In the lengthy history of the USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank 1-131, two teams have been neck and neck for No. 1. But three groups?
As if choosing between Alabama and Georgia wasn’t difficult enough. While the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs have struggled at times, Ohio State has scored 40 or more points in five straight games, making the competition for the top slot even more congested.
After hours of deliberation, Alabama remains No. 1 after escaping with a 24-20 win against Texas A&M. The Tide were able to remain unbeaten despite turning the ball over four times without Bryce Young under center, and should rebound in a major way once he returns from his shoulder injury.
Georgia also sticks at No. 2 despite starting slowly against overmatched Auburn, though a scoreless game after one quarter ended with the Bulldogs pulling off a convincing 42-10 win.
That leaves the Buckeyes back in third, but maybe not for long. The Buckeyes could potential move up to No. 1. After a week off, they face Iowa and Penn State before the end of the month..
Though there were no new teams in the top 10, Tennessee moved up two spots to No. 6 after beating LSU. That led to a one-spot drop for No. 7 Oklahoma State after the Cowboys gave up 527 yards in a shootout win against Texas Tech.
A bunch of newcomers cracked the top 25. Illinois was boosted 25 spots to No. 20 after beating Iowa 9-6 to move to 5-1. Texas is back at No. 24 after a historic Red River Rivalry win against Oklahoma, which continued its drop all the way to No. 58. And first-year Bowl Subdivision member James Madison lands at No. 23 after moving to 5-0.
