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Conference play was in full swing this week, and boy did it not disappoint. Here is my Top 25 following Week 5 of the 2021 College Football Season.
Basel's Top 25
Georgia (5-0): After this week's 37-0 rout of 8 Arkansas, the Bulldogs offense has allowed less than five points per game. A huge statement win for the Bulldogs keeps them on top of my rankings this week.
Alabama (5-0): Alabama's offense proved their diversity today as Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for four tuddy's against Ole Miss. Even with just two touchdowns in the air, QB Bryce Young looked as solid as ever. While Bama and Georgia are neck and neck in my rankings, the separation between these two and everyone else couldn't be further apart.
Iowa (5-0): I'm almost disappointed in Iowa QB Spencer Petras' 3 touchdowns from Friday night. Considering the Hawkeyes defense forced 7 turnovers on Maryland, you'd think he'd have time for another 4.
Penn State (5-0): Happy Valley has quickly become one of the toughest places to play in college football this season, as the Nittany Lions shut out Indiana 24-0. Penn State's defense completely shut down Indiana's pass game, allowing less than 200 yards in the air.
Cincinnati (5-0): What happens first this season; Cincinnati loses a game, or I spell Cincinnati right without spell check? After yesterday's win over Notre Dame, my money is on the latter. The Bearcats are currently in the best position ever for a Group of Five school to make the College Football Playoff.
Oklahoma (5-0): Spencer Rattler has kept the Sooners alive so far this season, and put up one of his best career performances so far against Kansas State this week. However, Oklahoma's defense cannot be keeping it this close against unranked opponents if they want to make a push for the playoffs.
Oregon Ducks (4-1): Not a huge dip for the ducks, but this OT loss against Stanford has put this team on red alert. Is the PAC-12 a bit more open than we thought?
Ohio State (5-0): CJ Stroud had an all-career performance for the Buckeyes on Saturday, setting a personal record of 5 TD passes as OSU dominated Rutgers 52-13.
Michigan (5-0): Right behind the Buckeyes are their fiercest rivals, who took down a quickly falling Wisconsin 38-17. The Wolverines' early success could tee up the best Michigan-Ohio State game of the Harbaugh era.
BYU (5-0): The Wildcats continue their sneaky run up the ranks with a 34-20 win over in-state rival Utah State.
Coastal Carolina (5-0): These past two seasons have given the Chanticleers a solid resume for filling the gaps left by several departing teams in the American Athletic Conference. While I think they're a solid program, beating up on weaker Sun Belt teams won't impress me for much longer.
Arkansas (4-1): Somebody did, in fact, git that hog. Arkansas' Cinderella run hit a big speed bump by getting shut out by Georgia, but their upcoming game against Ole Miss could be their shot at getting back into the Top 10.
Oklahoma State (5-0): Their second win this season against at Top-25 team, the Cowboys have excelled in low-scoring matchups, with their highest scoring game being a 31-20 win over Kansas State in Week 4.
Notre Dame (4-1): As quickly as the Irish rise, so too do they fall. Late-game flash from Freshman QB Drew Pyne could put Jack Coan in the hot seat behind center heading into the rest of October.
Michigan State (5-0): A 48-31 win over Western Kentucky has the Spartans off to their best start since 2015.
Kentucky (5-0): Wildcats outta nowhere! A 20-10 upset over Florida has the Wildcats likely heading to the Top 25 poll for the first time since Week 3 of 2020.
Ole Miss (3-1): Ole Miss scoring 21 on Bama helped Georgia more than it did themselves, as Nick Saban's undefeated streak against his former assistant coaches continues.
Texas (4-1): TEXAS IS BACK....in the poll. The Longhorns 3-game win streak, as well as Arkansas' rising stock, has allowed them to creep back into the Top 25 just in time to take on 6 Oklahoma on Saturday.
Auburn (4-1): It wasn't pretty, but Auburn pulled off a solid defensive win against LSU, their first win in Death Valley since 1999.
Wake Forest (5-0): Louisville has always been a tricky team to beat, and the Demon Deacons got the job done in a 37-34 offensive shootout this weekend.
NC State (4-1): NC State needs a decent away win to prove they're legit, but they've built up a solid enough resume at home to keep themselves ranked this week.
Arizona State (4-1): Herm Edwards' Sun Devils shut out UCLA in the second half last night, and could be a serious spoiler in the PAC-12 this season.
Houston (4-1): While their schedule has been relatively week this year, Houston has proven to be a fast-paced, bowl worthy offense so far in 2021.
Texas A&M (3-2): Rough times for the Aggies in SEC play as they drop another one to MS State.
Florida (3-2): Florida had a tough time finding the end zone against Kentucky, but should bounce back well against Vandy this Saturday.
See you next week!
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