Yahoo Top 10: Chaos Unfolds in College Football This Season

In the unpredictable world of college football, the mantra that “ranked teams are never safe” rings true week after week. This season, madness is not just a theme; it has become the essence of the game. Week 6 of the college football season was a quintessential illustration of this uncertainty, one that fans and analysts had both anticipated and feared.

What made this week so notable? Four teams ranked in the top 11 fell to unranked opponents, shocking fans across the nation. The remarkable upsets included Vanderbilt’s historic win over No. 1 Alabama, which marked the first time the Commodores defeated a top-ranked team after 61 tries; Arkansas’ thrilling comeback against No. 4 Tennessee; Washington’s revenge over No. 10 Michigan in a rematch of a previous national title game; and Minnesota’s daring win against No. 11 USC, which involved a risky fourth-down gamble that paid off.

This week’s upsets haven’t been seen since 2007, when four top-ranked teams lost on the same day. The occurrence of two top-five SEC teams losing to unranked opponents for the first time in history, coupled with the stark reality of six undefeated teams falling — including two of those top-five squads — added to the chaotic narrative of college football. As a result, only 12 teams remain unbeaten in all of FBS, with tantalizing matchups ahead, notably the face-off between Oregon and Ohio State next week.

As teams like Army and Navy made headlines by both achieving 5-0 records for the first time since the 1940s, and Indiana boasting its best start since 1967 at 6-0, the landscape of college football was reshaped. These success stories were juxtaposed against the struggles of others—Kansas lost their fifth straight game, while Auburn suffered their third consecutive defeat under coach Hugh Freeze. The swings in fortunes create a unique drama that keeps fans engrossed.

Beyond the upsets, College Football Week 6 boasted extraordinary individual performances. Take Heisman Trophy hopeful Ashton Jeanty of Boise State, for instance. He opened his game with an electrifying 63-yard touchdown on the very first play and broke the 1,000-yard mark for the season by the fifth game of the year. Meanwhile, the Texas A&M Aggies, under first-year coach Mike Elko, surprisingly topped the SEC standings with a perfect 3-0 record, and Texas reigned as the lone undefeated team in its conference after five weeks.

The rollercoaster week changed much more than just the rankings; it reshuffled the collective hopes and fortunes of teams across the country. Heading into Week 7, the turmoil reflected in the newly established Top 10 mirrors the dizzying nature of college football.

1. Penn State Nittany Lions

This week: Beat UCLA 27-11

Next week: At USC

Penn State’s rise to the top of the rankings shouldn’t come as a shock. The team has secured two significant victories, including a road win against West Virginia and a home game against the ranked Illinois team. Their steady performance on both sides of the ball culminated in a strong win over UCLA. If they can secure a win at USC next week, it could not only keep the Trojans out of playoff contention but also position the Nittany Lions for a strong postseason bid.

2. Oregon Ducks

This week: Beat Michigan State 31-10

Next week: Vs. Ohio State

After a slow start, the Ducks have bounced back impressively, dominating their last three opponents with a combined score of 114-37. As they prepare for the impending clash against the Buckeyes, quarterback Jordan James’s burgeoning form, with 269 rushing yards over the last two games, will be pivotal for Oregon’s chances.

3. Texas Longhorns

This week: Bye

Next week: Vs. Oklahoma (Dallas)

With a critical rivalry game against Oklahoma on the horizon, the Longhorns anticipate the return of quarterback Quinn Ewers. A strong effort in the Cotton Bowl could greatly enhance their ranking and postseason aspirations.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes

This week: Beat Iowa 35-7

Next week: At Oregon

Ohio State finally makes its way into the Top 10 after a string of blowout wins, including a decisive victory against Iowa. As they gear up for their critical matchup against Oregon, questions arise about freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith and his ability to shine with spectacular plays on the field.

5. Miami Hurricanes

This week: Beat Cal 39-38

Next week: Bye

Trailing by 25 points late in the third quarter, Miami mounted an incredible comeback for the second week in a row, proving their resilience under pressure. With quarterback Cam Ward leading the charge, it’s clear the Hurricanes can’t be underestimated.

6. BYU Cougars

This week: Bye

Next week: Vs. Arizona

Standing at the top of the Big 12, the Cougars have solid wins to their name and boast one of the nation’s best defenses, shaping them into potential dark horses this season.

7. Georgia Bulldogs

This week: Beat Auburn 31-13

Next week: Vs. Mississippi State

After a setback against Alabama, the Bulldogs rebounded well against Auburn. If they continue this momentum, Georgia could soon re-establish itself as a formidable force in the SEC.

8. Clemson Tigers

This week: Beat Florida State 29-13

Next week: At Wake Forest

Dabo Swinney’s Tigers have shown impressive recovery after their season-opening loss, and with none of their remaining opponents currently ranked, they are poised for a strong finish.

9. Iowa State Cyclones

This week: Beat Baylor 43-21

Next week: At West Virginia

As Iowa State begins its campaign with a 5-0 record for the first time since 1980, there’s hope that this season will follow a more fruitful path than the past attempts.

10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

This week: Bye

Next week: Vs. Stanford

While the Irish may not have flashy wins, they find themselves in the Top 10 due to the upheaval in rankings this season. Their position shows just how volatile the current landscape is, with the dramatic shifts reflecting the chaos that college football embodies.

Dropped out: Alabama (1), Tennessee (2), Miami (5), Missouri (10)