Week 3: AP Top 25 Goldilocks Rankings
We’re through three weeks of the college football season. Georgia survived a scare at Kentucky, Alabama rolled Wisconsin at Camp Randall, and for the first time, the Civil War in Oregon was played in early September. So, did the AP get it right? Let’s break it down Goldilocks-style to see if these rankings are too hot, too cold, or just right.
1. Texas - Just Right
We have a new number one! But much like me playing this pool, they didn’t win the top spot as much as Georgia lost it. Texas beat up on a bad UTSA team at home to claim the lead. With a couple of cupcakes (Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State) before the Red River Shootout, Texas should hold on until at least mid-October.
2. Georgia - Just Right
You can’t lose for winning—unless winning means barely squeaking by a horrible Kentucky team. Georgia heads into a bye with its tail between its legs but has a chance to regain the top spot when they head to Tuscaloosa on the 28th.
3. Ohio State - Too Hot
Ohio State beat up on another YMCA team to hold on to the third spot. The Buckeyes have yet to face a strong opponent, so if you can drop Georgia for almost losing, you should move Ohio State down until they can prove it.
4. Alabama - Too Cold
Wisconsin is far from the top of the Big Ten, but Camp Randall is still a tough place to win, and the Tide rolled after the first quarter. This win feels stronger than anything Ohio State has done.
5. Ole Miss - Just Right
Ole Miss went to Wake Forest and casually put up 40 points. They did, however, let up a season-high—six points. Wake Forest is now looking to pay their way out of the back half of their home-and-home with the Rebels.
6. Tennessee - Just Right
Tennessee is fifth in the AP, which seems about right. But if you’re a Kent State fan, you probably feel like they should be locked up after being up 64 at halftime and executing an onside kick while up 30.
7. Missouri - Too Hot
Boston College shocked the (gambling) world by losing by only a score after a late touchdown by the Golden Eagles. Missouri winning by less than a TD should have dropped them more than just one spot.
8. Miami (FL) - Just Right
Miami jumps a couple of spots as they continue rolling, beating Ball State 62-0. With their remaining schedule, sitting at eight feels just right for the Hurricanes.
9. Oregon - Too Cold
The Ducks quacked their way to Corvallis and beat their in-state rival in the Civil War. This is the team promised in the preseason poll, and it feels like they should have climbed a few more spots after the rivalry win.
10. Penn State - Just Right
Penn State drops a couple of spots on their day off. Firm but fair after the scare Bowling Green gave them the previous week.
11. USC - Too Cold
Unlike Penn State, the Trojans survived their bye week without dropping. They have a chance to climb next week when they face their second-ranked opponent of the season at the Big House. Expect Lincoln Riley to make a statement at Michigan.
12. Utah - Too Hot
If teams can fall in the rankings for barely beating an inferior opponent, Utah should drop for not having Cam Rising. They struggled with Utah State, needing all four quarters. If Rising doesn’t start next week in Stillwater, they’re in trouble.
13. Kansas State - Too Cold
Kansas State had a big bounce-back win against Arizona. Holding a hot offense to seven points, with zero in the second half, should’ve moved them up more than one spot.
14. Oklahoma State - Just Right
Oklahoma State got back on track against Tulsa, but a 45-10 win wasn’t enough to erase memories of barely surviving the Razorbacks in OT. They can climb next week when Utah comes to town.
15. Oklahoma - Just Right
Oklahoma stays put at 15. I guess beating Temple doesn’t mean much anymore? Their first real test comes when Nico and the Vols visit next week.
16. LSU - Too Hot
Brian Kelly killed a kid. He also barely escaped South Carolina, letting up 33 points. This defense is bad, and the team isn’t much better.
17. Notre Dame - Too Hot
After losing to NIU, Notre Dame went to Purdue and emasculated the Boilermakers. Still, losing to NIU should keep you out of the top 20 until you beat a quality opponent.
18. Michigan - Too Hot
I saw what Texas did to this team. I didn’t like them at 17 last week, and I don’t care for them at 18 this week. Show some fight against USC, and maybe they’ll earn a spot back.
19. Louisville - Just Right
Louisville survived their bye week, hanging at 19. It’s still unclear how good this team is based on their opponents.
20. Iowa State - Just Right
Another bye week survivor. I’m okay with them riding the high of their in-state win from two weeks ago.
21. Clemson - Just Right
Clemson continues to climb back after their week one drubbing. Slow and steady finishes second in the ACC.
22. Nebraska - Too Cold
Nebraska is back. I’m not sure where they’ll finish in the Big Ten, but getting revenge on Colorado makes me feel like 22 is too low.
23. Northern Illinois - Too Hot
It was neat for them to have a number by their name, but jumping two spots is too high. Huskies need to be put down…two spots.
24. Illinois - Just Right
Illinois cracked the poll with their big win over Kansas. Staying at 24 makes sense, but they have a chance to prove themselves further when they head to Lincoln on Friday night.
25. Texas A&M - Too Hot
Beating Florida doesn’t make you a top 25 team. Seeing the Aggies back here with one home loss to a MAC school is nonsensical.
So there it is, the latest edition of Calvin’s Goldilocks AP Top 25. A solid slate of ranked games this weekend should shake things up before next week.