Georgia Impress in Week 5 and Earns Top 5 Ranking

Yesterday the Week 6 rankings came out and as usual, Alabama held the top spot with 52 first place votes. Clemson, Oklahoma, Penn State and Georgia rounded out the rest of the top 5. The rest of the board can be found here. Let’s take a look at the biggest movers after week 5.

Moving on Up

#11 Washington State (Previous: 16)

Washington State won huge last week against USC and Cougars moved to 5-0 on the season. Mike Leach has finally brought this team into the national spotlight. Washington State won’t have any major speedbumps until they play #20 Utah and #6 Washington in November. The Washington rivalry game could have playoff implications and is a must watch late season game.

#5 Georgia (7)

Georgia is one of the most elite teams in the nation this year. They are the only team that has a chance to beat Alabama for the SEC crown. After beating Mississippi State 31-3 in week 4, the Bulldogs rolled passed Tennesee 41-0 last week. With a weak schedule to end the season, Georgia should be able to easily roll into the SEC championship game.

#24 NC State (NR)

The Wolfpack has been able to build a strong resume going into week 6. October will be a huge month starting with #17 Louisville this week, #21 Notre Dame in Week 9 followed by #2 Clemson in Week 10.

#25 UCF (NR)

With 3 games cancelled this year, the Knights still have a lot to prove. But they have definitely impressed after going 0-12 2 years ago. UCF wont be able to climb into a playoff spot, but will look to improve its resume until they play #18 USF for the season finale.

Sliding Down

#14 USC (5)

USC lost a tough one in Pullman. The game ended on a fumble by Sam Darnold after an impressive defensive night by Washington State. USC should be able to climb back in the rankings, especially with high profile games coming up against #20 Utah and #21 Notre Dame. Playoff hopes look bleak, even to a 11-1 Trojan team.

#16 Virginia Tech (12)

The rolling Hokies hit a huge wall against #2 Celmson last week. This has been one of the best teams in Blacksburg in the last 5 years. But against competition, VaTech was not able to live up the the hype.

NR Mississippi State (24)

After failing to score a touchdown against Georgia in week 4, Mississippi State lost to Auburn 49-10 last week. The Bulldogs just went through the toughest part of their schedule, playing against 3 ranked teams in a row. State should be able to rest up with a winnable schedule until #1 Alabama rolls into town in Week 11.

NR LSU (25)

It’s been a pretty easy ride for LSU so far, and they have not fared well. LSU has a tough upcoming schedule, playing against #21 Florida, #1 Alabama and Ole Miss on the road and #12 Auburn at home. Drop 3 of 4 and even a bowl is doubtable for the Tigers.