College football power rankings: Georgia holds steady

In Week 1, USC and Georgia scored massive neutral-site victories, Penn State and Notre Dame won in hostile road environments and Florida State suffered its second loss of the season.

Four of those five teams made this week’s top-10 power rankings. We’ll let you guess which one was left on the cutting-room floor. (Note: Next games are Saturday unless noted. All times Eastern.)

1. Georgia (1-0) | Week 1: W 34-3 (vs. Clemson | Atlanta) 

Georgia made Clemson look like a mid-major in the second half of its 31-point win in Atlanta. We expect that’s the first of many occasions this season where the Bulldogs will be far out of their opponents’ league.

Next: vs. Tennessee Tech (2 p.m. | ESPN+ and SEC Network+)

2. Ohio State (1-0) | Week 1: W 52-6 (vs. Akron)

A smothering defense and efficient rushing attack lifted Ohio State to the easy Week 1 win. Quarterback Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, had a somewhat quiet start, finishing 17-of-28 for 228 yards and three touchdown passes. With the Buckeyes’ easy schedule until October, he has time to find his rhythm.

Week 2: vs. Western Michigan (7:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network)

3. Texas  (1-0) | Week 1: W 52-0 (vs. Colorado State)

The tune-up to Saturday’s massive road game against Michigan established Texas as one of the best teams in the country. Installed as a seven-point favorite over the Wolverines, oddsmakers agree.

Next: at Michigan (12 p.m. | Fox)

4. Alabama (1-0) | Week 1: W 63-0 (vs. Western Kentucky)

In the Tide’s first game since Nick Saban retired, they looked a lot like the Tide when Saban was their head coach. Alabama’s business-like romp over the Hilltoppers should be a stark reminder that Alabama is the same dominant machine under Kalen DeBoer.

Next: vs. South Florida (7 p.m. | ESPN)

5. Notre Dame (1-0) | Week 1; W 23-13 (at Texas A&M)

The Irish secondary starred against the Aggies, holding Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman to 12-of-30 passing for 100 yards and two interceptions. Notre Dame grinded out 198 rushing yards in the low-scoring affair, crafting a blueprint for how it intends to win in 2024.

Next: vs. Northern Illinois (3:30 p.m. | NBC and Peacock)

6. Penn State (1-0) | Week 1; W 34-12 (at West Virginia)

First-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s impact was felt against the Mountaineers. Per Game on Paper, the Nittany Lions were credited with 11 explosive plays, as the offense finally appeared dynamic enough under head coach James Franklin to be a legit Big Ten contender.

Next: vs. Bowling Green (12 p.m. | Big Ten Network)

7. Miami (1-0) | Week 1: W 41-17 (at Florida)

Miami quarterback Cam Ward positioned himself atop the way-too-early list of Heisman candidates with his excellent Week 1 start. With Florida State and Clemson flailing and an easy ACC schedule ahead, it might not be too early for Miami to start thinking about the College Football Playoff.

Next: vs. Florida A&M (6 p.m. | ESPN+ and ACC Extra)

8. Michigan (1-0) | Week 1: W 30-10 (vs. Fresno State)

While Michigan’s offense is a work in progress, the defense is still championship level. Led by defensive tackle Mason Graham, a Big Ten preseason honoree, the Wolverines held Fresno State running backs Malik Sherrod and Joshua Wood to 27 yards on 15 carries, and defensive backs Zeke Barry and Will Johnson each recorded an interception.

Next: vs. Texas (12 p.m. | Fox)

9. Ole Miss (1-0) | Week 1: W 76-0 (vs. Furman)

Now that’s how a dark-horse College Football Playoff contender should handle FCS competition. Ole Miss jumped to a 52-0 halftime lead and outgained Furman by 600 yards (772-172) as it recorded the weekend’s most lopsided win in an FBS-FCS game.

Next: vs. Middle Tennessee (4:15 p.m. | SEC Network)

10. USC (1-0) | Week 1: W 27-20 (vs. LSU | Las Vegas)

Quarterback Miller Moss and a revived defense under first-year coordinator D’Anton Lynn made a statement with their win over the Tigers: The Trojans must be taken seriously in the Big Ten. 

Oregon will likely challenge USC as the top conference newcomer by the end of the regular season, but after its inauspicious 24-14 win over FCS Idaho, USC is off to a more impressive start.

Next: vs. Utah State (10 p.m. | Big Ten Network)