With the new 12 team playoff, each week Big Jeff will give my take on the Top 12 teams for my weekly college football power rankings. I will note any major differences between my rankings and both the AP and Coaches polls. Let’s get to it.
Week 4 College Football Power Rankings (Top 12)
- Texas (SEC)
- Georgia (SEC)
- Ohio State (Big 10)
- Tennessee (SEC)
- Alabama (SEC)
- Ole Miss (SEC)
- Miami (ACC)
- Penn State (Big 10)
- Oregon (Big 10)
- Utah (Big 12)
- Missouri (SEC)
- Clemson (ACC)
We had two marquee games this week. USC at Michigan and Tennessee at Oklahoma.
Going into their first game in the Big Ten conference at Michigan, USC was ranked #11 in the AP poll and Big Jeff had them #9. The Trojans disappointed in the first half getting dominated by Michigan on both sides of the ball.
They played much better in the second half and even had a 24-20 lead late, but couldn’t prevent Michigan marching 89 yards late in the game and scoring on a 4th and goal from the one to win 27-24. Not being able to beat a team who only had 32 total yards passing tells me the Trojans are not yet playoff caliber and they fall out of the Top 12.
Meanwhile, Tennessee and Josh Heupel walked into his old stomping grounds in Norman, Oklahoma and dominated the Sooners 25-15 in a game that was not indicative of the Volunteers domination as they led 19-3 at the half. They even caused a quarterback controversy at Oklahoma as starter Jackson Arnold was benched for freshman Michael Hawkins, Jr.
The AP poll has been way behind in ranking Tennessee. Last week I had them at #4, while the AP had them at #6. This week they have the Volunteers #5 but I have them at #4 ahead of Alabama. I think they are one of a handful of true National Title contenders.
Missouri moved down to #11 in the AP poll and in my poll as well as they struggled again at home barely beating Vanderbilt 30-27. After Missouri, I completely struggled with who should be #12. Both the AP and Coach’s polls had Michigan back up at #12. I can’t go there. Michigan can’t throw the ball, and they have yet to play a road game. Plus, given LSU’s relative struggles it makes USC’s win over LSU in week 1 look much less favorable, so USC is likely overrated.
I will go with a team that most left for dead after week 1. Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers who after their loss to Georgia have put up 125 points on two solid teams showing the loss to the Bulldogs was not as bad as initially though. Put Michigan vs Clemson on a neutral field and I would definitely take the Tigers, even though I was impressed with the Wolverines resilience. The AP has Clemson only at #17 though.
My final comment on the Top 25 is why isn’t my alma mater Indiana in the Top 25? They are 4-0 and completely dominating teams on both sides of the ball. ESPN’s Power Index has Indiana ranked 15th. And importantly they are getting great play out of new quarterback Kurtis Roark who might just be the best QB in the Big Ten. If the Hoosiers take care of business at home this week vs. Maryland, I definitely expect to see them in the Top 25.
2024 College Football Rankings – ESPN
2024 College Football Power Index – ESPN
Week 4 Big Ten Football Top Storylines – Big Jeff’s Football (bigjeffsfootball.com
