Duke’s Stunning Win Over Clemson Creates Shakeup in College Football Rankings
Week 1 of the 2023 college football season brought some surprising results, none more shocking than Duke’s 28-7 triumph over Clemson on Monday night. The Blue Devils’ victory over the reigning ACC champions sent shockwaves through the college football world and will lead to a significant shakeup in the rankings.
Ranked teams dominated their matchups against unranked opponents, going 21-2. Out of those 21 victories, 17 were by 21 points or more, highlighting the clear divide between the favorites and the underdogs. While most favored teams held their ground and secured expected wins, the cases of Duke and TCU stand out for different reasons.
Clemson’s loss to Duke will undoubtedly result in a significant drop in the rankings for the Tigers. However, projections suggest that they will still remain within the top 25. TCU, on the other hand, will likely find themselves outside of the AP Top 25 after their surprising home loss to Colorado. The Buffaloes are expected to break into the rankings after their impressive win.
Florida State’s dominant second-half performance against LSU has caught the attention of voters, positioning the Seminoles for a significant jump in the rankings. Projections suggest that they may break into the top five, marking their first appearance in the top tier since 2020.
Here’s how the projected AP Top 25 poll will look after Week 1:
1. Georgia: Despite a slow start against UT-Martin, Georgia’s 41-point victory and the absence of an obvious replacement for the top spot will keep them at No. 1.
2. Michigan: The Wolverines solidified their claim as the second-best team in the country with a convincing 30-3 win over ECU. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s impressive performance showcased Michigan’s offensive firepower.
3. Alabama: The Crimson Tide’s lower preseason ranking was due to uncertainties at the quarterback position. Jalen Milroe’s five-touchdown performance against Middle Tennessee may cause an uptick in voting points for Alabama.
4. Ohio State: While Ohio State’s win against Indiana was less convincing than Alabama’s, both teams are dealing with quarterback transitions. A couple of strategic voter changes could lead to a swap of positions between Ohio State and Alabama.
5. Florida State: The Seminoles’ 21-point victory over LSU establishes them as the team to beat in the ACC and potentially puts them in the conversation for a College Football Playoff berth.
6. USC: With two dominant wins and quarterback Caleb Williams already tallying nine touchdowns, USC remains a top-ranked 2-0 team. However, their victories against San Jose State and Nevada may not be enough to move them higher in the rankings.
7. Penn State: Drew Allar’s impressive performance at quarterback against West Virginia solidifies Penn State’s position in the rankings.
8. Washington: Michael Penix Jr.’s five-touchdown, 450-yard passing game against Boise State suggests that Washington’s strong offensive prowess from last season will continue.
9. Notre Dame: Sam Hartman’s arrival via the transfer portal has provided a boost to Notre Dame’s offense. The Fighting Irish’s strong start to the season may result in a slight jump in the rankings.
10. Texas: A comfortable win against Rice won’t make a significant impact on Texas’ ranking. Voters may choose to wait and see how they fare against Alabama in Week 2.
11. Tennessee: After a convincing 49-13 win over Virginia, Tennessee remains steady in the rankings.
12. LSU: LSU’s loss to Florida State puts them in a precarious position. How voters weigh the quality of the Seminoles will determine the extent of the Tigers’ drop in the rankings.
13. Utah: Utah’s win against Florida was business as usual for the formidable team at home. A clash against Baylor will be instrumental in their ranking movement.
14. Oregon: Oregon’s dominant 81-7 win over Portland State highlights the team’s offensive potential for the season.
15. Kansas State: A comprehensive 45-0 win against FCS Southeast Missouri State doesn’t warrant major changes in the rankings for Kansas State.
16. Oregon State: DJ Uiagalelei’s debut for Oregon State resulted in a comfortable 42-17 road victory against San Jose State.
The Week 1 results have set the stage for an exciting season ahead, with new contenders emerging and established teams facing early challenges. As the next AP Top 25 poll is released, fans will eagerly anticipate how their favorite teams are ranked and how the landscape of college football shapes up for the rest of the season.