Ohio State was idle in Week 3, but that doesn’t mean one of our favorite analysts, Fox College Football’s Joel Klatt, has forgotten about the Buckeyes. Each week we take a look at where Klatt sees things in the college football landscape based on what teams do from week to week, and it just so happens Klatt updated his opinion rankings again.
With some upsets and poor play from others, there are some movers and shakers on the Fox analyst’s most current ranking. Klatt has had OSU, Texas, and Georgia listed as his three best teams all season long. However, with the Buckeyes on a bye week and Georgia struggling against Kentucky does he still feel that way?
Time to find out where Ohio State falls in the latest edition of Joel Klatt’s Top 10.
10. Oregon Ducks
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: Unranked
What we think
Although the game was close at halftime, Oregon pulled away from rival Oregon State in the second half. This looked more like the Ducks team we were expecting to see. Maybe Dan Lanning has righted the ship or perhaps it was the extra effort that goes into a rivalry game. We’re not totally sold just yet.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 9
What we think
Penn State was idle last week as well and will face another MAC opponent this coming Saturday in Kent State. The Nittany Lions have talent across the board, but seldom do they put it all together. Surprisingly good Illinois comes to town in two weeks to open Big Ten play. It certainly would be embarrassing for Penn State should it lose to the Fighting Illini on homecoming weekend.
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 4
What we think
Ole Miss takes a tumble in Klatt’s latest ranking, and we’re not completely sure why. The Rebs continue to dominate on both sides of the ball. Of course, they haven’t played what anyone would consider a tough slate thus far although we think Jaxson Dart might be the real deal. Through three games, the Rebel quarterback is putting up serious Heisman numbers. On top of that, Lane Kiffin’s squad could very well be undefeated heading into a showdown with Georgia in early November.
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 7
What we think
USC has certainly looked like the USC of old through two games. The Trojans are improved in all aspects of the game, but none more noticeable than on the defensive side of the ball. Lincoln Riley has never had problems getting his teams to the end zone, but defense has been a different story, and it looks like he might have got that part fixed finally. USC faces another stiff test when it heads to Ann Arbor to face Michigan this week.
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 8
What we think
Alabama rolled into Madison and embarrassed the Badgers. It feels like the Tide aren’t missing a beat after Nick Saban retired. The defense is legit and Jalen Milroe can carry this team to the familiar landscape of playoff football.
5. Georgia Bulldogs
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 1(a)
What we think
The Bulldogs slipped in Klatt’s rankings, and we can’t blame him. Georgia has seemed to struggle with Kentucky over the past few years for some inexplicable reason. The Dawgs didn’t look good in Lexington, but we feel like this is still one of the most talented rosters in college football.
4. Tennessee Voluneers
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 6
What we think
The Vols make another jump, and it seems with good reason. We know it was poor Kent State, but putting up 71 points is enough to get anyone’s attention. Add in a defensive shutout and eyebrows get raised. Tennessee heads to Norman to face the No. 15 Sooners on Saturday in an SEC conference game… yes, it still feels weird to say.
3. Miami Hurricanes
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 5
What we think
Transfer quarterback Cam Ward looks pretty good, as does the rest of the Miami Hurricanes. However, the Canes are yet to be tested and may not be all season. Currently, No. 19 Louisville is the only ranked team on Miami’s schedule. Maybe that keeps them fresh for the College Football Playoff or maybe the lack of facing adversity comes back to bite this team.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 1(b)
What we think
Call it bias, but we think Ohio State checks all the boxes for a championship contender. It’s a long season, but the Buckeyes are stout on defense and have homerun threats all over the field on the offensive side of the ball. We would be shocked if there is any kind of struggle when Marshall comes to town on Saturday.
Klatt’s Ranking Last Week: No. 1(c)
What we think
Klatt has a new No. 1 and we can’t disagree. Texas continues to look strong and appears to be one of the best teams in the country. Even with quarterback Quinn Ewers leaving this past Saturday’s game with an injury, Arch Manning stepped in and didn’t miss a beat. It’ll be interesting to see how the Longhorns stand the SEC grind.
Klatt’s full ranking
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Big Changes in Joel Klatt’s Top 10 after Week 3
