Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — The perfect season has come to an end.
BYU dropped its first game of the season to a Kansas team whose record doesn't fully reflect the talent on the field. Regardless, it's a notch in the loss column for the first time this season for the Cougars.
BYU has seemingly been treading water since a close game against Oklahoma State, but they've continued to find ways to win late. But on Saturday night, the fortunes changed as Kansas benefitted from a pooch punt hitting the back of the helmet of a BYU player and recovering the football inside the Cougars' 10-yard line.
But BYU wasn't alone this week, as a handful of other top-25 teams dropped a game, so let's dive into my ballot.
Admittedly, at this point in the season, there's usually a handful of teams that are pulling away from the rest, which makes ranking teams at the top fairly easy; however, this season almost feels like a crapshoot.
No position feels safe.
The following is the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press that will be counted in the consensus rankings that will be released Sunday afternoon.
1. Oregon
The Ducks remain undefeated and deserve the No. 1 spot, but there's still some hesitancy about whether Oregon can see this through to the end. Wisconsin gave Oregon a little scare, and a fluke interception at the end sealed a win, but the Ducks are as vulnerable as anybody. As of now, I still like the Ducks the most out of anyone, but I'm second-guessing more than I have lately.
2. Ohio State
Ohio State isn't always great in wins, but a 31-7 win over Northwestern plays just fine, especially with a 21-point second quarter to put the game away early. The Buckeyes have warts just like everybody, but the only team standing in their way is the only team they lost to this season.
3. Texas
One moment Texas looks like one of the best teams in the country, and then in others just a good team. But defense continues to carry the team, and was instrumental in securing a fumble to stop Arkansas' chance of a comeback. The games haven't been kind to Arkansas this season, but a win for Texas was never a guarantee.
4. Penn State
Penn State did exactly what it was supposed to do against a bad Purdue team. Let's not overthink this pick.
5. Indiana
Indiana has been one of my favorite stories of the season, but the resume gets in the way of me wanting to fully embrace them compared to the teams above. Yes, the Hoosiers are undefeated — and great, by the way — but I haven't seen enough yet to overtake the top four teams.
6. Georgia
Hot and cold. Hot and cold. Hot and cold.
What Georgia team is going to show up each week? The Bulldogs looked like one of the best teams in a tough game against Tennessee, but failed to register a pulse a week prior against Ole Miss. Doubt Georgia at your risk, but it's not quite a guarantee, either.
7. Alabama
Welcome to FCS week for Alabama — next! But why do I have Alabama below the team they beat? Georgia has better wins, including against three current ranked teams. But any of these spots could be interchangeable.
8. Notre Dame
Notre Dame's defense forced five turnovers in a win over Virginia. The offense scored 21 points in the second quarter and coasted to the finish line against a middle-of-the-row team. It's a team trending in the right direction at a pivotal time of the year. But an undefeated Army awaits in a neutral setting.
9. Miami
Not a bad time for a bye week. Though the Hurricanes have played with fire a bit this season, they still have the potential to be one of the best teams in the country with Cam Ward slinging the ball around.
10. Ole Miss
Coming off a win over Georgia, the Rebels got a nicely-timed bye week. The win was great, but Ole Miss has be inconsistent at times. Ole Miss has the talent on both sides of the ball to make any team pay, but maintaining that high level hasn't always been easy.
Dropping out: Kansas State, Louisville, LSU
Checking in: Illinois, Tulane, UNLV
In consideration (alphabetical): Memphis, Syracuse
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
