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Editor’s note: The Athletic 134 is a weekly ranking of all FBS college football teams.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GO DEEPER AP Top 25: Oregon new No. 1; Vandy ends poll drought
As we reach the midpoint of the season, unexpected outcomes continue to reshape the rankings. Here’s the latest edition of The Athletic 134.
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.
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.
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.
GO DEEPER Tennessee proved against Alabama it’s not a one-hit wonder under Josh Heupel
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.
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.
Illinois is the sole newcomer to the top 25, returning after a solid 21-7 win against Michigan, improving their record to 6-1.
GO DEEPER Stewart Mandel’s 12-team Playoff projections after Week 8
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.
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.
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.
GO DEEPER Mandel’s Final Thoughts: Georgia’s defensive havoc takes down Texas and more from Week 8
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.
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.
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.
GO DEEPER Morales: USC has invested heavily in Lincoln Riley and his staff. Where are the results?
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.
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.
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.
GO DEEPER Big 12, ACC should relish multiple bids if they get them: College Football Playoff Bubble Watch
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.
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.
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.
(Photo: Chris Gardner / Getty Images)