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Almost everyone has logged a win or loss in the 2024 college football season, more on that in just a second. While not the most newsworthy or consequential part of the season, there is still much to take away from most teams' first week of action. Let's break down this week's top-ten, and rank the remainder of the top 25.
...I reserve the right to edit this after Boston College beats Florida State.
By Ryan Galloway | September 1, 2024
Photo by John Bazemore/AP Photo
Top 10
Georgia
The Bulldogs handled business against Clemson quite easily in week 1. Despite the slow start, Georgia appears to have returned to form after a slight dip last season. The 34-3 victory over the Tigers showed dominance on both sides of the ball and might finally have Dabo Sweeney reconsider his anti-transfer portal mentality. Carson Beck has taken a step forward and the Dawgs are the team to beat in college football this year.
2. Ohio State
Ohio State looked impressive in their victory over Akron. They came out and did what they were supposed to and answered a lot of questions in the process. Will Howard looks good in Columbus, tossing 3 touchdowns en route to victory, and the backfield duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins looks like they will give defenses a lot of problems this year. The Buckeyes won’t be tested until October 5th against Iowa, so look for OSU to float around the top 3 until then. Schedule a real out-of-conference opponent, cowards.
3. Texas
Texas looked dominant at home against Colorado State. Quinn Ewers had brilliant moments, throwing for 3 touchdowns and 260 yards in 3 quarters. We got to get our first real look at Arch Manning, and he didn’t disappoint, that was fun. The defense had some questions around it coming into week 1, but put those to rest after pitching a shutout with some impressive forced turnovers. Texas now turns its attention to the defending national champions, who look like a shell of the team we saw last year.
4. Alabama
In the first game sans Nick Saban, the Tide rolled. They scored 63 points and threw the ball 18 times. Despite new management, it looks like the Tide are here to stay and are deserving of a top 5 spot. We’ll see how long it lasts with Georgia on the horizon.
5. Ole Miss
The Lane Train is rolling!!! Jaxson Dart might be the best quarterback in the country. Tre Harris is insane. There’s a lot to like from this Ole Miss squad who looks to finally finish the job, after years of coming up just short. Expanded playoff looks to favor Ole Miss, should they miss out on a conference championship spot. There’s a lot to like from this experienced team and I expect them to turn heads in 2024.
Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images
6. Oregon
I really don’t even think Oregon belongs this high, but they won’t drop that far from the 3 spots they sit at today. Barely beat Idaho (FCS team) at home. Dillon Gabriel looked fine. I'm not sure why he needed to throw 50 passes to beat the Vandals. The defense looked horrible. I’m not moved by this Ducks team that faces a gauntlet in the Big 10 this year. At least they have cool uniforms.
7. Notre Dame
Notre Dame dispatched A&M at Kyle Field 23-13. While they looked good, especially on defense, they simply must have more production from Duke transfer Riley Leonard. The Aggies looked bad on offense and they need to figure it out before SEC play begins. The Irish did what they had to do and won a big opener. Outside of a matchup with Florida State (still don’t know who they are), Notre Dame is going to walk into the playoff.
8. Penn State
Good win against West Virginia. Rain delay made things a little funky but Drew Allar actually demonstrated an ability to throw a football, which was my main problem with the Nittany Lions going into the year. Nick Singleton is also really good at football. The expanded playoff will certainly help Penn State, who year after year come up short in the conference to Ohio State and Michigan.
9. Missouri
Missouri is a top-ten team. They took care of business against Murray State at home, and Brady Cook looked pretty good too. I fully expected the Tigers to come into the year strong with momentum from the end of last year. I think this team can make a run, but has significant tests against Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M standing in front of them.
10. Michigan
You barely made it. I don’t like you and I don’t think you should be here. Have fun with Texas next week. Davis Warren huh?
Photo by USA Today
Remaining 11-25
11. Utah
12. Florida State
13. Oklahoma
14. Miami
15. Oklahoma State
16. LSU
17. Clemson
18. Kansas State
19. Iowa
20. Arizona
21. USC
22. Kansas
23. Louisville
24. SMU
25. Boise State