BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

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Editor’s note: The Athletic 134 is a weekly ranking of all FBS college football teams.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

This week, it’s time to shine a spotlight on BYU. The Cougars have made an impressive mark this season, remaining undefeated while handing both Kansas State and SMU their only losses. Despite this achievement, BYU finds itself outside the top 10 in both the AP and Coaches polls. However, in this week’s edition of The Athletic 134, they have climbed to an impressive No. 7.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

It’s puzzling that BYU hasn’t received more recognition. With a perfect record of 7-0, they boast two significant victories that surpass the best wins of teams like Iowa State (who defeated Iowa) and others ranked similarly in the polls. In fact, I’ve kept them in my top 10 for several weeks now.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

The lack of attention may stem from the fact that BYU has played on Friday nights twice, or perhaps it’s the late 10:30 p.m. kickoff during their 38-9 triumph over Kansas State that has gone unnoticed. While the Cougars have encountered some close calls, including a nail-biting finish against Oklahoma State, their defense is proving to be formidable, currently ranking 13th in yards per play allowed.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

Additionally, there’s reason to believe that BYU’s upcoming schedule is favorable. The Cougars and Iowa State do not face off in the regular season, and with K-State already in the rearview mirror, they won’t encounter 5-2 Colorado either. If the Big 12 is aiming to secure two spots in the College Football Playoff, BYU is likely to be one of them.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

GO DEEPER AP Top 25: Oregon new No. 1; Vandy ends poll drought

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

As we reach the midpoint of the season, unexpected outcomes continue to reshape the rankings. Here’s the latest edition of The Athletic 134.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

1-10

1-10

Rank Team Record Prev
1 Oregon 7-0 1
2 Georgia 6-1 3
3 Penn State 6-0 4
4 Miami 7-0 6
5 Ohio State 5-1 5
6 Texas 6-1 2
7 BYU 7-0 8
8 Tennessee 6-1 12
9 LSU 6-1 11
10 Clemson 6-1 9

Georgia has moved up to No. 2 following their victory over Texas, while the Longhorns drop to No. 6, with their best win now being against a faltering Michigan team or Oklahoma, who is also struggling. The Bulldogs’ earlier loss to Alabama keeps them from claiming the top spot, especially since Alabama has now lost again and sits next to Boise State, a team Oregon has already defeated.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

Miami has overtaken Ohio State after a solid win against Louisville, but the upcoming Ohio State-Penn State matchup in two weeks promises to shake things up further.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

Tennessee and LSU have both surged into the top 10, with the Volunteers defeating Alabama and the Tigers overpowering Arkansas 34-10. While Tennessee and LSU’s resumes are closely matched, Tennessee holds the edge thanks to a stronger best win.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

GO DEEPER Tennessee proved against Alabama it’s not a one-hit wonder under Josh Heupel

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

11-25

11-25

Rank Team Record Prev
11 Indiana 7-0 15
12 Iowa State 7-0 10
13 Kansas State 6-1 13
14 Notre Dame 6-1 14
15 Alabama 5-2 7
16 Boise State 5-1 16
17 Texas A&M 6-1 17
18 SMU 6-1 18
19 Pitt 6-0 20
20 Missouri 6-1 19
21 Illinois 6-1 27
22 Vanderbilt 5-2 21
23 Ole Miss 5-2 22
24 Navy 6-0 23
25 Washington State 6-1 24

I had my doubts about Indiana’s potential after they faced mostly weaker opponents, but their stunning 56-7 dismantling of Nebraska has turned me into a believer, propelling them to No. 11. Unfortunately, they will be without quarterback Kurtis Rourke for an extended period due to a thumb injury, but the path to 10 or even 11 victories remains open.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

Iowa State slipped two spots, primarily due to the impressive performances from Tennessee, LSU, and Indiana on the same day the Cyclones had to pull off a late rally to defeat UCF.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

Illinois is the sole newcomer to the top 25, returning after a solid 21-7 win against Michigan, improving their record to 6-1.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

GO DEEPER Stewart Mandel’s 12-team Playoff projections after Week 8

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

26-50

26-50

Rank Team Record Prev
26 Syracuse 5-1 34
27 UNLV 6-1 35
28 South Carolina 4-3 37
29 Memphis 6-1 38
30 Army 7-0 50
31 Duke 6-1 52
32 Texas Tech 5-2 25
33 Cincinnati 5-2 54
34 Arizona State 5-2 26
35 Arkansas 4-3 33
36 Michigan 4-3 29
37 Nebraska 5-2 30
38 Colorado 5-2 46
39 Michigan State 4-3 69
40 Iowa 4-3 28
41 Wisconsin 5-2 40
42 Washington 4-3 45
43 Oklahoma 4-3 31
44 Louisville 4-3 36
45 Georgia Tech 5-3 41
46 Florida 4-3 58
47 Virginia Tech 4-3 60
48 Tulane 5-2 47
49 Kentucky 3-4 42
50 Utah 4-3 32

Teams just outside the top 25 experienced various losses this week, leading to significant adjustments in the rankings. Syracuse, UNLV, South Carolina, Memphis, Army, Duke, and Cincinnati all made substantial gains into the top 35. Michigan State surged to No. 39 following a 32-20 victory over Iowa, setting the stage for an impactful Michigan-MSU game with major bowl implications.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

Interestingly, Colorado has quietly emerged as a solid contender, now at 5-2 and ranked No. 38 after a decisive 34-7 victory against Arizona. This follows a narrow loss to Kansas State and a win over UCF, signaling that they are likely to secure a bowl game, marking a notable improvement for coach Deion Sanders.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

Florida and Virginia Tech have also made their way into the top 50 after successful outings against Kentucky and Boston College, respectively. Meanwhile, Utah’s struggles continue as they barely cling to No. 50 following a defeat at the hands of TCU.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

GO DEEPER Mandel’s Final Thoughts: Georgia’s defensive havoc takes down Texas and more from Week 8

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

51-75

51-75

Rank Team Record Prev
51 Maryland 4-3 74
52 USC 3-4 39
53 Rutgers 4-3 44
54 Virginia 4-3 49
55 Arizona 3-4 43
56 Boston College 4-3 51
57 Louisiana-Monroe 5-1 56
58 Liberty 5-0 61
59 Western Kentucky 5-2 63
60 Louisiana 6-1 67
61 Oklahoma State 3-4 59
62 Minnesota 4-3 62
63 Georgia Southern 5-2 82
64 James Madison 5-2 57
65 NC State 4-4 85
66 Cal 3-4 48
67 UCF 3-4 64
68 Toledo 5-2 78
69 Fresno State 4-3 68
70 Northern Illinois 4-3 55
71 TCU 4-3 80
72 Oregon State 4-3 70
73 North Carolina 3-4 71
74 Northwestern 3-4 72
75 West Virginia 3-4 53

USC has dramatically dropped to No. 52 after another collapse, this time losing to Maryland after squandering a 14-point lead, bringing their Big Ten record to a disappointing 1-4. No. 53 Rutgers suffered a surprising defeat to UCLA, causing them to fall out of the top 50.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

Louisiana continues to hover near the top of the Sun Belt, now at No. 60 after a victory over Coastal Carolina, while Georgia Southern gained momentum with a win over James Madison, rising from No. 82. Toledo has also made progress, climbing to No. 68 after besting Northern Illinois.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

NC State and Cal have proven to be the toughest teams to rank in this section. NC State has recently faced a setback against Wake Forest but bounced back with a victory over Cal, who has struggled in ACC play, losing all four games by narrow margins. A few successful field goals could have altered their season significantly.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

GO DEEPER Morales: USC has invested heavily in Lincoln Riley and his staff. Where are the results?

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

76-100

76-100

Rank Team Record Prev
76 Sam Houston 5-2 65
77 Baylor 3-4 90
78 Texas State 4-3 66
79 North Texas 5-2 75
80 San Jose State 5-2 81
81 Auburn 2-5 73
82 Wake Forest 3-5 86
83 UConn 4-3 76
84 Kansas 2-5 89
85 UCLA 2-5 92
86 Marshall 4-3 98
87 Western Michigan 4-3 113
88 Buffalo 4-3 77
89 Houston 2-5 79
90 Nevada 3-5 83
91 Coastal Carolina 4-3 84
92 Stanford 2-5 87
93 Mississippi State 1-6 91
94 Florida State 1-6 88
95 Purdue 1-6 93
96 South Florida 3-4 95
97 Arkansas State 4-3 96
98 South Alabama 3-4 97
99 Miami (OH) 3-4 101
100 Ohio 4-3 100

Baylor made a surprising leap to No. 76 following a stunning 59-35 victory over Texas Tech. Conversely, Texas State tumbled to No. 77 after suffering a defeat to Old Dominion. Auburn’s inability to hold a double-digit lead against Missouri has seen them drop to 2-5, landing at No. 80.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

No. 82 Western Michigan now leads the MAC with a 3-0 record after defeating Buffalo, while Buffalo’s victory against Toledo and NIU has kept them competitive. Marshall’s recent success has propelled them to No. 81, thanks to their win against WMU and a victory over Georgia State last week.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

The bottom of the Power 4 has become increasingly tight, with Purdue currently occupying the lowest position at No. 95, closely followed by Florida State at No. 94 after an unprecedented loss to Duke. Mississippi State has managed to stay competitive against Georgia and Texas A&M in their recent outings, although Houston has slipped down to No. 89 following a 42-14 defeat against Kansas.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

GO DEEPER Big 12, ACC should relish multiple bids if they get them: College Football Playoff Bubble Watch

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

101-134

101-134

Rank Team Record Prev
101 Eastern Michigan 5-2 104
102 Old Dominion 3-4 105
103 Colorado State 4-3 106
104 Georgia State 2-4 94
105 Charlotte 3-4 99
106 New Mexico 3-4 115
107 Appalachian State 2-4 102
108 East Carolina 3-4 103
109 Bowling Green 3-4 107
110 UTSA 3-4 118
111 Jacksonville State 3-3 114
112 Florida Atlantic 2-5 108
113 FIU 2-5 109
114 Central Michigan 3-4 110
115 San Diego State 3-3 111
116 Hawaii 2-5 112
117 Ball State 2-5 119
118 Rice 2-5 117
119 New Mexico State 2-5 124
120 Temple 2-5 125
121 Tulsa 2-5 116
122 Louisiana Tech 2-4 120
123 Middle Tennessee 2-5 127
124 Troy 1-6 121
125 Wyoming 1-6 122
126 Air Force 1-6 123
127 Utah State 1-6 126
128 UAB 1-6 128
129 UTEP 1-6 132
130 Southern Miss 1-6 129
131 UMass 1-6 130
132 Akron 1-6 131
133 Kennesaw State 0-6 133
134 Kent State 0-7 134

New Mexico has found its stride, winning three consecutive games after a thrilling 50-45 encounter against Utah State, moving them up to No. 106 in Bronco Mendenhall’s inaugural year. UTSA’s victory over Florida Atlantic has propelled them back to No. 110.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

UTEP finally recorded its first win of the season, defeating FIU, which has allowed them to rise to No. 129. This leaves the FBS with only two teams still searching for their first victory: Kennesaw State and Kent State.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

The Athletic 134 series is part of a partnership with Allstate. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence, ensuring that partners have no control or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

(Photo: Chris Gardner / Getty Images)

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

BYU Climbs to No. 7 in The Athletic 134 Amidst Impressive Undefeated Season

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