Even being short-handed with injuries, Ohio State took care of business and get out of West Lafayette with a dominating win over Purdue. The weather was less than ideal, but the offense was able to get going and even looked respectable on the ground.
With an epic showdown coming against undefeated Penn State this week, Joel Klatt once again shuffled his top teams. As we do each week, we take a look at his list and give our thoughts. Sometimes we agree. Sometimes, not so much.
The usual suspects Georgia, Michigan, Texas and Oklahoma are still at or near the top, but it’s time to find out where Ohio State lands after Week 7 and whether Klatt has had a change of heart about the Buckeyes.
Teams just outside Klatt's rankings
Alabama Crimson Tide
Oregon State Beavers
Utah Utes
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
What we think
Somehow the Crimson Tide keep hanging on even when they struggle. And the Tide struggled to fend off Arkansas. The Beavers continue to roll with a revitalized DJ Uiagalelei leading the Beavers. Utah continues to rely on its defense in the absence of Cam Rising at quarterback. And Notre Dame looked like a top-ranked team once again after running a gantlet of ranked opponents. The Irish finally get a bye week to rest up after taking USC to the woodshed.
NEXT … Klatt’s top 10 teams
No. 10 - Texas Longhorns
What we think
Texas sneaks back into Klatt’s top 10 after a bye week. We’ll see if the Longhorns can right the ship after a heartbreaking loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry when they take on Houston.
No. 9 - North Carolina Tar Heels
What we think
The Tar Heels are 6-0 for the first time since 1997. The head coach then? Mack Brown. What Brown has done in Chapel Hill since taking the helm for a second stint is nothing short of a miracle. North Carolina has its eyes set on an ACC crown and maybe more. The Heels shouldn’t be challenged again until early November when they face rival Duke.
No. 8 - Oregon Ducks
What we think
Questionable coaching decisions from Oregon head coach Dan Lanning were costly. The Ducks gave the game away against Washington.
No. 7 - Washington Huskies
What we think
The Huskies played a great game to beat Oregon at home. However, as we said, it felt like Ducks gave the game to Washington with some questionable coaching decisions.
No. 6 - Penn State Nittany Lions
What we think
Another clash between Penn State and Ohio State looms. The Nittany Lions have looked good so far this season, but Drew Allar seems to have regressed a bit as the season progresses. However, the talent is there to upset the Buckeyes on the road.
No. 5 - Ohio State Buckeyes
What we think
Klatt moved Ohio State up one spot over Penn State. The Buckeyes finally played a complete game against a Power Five team. Injuries could be a concern with the Nittany Lions coming to town this weekend.
No. 4 - Oklahoma Sooners
What we think
Oklahoma had a bye week after the huge win over Texas in the Red River Rivalry. The Sooners get Central Florida this week. Yawn.
No. 3 - Florida State Seminoles
What we think
Florida State made easy work of Syracuse on Saturday. An interesting game against upset-minded Duke awaits the Seminoles. It will be even more interesting if Blue Devil quarterback Riley Leonard is back from an ankle injury. The ‘Noles had better not look past the little basketball school from Durham.
No. 2 - Michigan Wolverines
What we think
Indiana took a 7-0 lead, but then Michigan did what Michigan does and pounded the Hoosiers to the tune of 52 straight points. The Wolverines are steamrolling opponents, and it should be more of the same when they face in-state rival Michigan State this Saturday.
No. 1 - Georgia Bulldogs
What we think
Georgia’s Jekyll and Hyde season continues. While the Bulldogs didn’t necessarily struggle against Vanderbilt, they didn’t really dominate either. Georgia just doesn’t seem completely focused each week, which could come back to bite the Dawgs.
Joel Klatt's opinion rankings after Week 6
My New CFB Top 10 (10/15)
1) @GeorgiaFootball
2) @UMichFootball
3) @FSUFootball
4) @OU_Football
5) @OhioStateFB
6) @PennStateFball
7) @UW_Football
8) @oregonfootball
9) @UNCFootball
10) @TexasFootball
Almost: @AlabamaFTBL @BeaverFootball @Utah_Football @NDFootball— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) October 15, 2023
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