Eric Boggs
Despite Ohio State’s commanding 56-0 victory over Western Michigan, the Buckeyes have dropped from No. 2 to No. 3 in the AP Poll. Texas jumped Ohio State after their 31-12 road win against Michigan at the Big House. However, Ohio State held firm at No. 2 in the Coaches Poll.
Georgia remains the No. 1 team in both rankings. In the Coaches Poll, Ohio State, Texas (No. 3), Alabama (No. 4), and Ole Miss (No. 5) round out the top five. The Big Ten is well-represented with No. 6 Oregon, No. 8 Penn State, No. 11 USC, No. 16 Michigan, No. 22 Washington, and No. 24 Nebraska. Iowa dropped out after a last-second loss to Iowa State. The AP Poll saw similar rankings at the top, with Texas leaping to No. 2. Penn State remained No. 8, while No. 9 Oregon slid two spots despite a close win over Boise State. The AP also ranks No. 11 USC, No. 17 Michigan, and No. 23 Nebraska as Big Ten representatives.
Notre Dame suffered the biggest fall, dropping 13 spots to No. 18 after a shocking loss at home to Northern Illinois, who entered the AP Poll at No. 25.
Ohio State, having outscored opponents 108-6 in their first two games, heads into a bye week before facing Marshall at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 21. Despite the drop in the AP Poll, the Buckeyes remain poised for a strong season ahead.
