Week 3 brought us a lot of headlines – from the return of reigning Heisman winner Mark Ingram, to a trick play by Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio in overtime, to a late night battle of ranked teams (where Arizona knocked off Iowa after blowing a 20-point lead). How does each result impact this week’s College Football rankings?
Now that the dust has all settled and Week 3 is completed, where would YOU rank the teams in college football heading into next weekend?
Well, you have your two cents, they have the AP Poll and I’ve got “The KP Poll” – and here are my College Football power rankings heading into Week 4:
The KP Poll (College Football Rankings – Week 3)
1. ALABAMA (3-0)
Last Week: 1 Result: Defeated Duke 62-13
In his return, Mark Ingram didn’t even need ten carries to reach 150+ rushing yards, while also scoring 2 TD’s.
2. OHIO STATE (3-0)
Last Week: 2 Result: Defeated Ohio 43-7
What’s the difference between this year’s Buckeyes team and last year’s group? They are posting commanding victories against the teams they should beat.
3. OREGON (3-0)
LaMichael James and the Ducks have been explosive on offense
Last Week: 3 Result: Defeated Portland St. 69-0
The Ducks continue to steamroll opponents, this time knocking off cupcake Portland St. 69-0. That’s 189 points in 3 weeks, including outscoring opponents 72-0 in the 2nd half.
4. TEXAS (3-0)
Last Week: 4 Result: Defeated Texas Tech 24-14
Sophomore QB Garrett Gilbert struggled at times on Saturday, throwing 3 interceptions in the Longhorns’ 24-14 win over Texas Tech.
5. BOISE STATE (2-0)
Last Week: 5 Result: Defeated Wyoming 51-6
It was another solid performance by QB Kellen Moore, who threw for 370 yards. If anyone deserves to be included in this year’s Heisman chase, it’s him.
6. TCU (3-0)
Last Week: 6 Result: Defeated Baylor 45-10
In its win over Baylor, the Horned Frogs had 28 total first downs and nearly 300 yards on the ground.
7. NEBRASKA (3-0)
Last Week: 9 Result: Defeated Washington 56-21
The stout Nebraska defense held highly-regarded NFL QB prospect Jake Locker to an ugly statline: 4-for-20 and 71 yards. Yikes.
8. OKLAHOMA (3-0)
Last Week: 7 Result: Defeated Air Force 27-24
The Sooners allowed Air Force to amass over 450 total yards of offense, including more than 350 yards on the ground.
9. FLORIDA (3-0)
Last Week: 10 Result: Defeated Tennessee 31-17
During Saturday’s win, the Gators held Tennessee to just two successful third-down conversions over 13 attempts.
10. WISCONSIN (3-0)
Wisconsin RB John Clay already has 3 100-yard games this season
Last Week: 11 Result: Defeated Arizona St. 20-19
RB John Clay continues to be a model of consistency, posting three straight 100-yard games. So far in 2010, Clay has 383 rushing yards and 5 TD’s.
11. LSU (3-0)
Last Week: 12 Result: Defeated Mississippi St. 29-7
The Tigers forced five Mississippi State turnovers and only needed 264 total yards (including 97 yds passing) in a commanding win over the Bulldogs.
12. UTAH (3-0)
Last Week: 13 Result: Defeated New Mexico 56-14
Utes QB Terrance Cain may have had the most efficient passing day in college football last week, completing 20-of-23 passes, 3 for touchdowns.
13. SOUTH CAROLINA (3-0)
Last Week: 14 Result: Defeated Furman 38-19
In three games this season, the Gamecocks have the 6th best run defense, only allowing teams to rush for just under 60 yards per game.
14. STANFORD (3-0)
Last Week: 15 Result: Defeated Wake Forest 68-24
While many are noticing Stanford’s potent offense this season, it’s important to note that the Cardinal have the nation’s top pass defense – allowing only 90 yds/game.
15. ARKANSAS (3-0)
Ryan Mallett was outstanding against Georgia last weekend
Last Week: 16 Result: Defeated Georgia 31-24
In the win over Georgia, QB Ryan Mallett posted a statline that NFL scouts would drool over (21/33, 380 yards, 3 TD’s).
16. ARIZONA (3-0)
Last Week: 17 Result: Defeated Iowa 34-27
QB Nick Foles and the Wildcats didn’t panic after squandering a 27-7 halftime lead to Iowa on Saturday night.
17. IOWA (2-1)
Last Week: 8 Result: Lost to Arizona 34-27
During the loss to Arizona on Saturday night, the Hawkeyes managed just 29 rushing yards over 26 carries.
18. AUBURN (3-0)
Last Week: 18 Result: Defeated Clemson 27-24 (OT)
Both Auburn and Clemson chose to focus on the running game last weekend, as each team ran 47 times during their classic overtime matchup.
19. WEST VIRGINIA (3-0)
Last Week: 20 Result: Defeated Maryland 31-17
The Mountaineers dominated the Terps, holding Maryland to just 9 first downs, while also owning time of possession (37 plus minutes with the ball).
20. PENN STATE (2-1)
Last Week: 21 Result: Defeated Kent State 24-0
The Penn State offense still struggled at times, committing three turnovers, including two interceptions by true freshman Rob Bolden.
21. NEVADA (3-0)
Last Week: NR Result: Defeated Cal 52-31
For those that love Denard Robinson: You would love QB Colin Kaepernick, too. Nevada’s QB managed 5 TD’s and nearly 330 total yards against Cal.
22. MIAMI, FL (1-1)
Last Week: 23 Result: Bye
The Hurricanes – coming off a bye week – face another tough test, as they hit the road Thursday night to take on the Pitt Panthers.
23. MICHIGAN (3-0)
Denard Robinson got offensive help last weekend vs. UMass
Last Week: 24 Result: Defeated Massachusetts 42-37
Denard Robinson got some help on offense, as junior RB Michael Shaw ran for 126 yards over 12 carries.
24. CLEMSON (2-1)
Last Week: 22 Result: Lost to Auburn 27-24 (OT)
Auburn’s 2 turnovers and 9 penalties gave Clemson every chance to win, but even with a 17-3 halftime lead, Clemson still fell in overtime.
25. FLORIDA STATE (2-1)
Last Week: NR Result: Defeated BYU 34-10
The Seminoles’ big win over BYU was a nice rebound after getting trounced by Oklahoma during the previous week.
KNOCKED OUT: CALIFORNIA and GEORGIA
Thank you for visiting The Wife Hates Sports!
Hey Kev,
I like the rankings. It’s going to be an interesting season that’s for sure.
Good luck this year and have fun!