W2Mnet College Football Top 25: Week Seven

This was a much more balanced week in College Football. There were some upsets, such as the Arkansas Razorbacks defeating Ole Miss. Then, there’s the games that were surprisingly never in doubt, with one of them being the Tennessee Volunteers and Albama Crimson Tide. Not to mention, the West Virginia Mountaineers soundly defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders as well. The best thing about the week was all the close games. the Ohio State Buckeyes and Wisconsin Badgers went to Overtime, Boise State Broncos suffered a scare from Colorado State and the Clemson Tigers almost lost to North Carolina State just to name a few. The rest is covered in Week Seven of the W2Mnet College Football Top 25.

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide

Record: 7-0 (4-0 in SEC)

Last Week: 1

 

Alabama did something this week that no team has been able to do so far this year. They kept a Tennessee team that was down by 14 at the half from making any type of comeback. Tennessee’s injuries might have had something to do with that, but the fact is Alabama is also that good. The Tide host the Texas A&M Aggies next week in a battle between SEC West undefeated teams. – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: vs. Texas A&M)

#2 Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: 6-0 (3-0 in Big Ten)

Last Week:  2

 

The Buckeyes had their biggest test of the year and had to fight hard to keep their playoff hopes alive against Wisconsin. They squeaked out a win in overtime 30-23. J. T. Barrett led the Buckeyes to the win with three touchdowns, two rushing and one passing. The one passing touchdown was the game winner to Noah Brown in overtime. – Brandon Biskobing

(Next Week: @ Penn State)

#3 Clemson Tigers

Record: 7-0 (4-0 in ACC)

Last Week:  3

 

It was an ugly and turnover filled game for the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, who were fortunate to escape with a 24-17 Overtime win. North Carolina State missed a 33-yard Field Goal that would have handed Clemson its first loss of the season. Then, Clemson took advantage in the extra period by converting on a 4th and 1 to extend the drive. After that, DeShaun Watson throws a touchdown strike to Artavis Scott, while the defense intercepts a pass in the end zone allowing Clemson to continue undefeated. DeShaun Watson threw for 378 yards and two touchdowns, plus running one in for a score as well. However, his first ever pick six, along with three other turnovers by the offense are very concerning. Not to mention, the 397 yards allowed by the defense. For now though, Clemson heads into a bye week the leader in the ACC after getting by in another squeaker. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: OFF)

#4 Michigan Wolverines

Record: 6-0 (3-0 in Big Ten)

Last Week:  4

 

The Michigan Wolverines had a bye week and are looking to continue their winning ways at home against Illinois – Brandon Biskobing

(Next Week: vs. Illinois)

#5 Washington Huskies

Record: 6-0 (3-0 in Pac-12)

Last Week: 5

 

The Huskies had a bye week as they are now firmly implanted in the College Football Playoff conversation. They face a fairly easy Pac-12 remaining schedule, so if they avoid stumbling, they will make it to the Pac-12 title game. If they win that game, they will have a good chance at making the Playoff, something nearly no one living outside of Seattle saw coming. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: vs. Oregon State)

#6 Texas A&M Aggies

Record: 6-0 (3-0 in SEC)

Last Week: 6

Texas A&M: This was a great time for a bye week. A&M getting a week off to rest and prepare to face Alabama is the best thing that could happen to the Aggies. It feels more and more like the team that comes out of the SEC West will end up with a Playoff spot. – Daniel Anderson:

Next Week: @ Alabama)

#7 Louisville Cardinals

Record: 5-1 (3-1 in ACC)

Last Week: 7

Lamar Jackson strikes first and last to lead the Louisville Cardinals to a close victory 24-14 over Duke. However, it could have easily gone the other way, as Duke was only down three points with six minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Duke caused a roughing the kicker penalty on 4th and 22, which extends the game securing drive for Louisville. Lamar Jackson runs in for a two yard score and the rest is history. Louisville’s offense continues to roll putting up 469 yards with Lamar Jackson leading the way with 144 yards on the ground. The defense held Duke to only one touchdown in each half, but perhaps the lack of points put up against Duke could effect Louisville negatively when it comes to playoff talk. Louisville now receives a tough NC State team, who almost defeated Clemson. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: vs. North Carolina State)

#8 Baylor Bears

Record: 6-0 (3-0 in Big XII)

Last Week: 9

The Baylor Bears led 42-0 at the half when Coach Jim Grobe decided to remove QB Seth Russell from the game. Russell led the team in both passing and rushing, which included a 26 yard scoring run. Baylor’s defense forced five turnovers and coasted to an easy victory. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: OFF)

#9 Nebraska Cornhuskers

Record: 6-0 (3-0 in Big Ten)

Last Week: 8

The Nebraska Cornhuskers had to fight to keep their undefeated season going against Indiana, squeezing out a 27-22 victory. Tommy Armstrong struggled under center, throwing two interceptions. A 17 point first quarter was what helped the Cornhuskers victory. – Brandon Biskobing

(Next Week: vs. Purdue)

#10 Houston Cougars

Record: 6-1 (3-1 in American)

Last Week: 12

 

The Houston Cougars rebounded after a heartbreaking loss last week with a 38-31 win over Tulsa. One would expect Houston to win that game by a lot more than one touchdown, however, after the season-altering loss against Navy last weekend, being able to get up and realize they can’t quit on the season with a win this week showed the fortitude they have. Greg Ward Jr. passed for 254 yards as he rushed for 142. While he didn’t have any touchdowns, running back Dillon Birden took care of that with three rush touchdowns. Houston may be out of contention for the College Football Playoff, but they can still have a remarkable season. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: @ SMU)

#11 Boise State Broncos

Record: 6-0 (3-0 in Mountain West)

Last Week: 14

The Broncos survived a scare against Colorado State, escaping with a 28-23 victory. Brett Rypien threw for 207 yards and a touchdown to Thomas Sperbeck, while Jeremy McNichols once again carried the load on offense, with a mind-boggling 40 carries, for 217 yards and two scores. Boise State keeps winning and continues to rise in the rankings. A Thursday battle with BYU awaits on the horizon, but Boise State is rolling right now, and the nation should remain on notice. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: Thursday vs. BYU)

#12 Wisconsin Badgers

Record: 4-2 (1-2 in Big Ten)

Last Week: 10

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: @ Iowa)

#13 Florida Gators

Record: 5-1 (3-1 in SEC)

Last Week: 15

The Florida Gators answered some questions when they came out and destroyed Missouri this week. If Florida’s offense can play as well as their defense than they are a tough team to beat. Another bit of good news for Florida is that it was announced this week that they will face LSU on November 19th in Baton Rouge to make up the game missed last week. While that takes a home game away from the Gators, it also makes sure they will be seen as a legitimate team if they end up winning the East. – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: OFF)

#14 West Virginia Mountaineers

Record: 5-0 (2-0 in Big XII)

Last Week: 17

Outside of the MAC’s Western Michigan, West Virginia may be the most unheralded of the eleven remaining undefeated schools in the FBS. Dana Holgorsen has his Mountaineers taking dead aim at Baylor and the top of the Big XII this year. Impressive out of conference wins over Missouri and BYU (the best 3-3 team in the country) have led to a 2-0 start in conference as well. That said, the road does get harder. It starts this week with a visit from the 4-2 TCU Horned Frogs, who are coming off a bye week. – Harry Broadhust

(Next Week: vs. TCU)

#15 Utah Utes

Record: 6-1 (3-1 in Pac-12)

Last Week: 21

The Utah Utes survived a close game against Oregon State with a 19-14 win. Troy Williams didn’t have a good game whatsoever, only managing to complete four passes for 42 yards. The offense was led by Senior running back Joseph Williams, who had 179 rush yards and crossed the goal line once. The Beavers are not a good team, so if you’re a Utah fan, you hope this week’s close win was just the result of an off week for the Utes. The Pac-12 seems to be a two horse race with Utah and Washington. Utah has to play incredibly well to keep up. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: @UCLA)

#16 Oklahoma Sooners

Record: 4-2 (3-0 in Big XII)

Last Week: 20

The Oklahoma Sooners have impressed offensively since they got thumped by Ohio State. They are averaging 45 points in the three games since (52, 45, 38 respectively.) Much like most of the rest of the Big XII, the defense remains a question for Oklahoma (allowing over 34 a game as well.) It shouldn’t be a problem this week though, as they play a Texas Tech team who just got hammered by West Virginia. – Harry Broadhurst

(Next Week: @ Texas Tech)

#17 Florida State Seminoles

Record: 5-2 (2-2 in ACC)

Last Week: 16

Deondre Francois throws for 319 yards with 238 of those going to WR Travis Rudolph, who also had 13 catches on the day. Dalvin CookFlorida State Seminoles defense forced three turnovers for a 17-6 win over Wake Forest. Wake Forest’s defense kept things close the entire game and forced four turnovers themselves. However, a touchdown pass by Francois to Auden Tate with under eight minutes left in the fourth quarter was the deciding score. Florida State continue to rack up good wins and have their most important game of the season against Clemson in two weeks. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: OFF)

#18 Arkansas Razorbacks

Record: 5-2 (1-2 in SEC)

Last Week: 25

Arkansas answered their loss to Alabama with a big win against Ole Miss. Ole Miss was seen by several people as the second best team in the SEC West, but Arkansas just beat them. They are lurking around in the SEC West and could end up playing spoiler to some teams later in the season. – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: @ Auburn)

#19 Western Michigan Broncos

Record 7-0 (3-0 in MAC)

Last Week: 23

The Western Michigan Broncos, now ranked in the top 25, got a blowout win over Akron, 41-0. Zach Terell had 207 yards passing with two touchdowns, both going to receiver Corey Davis. Jarvion Franklin continued to be possibly the best player in the MAC with 281 rush yards and a touchdown. The defense did incredibly well forcing two interceptions, and not allowing a single point, getting the rare and ultra impressive shutout. Western Michigan continues to show their dominance in the MAC, and rises in the rankings this week as a result. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: vs. Eastern Michigan)

#20 Tennessee Volunteers

Record: 5-2 (2-2 in SEC)

Last Week: 11

This week will mark the end of Tennessee’s lucky streak. Not only did they lose to Alabama, but they also lost some offensive linemen and several defensive players to injury. Tennessee gets a much needed bye week, this week. After that, the Vols face a much easier schedule than they had the past four weeks. Instead of games against Florida, at Georgia, at Texas A&M, and Alabama. They go to South Carolina, host Tennessee Tech, Kentucky, Missouri, and close out the season at Vanderbilt. Realistically, the Vols should not lose another SEC game and could very well end up facing A&M or Alabama in Atlanta for a rematch. – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: OFF)

#21 Miami Hurricanes

Record: 4-2 (1-2 in ACC)

Last Week: 19

The Miami Hurricanes suffer another big loss in the matter of two weeks. After losing to rival Florida State by a point last week, they go down to their closest competitor in the ACC Coastal, North Carolina, 20-13 this week. Miami was down 20-3 at the half, but were able to keep UNC scoreless in the second half and battle back to 20-13. For all of the offense UNC displayed in this game, it was a huge forced fumble on quarterback Brad Kaaya by Malik Carney with 1:32 left that sealed their victory. The team now finds itself fifth in their division after losing two straight conference games. The hard road doesn’t stop for The Hurricanes, as they have a quick turnaround with a Thursday night game at Virginia Tech. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: Thursday @ Virginia Tech)

#22 Auburn Tigers

Record: 4-2 (2-1 in SEC)

Last Week: 24

We start finding out just how good this Auburn Tigers team is very quickly. They had an off week this week, but then end up facing Arkansas and Ole Miss. If they can end up winning those two games the last week of the regular season against Alabama will have more at stake than first thought. – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: vs. Arkansas)

#23 South Florida Bulls

Record: 6-1 (3-0 in American)

Last Week: NR

The South Florida Bulls defeated UConn 42-27 this week. QB Quinton Flowers threw for 217 yards and a couple touchdowns as he rushed for 157 yards and three more TD’s. Marlon Mack also joined in on the rushing assault, with 107 yards and a touchdown. USF remains an unrespected team, even though their only loss is against a national powerhouse program in Florida State. If they can win the remaining of their American conference games, they could definitely contend for a noteworthy bowl game. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: Friday @ Temple)

#24 Oklahoma State Cowboys

Record: 4-2 (2-1 in Big XII)

Last Week: NR

The Oklahoma State Cowboys were on a bye last week, after a big comeback win against Iowa State the week before. Coming out of the bye, they face Kansas who, still haven’t won a Big XII game and were just trounced by Baylor. Oklahoma State may be looking ahead to a huge game against undefeated West Virginia next week. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: @ Kansas)

#25 Navy

Record 4-1 (3-0 in American)

Last Week: 22

Navy had an unintended bye week after their game against East Carolina was postponed. Navy are still on a high after their biggest upset in two decades with their huge win over Houston last weekend. They prepare to keep up their winning ways, with match-ups with USF, Notre Dame and Army on the horizon. For now, they get ready for a game with Memphis next weekend. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: vs. Memphis)

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