who deserve their high ranking. – Gary Vaughan

(Next Week: OFF)

#11 Miami Hurricanes

Record: 4-0

The Miami Hurricanes defense helped blow a tight game wide open in the second quarter with back to back fumble returns for touchdowns. Brad Kaaya added a 31 yard passing touchdown late in the fourth quarter to seal their first victory in conference all season. They also remain undefeated ahead of a huge a prime time meeting with rival the Florida State Seminoles at home next week. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: vs. Florida State)

#12 Nebraska Cornhuskers

Record: 5-0

The Nebraska Cornhuskers had to fight and make a fourth quarter comeback to get past Illinois after being down 16-10 at the end of the third quarter. Terrell Newby was the key in the fourth quarter, scoring two rushing touchdowns, including a 63 yard run with two minutes left to seal the deal for Nebraska. – Brandon Biskobing

(Next Week: OFF)

#13 Ole Miss Rebels

Record: 3-2

The Ole Miss Rebels got a slight break from a tough schedule by facing a Memphis team that, while good, is not in the same caliber as Alabama and Florida State. Ole Miss jumped out to a strong lead and never let up. They get a bye next week and then face Arkansas the following week. This is a team that is much better than their record. – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: OFF)

#14 Wisconsin Badgers

Record: 4-1

On the flip side the Badgers fought hard to keep their momentum and place in the polls in tact but came up just short. Alex Hornibrook had a very rough game behind center, throwing three interceptions, which were a huge key in the loss. – Brandon Biskobing

(Next Week: OFF)

#15 Stanford Cardinal

Record: 3-1

Stanford was completely beaten down last Friday when they traveled to play Washington. A 44-6 drubbing where Stanford’s lack of offensive efficiency shined through. Going only 2 for 12 on 3rd down, while allowing Washington to go 9 for 12 was a big key to the blowout loss. Top that with 11 penalties for 100 yards and Christian McCaffrey and the Cardinal could not get anything going. McCaffrey had a night to forget, gaining only 79 yards from scrimmage. – Randy Isbelle

(Next Week: vs. Washington State)

#16 Boise State Broncos

Record: 4-0

The Boise State Broncos remained unbeaten on the season by defeating the Utah State Aggies 21-10. The defense led the way on the blue turf only allowing ten points as Junior tailback Jeremy McNichols carried the workload on offense with 132 rush yards on 30 attempts. The signal caller, Brett Rypien threw for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Boise State, will surely rise in the rankings and start to look towards playing a bowl game on New Year’s. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: @ New Mexico)

#17 Florida Gators

Record: 4-1

The Florida Gators followed a loss against Tennessee with a tough victory against The Vanderbilt Commodores. This was a defensive struggle and it showed with only one touchdown scored in the game by either team. All that being said, Florida got a road SEC win and those are not easy to come by. – Daniel Anderson:

(Next Week: vs. LSU)

#18 Arkansas Razorbacks

Record: 4-1

Arkansas had an easy game this week against the Alcorn State Braves. They destroyed them as expected. Next week, the Razorbacks face Alabama and have a chance to salvage a season where they have looked good at times, but didn’t step against Texas A&M. A victory over Alabama will go a long way to making everyone feel much better about the season. – Daniel Anderson:

(Next Week: vs. Alabama)

#19 North Carolina Tar Heels

Record: 4-1

The North Carolina Tar Heels began a rough three game stretch against the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday by blowing two different leads, including a 28-14 after the third quarter, to win with a last second 54 yard field goal as time expired. Mitch Trubisky threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns, including a 34 yard pass to take a 34-28 lead with under three minutes to play. However, There’s concern about the UNC defense, which couldn’t keep Dalvin Cook or Deondre Francois from running into the end zone three different times in the fourth quarter. For now, The Tar Heels celebrate a major victory, but they have to turn around and face the newest ACC darling the Virginia Tech Hokies and a potential ACC Coastal deciding game at Miami in their next two games.

(Next Week: vs. Virginia Tech)

#20 Florida State Seminoles

Record: 3-1

The Florida State Seminoles thought they had it won after a Deondre Francois rushing touchdown with 23 seconds left to take a 35-34 lead. Alas, it was not meant to be, as they were handed their second loss in Conference due a late field goal as time expired. Dalvin Cook once again led the team rushing wise with 140 yards on 29 carries and three touchdowns. Francois rushed for what would have been the game winning TD and added 372 yards through the air. However, the major issue was the defense, which could not stop North Carolina in the passing game. Florida State now has a huge primetime game next week against rival Miami. Another loss virtually ends all hope of them having a shot at winning the ACC Conference. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: @ Miami

#21 West Virginia Mountaineers

Record: 4-0

West Virginia continues to impress as they stay undefeated as they beat Kansas State in a close victory. The Miners overcame being shutout in the first half to comeback and win the game. The West Virginia defense only gave up one touchdown as they held Kansas State to three field goals on their other scoring drives. It was the Miner’s ability to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, as they shut out Kansas State, that would be the deciding factor in how they won the game. Justin Crawford lead the Miners rushing attack with 104 yards rushing and a touchdown. Skyler Howard threw the game winning touchdown to Jovon Durante. West Virginia has shown they deserve to be acknowledged as a top team. – Gary Vaughan

(Next Week: OFF)

#22 Oklahoma State Cowboys

Record: 3-2

The Oklahoma State Cowboys jumped out in front of the Texas Longhorns early and never looked back. The Cowboys defense played well down the stretch and kept the Longhorns in check most of the game. Their special teams played great, as they blocked three Texas extra point tries and returned one for two points. Mason Rudolph dominated with 392 yards passing and three touchdowns; plus he also rushed for a touchdown. Oklahoma State continues to keep themselves in the top rankings conversation. – Gary Vaughan

(Next Week: vs. Iowa State)

#23 Utah Utes

Record: 4-0

The Utah Utes remain in our Top 25 even after a tough road loss against California. The Utes fell behind early 14-0 but fought back to have a chance to win it at the end. Utah had seven plays inside California’s seven yard line, but they were unable to punch it in for the win. After the tough loss, Utah will look to bounce back against Arizona. – Randy Isbelle

(Next Week: vs. Arizona)

#24 Western Michigan Broncos

Record 5-0

The Western Michigan Broncos every weekend seem to be inching closer to being the powerhouse of the MAC. Western Michigan defeated the in-state rival Central Michigan Chippewas in a rout with the final score of 49-10. Zach Terrell threw for a subdued 170 yards but accounted for three pass touchdowns. Jarvion Franklin rushed for 132 yards and had two touchdowns. The Broncos are playing very well, and if they can roll through the MAC to finish this season they could be looking at a major bowl appearance. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: vs. Northern Illinois)

#25 Air Force Falcons

Record 4-0

The Air Force Falcons are riding high after defeating their rival Navy and moving to 4-0 on the season. Senior quarterback Nate Romine threw for 257 yards and added two touchdowns. Air Force faces a favorable schedule as it looks to go unbeaten, with their toughest test coming during their final regular season game against Boise State. However, that’s in the future, for now, Air Force is head over heels for the way they have begun the 2016 campaign. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: @ Wyoming)

MAIN PHOTO: