RJ Young
FOX Sports National College Football Analyst
In a season that seems suited to teams that have proven themselves to be good in the College Football Playoff era, but not quite good enough to be one of the teams invited to a four-team tournament, they are not perennial powers like Ole Miss. Wisconsin, USC and Florida benefit from the expanded field.
Instead, it's the Indiana Hoosiers.
Regarding BYU And The state of Iowathis Indiana program would be the most surprising entrant into the 12-team CFP field this season.
Indiana is 8-0. Indiana has won nine games only twice in program history (1945, 1967). Indiana is two wins away from winning 10 games for the first time ever. And yes, Indiana still has four games remaining.
Of Oregon Not only does it appear to be the top team in the Big Ten, but nationwide, it is Indiana that has shown itself to be the biggest challenge for the Ducks, along with State of Ohio And Penn State.
With that, here's a look at my top 25 rankings after week 9 of the college football season:
1. Oregon (8-0)
Result week 9: Defeated Illinois, 38-9
Since beating Ohio State 32-31 in Week 7, the Ducks have outscored their opponents 73-9. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 391 yards and three touchdowns while also adding a rushing score in the Ducks' win.
2. Georgia (6-1)
Result week 9: Inactive
3. State of Ohio (6-1)
Result week 9: Defeated Nebraska, 21-17
The Buckeyes needed to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter to beat the Huskers and stay alive in the hunt for a Big Ten title. Wideout Jeremiah Smith tied Cris Carter's freshman record for touchdowns with eight and had a 60-yard touchdown in the win.
Will Howard connects with Jeremiah Smith for a 60-yard touchdown, extending Ohio State's lead over Nebraska
4. Penn State (7-0)
Result week 9: Defeated Wisconsin, 28-13
The Nittany Lions trailed Wisconsin 10-7 at halftime. After a 90-yard TD scoring drive, PSU managed just 45 yards on its next 14 offensive plays. Drew Allar had to leave the game in the first half due to an injury and did not return in the second half.
That didn't stop Penn State's defense from imposing its will. The Nittany Lions regained the lead on a pick-six and backup QB Beau Pribula saw the Lions pull through to the end.
5. Texas (7-1)
Result week 9: Defeated Vanderbilt, 27-24
Quinn Ewers completed 27 of 37 passes for 288 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the win. The Longhorns held off a second-half comeback attempt by the Commodores, who had yet to play a Power 4 opponent that didn't end as a one-score game.
6. Miami (Fla.) (8-0)
Result week 9: Defeated Florida State, 36-14
Despite the first ho-hum game of the season from Heisman contender Cam Ward 22-of-35 for 208 yards with no passing touchdowns, the Miami Hurricanes cruised to a victory against rival FSU. Running back Damien Martinez needed just 15 carries to rush for 148 yards with two touchdowns.
7. Clemson (6-1)
Result week 9: Inactive
8. The state of Iowa (7-0)
Result week 9: Inactive
9. BYU (8-0)
Result week 9: Defeated UCF, 37-24
The Cougars never followed the Knights in this regard. BYU running back LJ Martin rushed for 101 yards in the win. Martin has rushed for more than 100 yards in consecutive games for the first time this year. This season marks only the second time since 1990 that BYU has started the season 8-0.
10. Texas A&M (7-1)
Result week 9: Defeated LSU, 38-23
Trailing 17-7 in the third quarter, Mike Elko felt like he needed a change. He called on Marcel Reed, hoping the dual-threat signal caller could spark the offense, and that's exactly what he did. Reed came off the bench to score three second-half touchdowns and lead the Aggies to an impressive win and keep their undefeated record in SEC play intact.
11. Tennessee(6-1)
Result week 9: Inactive
12. Indiana (8-0)
Result week 9: Defeated Washington, 31-17
Indiana is 8-0.
Indiana was able to win nine games for the third time in its history, and ten games for the first time ever.
And Indiana has four games to do that.
13. Our Lady (7-1)
Result week 9: Defeated Navy, 51-14
The Fighting Irish have secured a definitive win against a previously undefeated opponent. Jeremiyah Love rushed for 102 yards with two touchdowns on just 12 carries.
14. Alabama (6-2)
Result week 9: Defeated Missouri 34-0
The Tide bounced back from their loss to Tennessee and regained their defensive swagger with a shutout victory. In doing so, they undermined Mizzou's hopes of a spot in the SEC title game and the College Football Playoff. Jamarion Miller rushed for two touchdowns in the win.
15. LSU (6-2)
Result week 9: Lost to Texas A&M, 38-23
Garrett Nussmeier threw three picks after halftime and the Tigers defense couldn't stop A&M QB Marcel Reed on the ground. Nussmeier finished the game with 405 yards and two touchdowns with a career-high three interceptions.
16. Boise State (6-1)
Result week 9: Defeated UNLV, 29-24
Although Ashton Jeanty was held to just 128 rushing yards on 33 carries, the Broncos defeated the rebels. The Broncos defense plundered Hajj-Malik Williams six times and recorded an interception in the win.
17. State of Kansas (7-1)
Result week 9: Defeated Kansas, 29-27
Avery Johnson threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 67 yards and a score on the ground. The Wildcats' defense eventually took the lead, stopping Kansas on fourth down to keep their CFP chances alive and secure their 16th straight win over their biggest rival.
18. Pitt (7-0)
Result week 9: Defeated Syracuse, 41-13
The Panthers Syracuse QB Kyle McCord was picked off five times, including three pick-sixes in the first half. Pat Narduzzi has this team playing elite level defense as they improved to 7-0 on the season.
19. Missouri (6-2)
Result week 9: Lost to Alabama, 34-0
After losing quarterback Brady Cook with just a few minutes to play in the first half, backup Drew Pyne struggled against Alabama's defense. He completed just 6 of 12 passes for 42 yards with three interceptions.
20. Ole ma'am (6-2)
Result week 9: Defeated Oklahoma, 26-14
Without Tre Harris, the Rebels struggled to find an offensive catalyst, but their defense managed nine sacks and two turnovers against the Sooners.
21. SMU (7-1)
Result week 9: Defeated Duke, 28-27
Another week, another win for the Mustangs. They have now won five in a row, with this victory coming in overtime against a good Duke team. Brashard Smith led the way on the ground with 117 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
22. Army (7-0)
Result week 9: Inactive
23. Illinois (6-2)
Result week 9: Lost to Oregon, 38-9
The Illini struggled offensively in this game. Despite earning their way to the Oregon 2-yard line to open the second half, the Illini turned the ball over on downs.
24. Colorado (6-2)
Result week 9: Defeated Cincinnati, 34-23
As it has been many times this season, it was Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter's show on Saturday night in Boulder. Sanders completed 25 of 30 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns, both of which went to Hunter, who finished with a game-high nine catches for 153 yards. With the win, Coach Prime's Buffs became bowl eligible.
25. Navy (6-1)
Result week 9: Lost to Notre Dame, 51-14
Navy turned it over six times in its loss to Notre Dame on Saturday. This is the type of game where you throw away the tape and move on. This team is still undefeated in conference play.
RJ Young is a national college football writer and analyst for FOX Sports and the host of “The Number One College Football Show” podcast. Follow him up @RJ_Young.
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