The Post’s college football rankings following Week 5.
Top 10
1. Georgia (5-0) (Last week: 1)
Auburn ran all over Georgia, gashing the Bulldogs for 219 yards on the ground. Georgia prevailed, but this narrow victory was hardly the dominance we’ve come to expect from Kirby Smart’s program during this 22-game winning streak.
2. Florida State (4-0) (2)
Two ranked foes, Duke and Miami, are left for the Seminoles, and both games are at home. An undefeated regular season is very much in play for Florida State.
3. Ohio State (4-0) (3)
The Buckeyes can’t afford to look past Maryland. The Terps are top 20 in points scored (38.6) and allowed (13.2), and while they have yet to face a ranked opponent, the Big Ten school has been dominant.
4. Texas (5-0) (4)
The Longhorns’ defense has flown under the radar, overshadowed by the explosive offense. The unit has given up 30 points over the last three games, and was pivotal to the win at Alabama.
5. Michigan (5-0) (4)
Through five games, Michigan’s best win is at home against Rutgers. We know very little about the Wolverines despite outscoring the opposition 172-30 so far.
6. Penn State (5-0) (6)
Penn State still has a game beforehand, meeting UMass on Oct. 14, but it’s all about Ohio State now. The Oct. 21 showdown is easily one of the biggest games of the James Franklin era.
7. Washington (5-0) (7)
Washington and Oregon both are on byes this week, giving the two teams extra rest before this mega-showdown on Oct. 14 in Seattle. Expect a track meet — first to 40 wins.
8. USC (5-0) (8)
The Trojans’ defensive concerns continue to grow. In what should’ve been a blowout, USC allowed Colorado to make it a game in the fourth quarter. This unit has a lot of work to do, or it is going to cost Caleb Williams and Co. another berth in the College Football Playoff.
9. Oregon (5-0) (9)
Starting slow against Stanford didn’t matter. But the Ducks can’t repeat that kind of first quarter the Saturday after next when they visit Washington.
10. Alabama (4-1) (NR)
The Crimson Tide are tied atop the watered-down SEC West with Texas A&M, adding importance to Saturday’s meeting in College Station. The winner is in the driver’s seat to win the underwhelming division.
Dropped out: Utah (4-1)
Heisman Watch (in alphabetical order)
QB Bo Nix, Oregon: Nix is more than halfway to his career-best passing touchdown total of 29 set last year, and has thrown just one interception. A dream season is unfolding in Eugene, Ore., for Nix and the Ducks.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington: It was a rare off night for Penix, at least when it came to finding the end zone. After amassing 16 touchdowns in his first four games, the southpaw couldn’t find pay dirt in a tougher-than-expected, seven-point win at Cal.
QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado: Sanders keeps piling up massive numbers, this time 421 yards of offense and five touchdowns in a loss to USC and Caleb Williams. It was a terrific response after his shaky performance against Oregon.
QB Cameron Ward, Washington State: Ward will face his toughest test of the season in UCLA’s underrated defense, which has allowed just 37 points all season. The Cougars are averaging 46.8, creating an intriguing strength-versus-strength matchup.
QB Caleb Williams, USC: The junior is well ahead of his record-setting pace of a year ago through five games, already having produced 24 touchdowns and throwing for over 1,600 yards.
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