The Collegian ranks college football's Top 25

By Darrell Copeland III
The Collegian

1.Ohio State (3-0)

Next: vs. No. 18 Penn State

Last week: Won 37-7 over Cincinnati

Has the makings of the game of the week. This is a payback game for Buckeyes.

2. Auburn (3-0)

Next: vs. Buffalo

Last week: Won 7-3 over No. 8 LSU

Now everyone else in the country knows the Auburn defense is for real.

3. USC (2-0)

Next: at Arizona

Last week: Won 28-10 over No. 21 Nebraska

Trojans won the first game of what may the rebirth of the USC-Nebraska rivalry.

4. Louisville (3-0)

Next: at Kansas State

Last week: Won 31-7 over Miami (FL)

The most impressive win of the week — a blowout win over one of the nation’s most historical programs.

5. Michigan (3-0)

Next: vs. Wisconsin

Last week: Won 47-21 over No. 11 Notre Dame

Win over Irish puts Wolverines right back into mix for national championship.

6. Florida (3-0)

Next: vs. Kentucky

Last week: Won 21-20 over No. 25 Tennessee

Gators continue to sneak up on every other team. Winning at Tennessee isn't easy.

7. West Virginia (3-0)

Next: at East Carolina

Last week: Won 45-24 over Maryland

What a running game. Defenses know what's coming and can't stop it. RB Steve Slaton is one of the country’s best.

8. LSU (2-1)

Next: vs. Tulane

Last week: Lost 7-3 to No. 2 Auburn

Difference between win and loss to Auburn may have just been homefield advantage.

9. Georgia (3-0)

Next: vs. Colorado

Last week: Won 34-0 over UAB

Probably the forgotten team in the SEC. If true frosh QB Stafford develops, SEC title is a reality.

10. Virginia Tech (3-0)

Next: vs. Cincinnati

Last week: Won 36-0 over Duke.

11. Notre Dame (2-1)

Next: at No. 23 Michigan State

Last week: Lost 47-21 to No. 5 Michigan

Pretty much a jaw-dropping loss as Irish never even sniffed a lead in this game. Won’t get much easier this week.

12. Texas (2-1)

Next: vs. Iowa State

Last Week: Won 52-7 over Rice

Running up the score against Owls doesn’t hide offensive weaknesses.

13. Oregon (3-0)

Next: vs. Sept. 30 at Arizona State

Last week: Won 34-33 over No. 20 Oklahoma

Finally. Autzen refs may have finally cheated one opponent too many.

14. Iowa (3-0)

Next: at Illinois

Last week: Won 27-17 over Iowa State

Amazing showing by Hawkeye linebacker Mike Klinkenborg, who’s father died just days before the game.

15. Florida State (2-1)

Next: vs. Rice

Last week: Lost 27-20 to No. 17 Clemson

Seminoles seemingly always bit by the Clemson butt.

16. TCU (3-0)

Next: Sept. 28 vs. BYU

Last week: Won 12-3 over Texas Tech

Red Raiders coach called his players "prima donnas" after loss to Horned Frogs. If he is right, Red Raiders deserve what’s coming — they better regroup quickly.

17. Clemson (2-1)

Next: vs. North Carolina

Last week: Won 27-20 over No. 15 Florida State

There is no questioning Tigers’ talent, but they need to put it all together one of these years.

18. Penn State (2-1)

Next: at No. 1 Ohio State

Last week: Won 37-3 over Youngstown State

Penn State’s streakiness makes this a very intriguing game.

19. Boston College (3-0)

Next: at N.C. State

Last week: Won 30-23 (2OT) over BYU

No excuses for N.C. State coach Chuck Amato now, Eagles have zero non-qualifiers.

20. Oklahoma (2-1)

Next: vs. Middle Tennessee State

Last week: Lost 34-33 to No. 13 Oregon

Sooners have been burned only once at Autzen. Fresno State has felt this pain multiple times.

21. Nebraska (2-1)

Next: vs. Troy

Last week: Lost 28-10 to No. 3 USC

Cornhuskers put up solid effort against maybe the country’s best team. Coach Bill Callahan has done well with this team.

22. Alabama (3-0)

Next: at Arkansas

Last week: Won 41-7 over Louisiana-Monroe

Steady as she goes Crimson Tide works its way into Top 25. Win over Razorbacks at their place would be impressive.

23. Michigan State (3-0)

Next: vs. No. 11 Notre Dame

Last week: Won 38-23 over Pittsburgh

Spartans always rise to Notre Dame’s level. Not much of a surprise if they pull it off.

24. Boise State (3-0)

Next: vs. Hawaii

Last week: Won 17-10 over Wyoming

Broncos had surprising troubles against a pretty weak Cowboys team. RB Ian Johnson still among nation’s rushing leaders.

25. Tennessee (2-1)

Next: vs. Marshall

Last week: Lost 21-20 to No. 6 Florida

Despite loss to Gators, Volunteers on are their way back to the top half of the rankings. Might be there next year.

Others receiving thought: Arizona State, California, Miami (FL), UCLA, Texas A&M, Rutgers, Wisconsin

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