The weekend’s slate saw most of the top-ranked schools in walkovers, with only one key matchup. Further down the poll though, many surprises emerged, leading to some scrambling of the schools in the lower portion of the rankings. Here are the notable contests and the new rankings.

(5) Washington 36 – (9) Oregon 33

Coming into the weekend, this game was the marquee matchup, and it more than delivered with a thrilling game. Two undefeated top-10 schools with an intense rivalry made for a tight battle to the end. The Ducks had a late lead and the ball, but failing to convert on a 4th down gave Huskies QB Michael Pennix the chance to grab the lead, and it took all of two passes and 33 seconds to go 53 yards and take the lead. With just over 1:30 to play. Bo Nix had enough time to drive Oregon close, but the tying field goal attempt barely drifted right as time elapsed in this great matchup.

(15) Notre Dame 48 – (18) USC 20

Defending Heisman winner Caleb Williams was off his game in unusual fashion and the Irish controlled this contest the entire time. Williams threw three interceptions and was held to under 200 yards passing as the Trojans fell behind 24-6 at halftime. They settled down a bit, and with nine minutes left, USC scored to get within 11 points, but then the wheels fell off. The following kickoff was returned by Jadarian Price for 99 yards, and then after an Irish field goal USC fumbled on a run that was returned for a TD. They were never in this one.

(10) North Carolina 41 – Miami 31

This was looked at as a big ACC contest and played that way for half the game. The question was how Miami would respond after last week’s disaster against Georgia Tech, but the Hurricanes came out strong and led at the half. The defense harassed star QB Drake Maye and Miami’s offense delivered enough big plays, as Taylor Van Dyke was beat up but posted big numbers, throwing for 391 and four TDs. But in the second half, as Maye was neutralized (while still throwing four TDs), they relied on running back Omarion Hampton who got a touchdown as he put up 197 yards against one of the top running defenses.

(20) Missouri 38 – Kentucky 21

It appeared the Wildcats were going to cruise as they opened up a 14-0 first-quarter lead, but then the Tigers found a spark. They ran a fake that became a 39-yard touchdown throw from punter Luke Bauer, then a field goal and a touchdown pass with :15 remaining in the half gave Missouri a locker room lead. Things remained tight until the 4th as the Tiger defense managed two interceptions leading to an 18-point 4th quarter to seal another win for this upstart program.

(11) Alabama 24 – Arkansas 21

While they are not the Alabama of recent years, Nick Saban is managing to find ways to win. There has been a dropoff in the offense but they are doing enough, and the defense is carrying the load. An explosive strike from Jalen Milroe to Kobe Prentise for 79 yards looked like classic Crimson Tide power, but then they managed nothing more than a field goal in the second half and hung on to a lead to the end.

Stanford 46 – Colorado 43

Even in a loss between teams who have fallen off the poll, Coach Prime manages to get attention. This time it is not good attention. The Buffaloes had a 29-point lead yet lost in double overtime. As Shedore Sanders had his usual gaudy numbers - 400 yards and five touchdown throws - it was a night all about receiver Elic Ayomanor. He ripped off a 97-yard touchdown reception and followed that 90 seconds later with a 60-yard catch and score. Then, after Colorado gave up a 70-yard drive culminating in a tying field goal as time ran out, Ayomanor had a tremendous catch in OT to send Stanford to double overtime and eventually get the upset win.

ELIC AYOMANOR OVER TRAVIS HUNTER IN OT 😱#SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/5odnyQrttn

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 14, 2023

For the new rankings, Miami, Kentucky, Washington State, and Kansas dropped off as Iowa, Missouri, Air Force, and Tulane moved into the poll. Here are the current Top-25 schools (With first-place votes):

1.   Georgia (43)    

2    Michigan (16)    

3    Ohio State (1)    

4    Florida State (1)    

5    Washington (2)    

6    Oklahoma    

7    Penn State    

8    Texas    

9    Oregon        

10   North Carolina    

11    Alabama

12    Oregon State    

13    Ole Miss    

14    Utah    

15    Notre Dame    

16    Duke    

17    Tennessee    

18    Southern Cal    

19    LSU    

20    Missouri    

21    Louisville    

22    Air Force    

23    Tulane    

24    Iowa    

25.   UCLA