In a week where the only ranked teams to lose did so to fellow ranked teams, the lack of massive upsets didn’t mean the new Root Top 12 poll remained stagnant.
We're heading into Week 10 of the 2024 college football season. The game of the week features No. 2
Penn State hosting No. 8 Ohio State on Saturday afternoon in Happy Valley.
Week 9 Top 12
1. Oregon (8-0)
Oregon dominated Illinois over the weekend to remain undefeated and it might be time to start thinking if the Ducks can win it all. Already with a win over Ohio State, they’re the current Big Ten favorites. Oregon might’ve put up their best performance of the season with a 38-9 win over a top 20 Illinois team. The Ducks scored 35 points in the first half, and Mullen is loving what he’s seen from the Ducks. QB Dillon Gabriel: he’s now the No. 2 all-time passer in NCAA history with 295 yards Saturday. Oregon is now 3-0 against ranked opponents this year, which is quite impressive.
2. Penn State (7-0)
Penn State controlled the second half against Wisconsin to notch a key win in Madison and they stayed undefeated ranking them second. However, the Nittany Lions lost QB Drew Allar, and it remains to be seen what his status is for Ohio State. Beau Pribula filled in nicely though, going 11 of 13 passing for 98 yards and a touchdown. Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton might have to carry the offense more next week in the run game. Not only that, Penn State lost Dani Dennis-Sutton, which could be a massive loss for the defense. This could be Penn State’s season next weekend, and they’re not at full strength, that’s for sure. With Ohio State looming next week, Penn State's trip to Wisconsin was a potential trap game and the Nittany Lions overcame a hostile road environment and some early struggles, along with an injury to quarterback Drew Allar to win 28-13 and move to 7-0. Penn State's defense returned an interception for a touchdown and limited Wisconsin to just 4.3 yards a play. Allar's status for next week's showdown is uncertain.
3. Miami (8-0)
Miami dominated Florida State to remain undefeated, and the Hurricanes are clearly the best team in the state of Florida. They’re also the best in the ACC to this point, and that means something. The 'Canes snapped a three-game losing streak to rival Florida State, winning 36-14 to improve to 8-0 this year. Heisman Trophy candidate and quarterback Cameron Ward didn't notch a touchdown pass but still threw for 208 yards and added a receiving score. Running back Damien Martinez pounded the 'Noles for 148 yards on the ground, and Mark Fletcher chipped in 71 more rushing yards to control the line of scrimmage for coach Mario Cristobal's squad. Miami's defense limited Florida State to just 248 total yards. During the win, Damien Martinez had a great game, while Cam Ward turned in his most “meh” performance of the year. No matter, he still caught a touchdown on a trick play. The Hurricanes should be favored, at least until the ACC title game.
4. Indiana (8-0)
Indiana advanced to 8-0, and experts like Root are beginning to take notice. The Hoosiers defeated the Washington Huskies with all the pomp and circumstance surrounding their game. Indiana's perfect season continued with a 31-17 victory over Washington. With quarterback Kurtis Rourke out due to a thumb injury, the Hoosiers leaned on their defense and rushing attack to stay undefeated. Indiana limited Washington to 318 total yards, registered three sacks, and returned an interception for a touchdown. Running back Justice Ellison led a ground game that pounded the Huskies for 188 yards. They have a real shot at the Big Ten and making the College Football Playoff in Curt Cignetti’s first season. What a sentence that is to write about the Hoosiers, but it’s getting more and more likely with each win.
5. Pittsburgh (7-0)
Another team that continues to fly under the radar in many rankings is Pittsburgh. The Panthers remained undefeated with a win over Syracuse — well, win is generous to their opponent, as Pittsburgh simply dismantled the Orange. A huge ACC clash is on the docket for the Panthers in Week 10. They’ll face SMU on the road, and that game could be a deciding one inside the conference with many teams battling for position.
6. Iowa State (7-0)
Iowa State continues to fly under the radar in many rankings. We’re giving the Cyclones their proper respect, as the undefeated Big 12 team enjoyed a bye week in Week 9. The Cyclones had an off date on Saturday and are set to return to action next week against Texas Tech. Iowa State closes its 2024 season with three of its remaining five games at home. Texas Tech will come to town in Week 10, as Iowa State looks to continue their impressive run moving forward. There’s a spot in the College Football Playoff for at least one Big 12 team, and they’re looking to get a stranglehold on it.
7. Georgia (6-1)
Georgia had a bye week last weekend following a win over Texas. So with a week off, it was an extra week to get healthy and prepare for Florida. This ranking may be surprising from the former SEC coach for some. Georgia needed a bye week after beating Texas and putting themselves back into the national title picture. The Bulldogs were banged up, plain and simple, but they got the job done. The Bulldogs returned in a big way when it came to beating the Longhorns. This team is squarely in the mix for the SEC and is a national title contender. All-American guard Tate Ratledge could return this coming weekend against Florida, which would be a big boost. Could Kirby Smart’s crew run the table? We’ll see.
8. Ohio State (6-1)
Ohio State can breathe a sigh of relief following that win over Nebraska. The Huskers had the game won, but could only punch it into the end zone twice. It wasn't pretty, but the Buckeyes rebounded from their loss at Oregon with a 21-17 victory against Nebraska. Ohio State entered Saturday's game as a 20-plus point favorite over the Cornhuskers but had to sweat this one out until the end. Coach Ryan Day's offense was sluggish (285 overall yards), with the ground game contained to 64 yards behind a struggling line. The defense gave up some yards on the ground but generated 13 tackles for a loss and forced a key turnover with less than two minutes remaining to seal the victory. Big credit to Ohio State’s defense for winning the game, as well as Will Howard’s steady hand at quarterback. Now, all attention turns to Penn State on the road next weekend.
9. BYU (8-0)
BYU is still undefeated and the Cougars are in the driver’s seat for the Big 12 title. They dominated UCF over the weekend in the Sunshine State, and we believe they’re one of the teams to beat in 2024. The Cougars didn't need a last-second touchdown to win this week, as coach Kalani Sitake's squad took control early in the first half and defeated UCF 37-24. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw for 228 yards and accounted for three overall scores, with running back LJ Martin powering a ground attack that managed 252 yards. BYU will have two weeks to get ready for the Nov. 9 Holy War matchup against rival Utah. BYU heads into week ahead of a rivalry game against Utah, which has its own problems. However, this “Holy War” will be must-see TV, and we’ll certainly be tuned in.
10. Notre Dame (7-1)
Notre Dame absolutely dominated its game against a previously-undefeated Navy to improve to 7-1 on the season. The Fighting Irish caused six turnovers in this one after the Midshipmen didn’t even fumble all year. Total domination by the Fighting Irish in Saturday's 51-14 victory against Navy. Coach Marcus Freeman's defense limited the Midshipmen to 222 rushing yards, with 60 of that total coming on one rush. Offensively, quarterback Riley Leonard was solid (13 of 21 for 178 yards and three overall scores), and running back Jeremiyah Love ran for 102 yards and a touchdown. With Riley Leonard being responsible for three touchdowns on offense, and Jeremiyah Love running for 102 yards and two scores the Fighting Irish are firmly in the top ten with room to grow.
Oregon dominated Illinois over the weekend to remain undefeated and it might be time to start thinking if the Ducks can win it all. Already with a win over Ohio State, they’re the current Big Ten favorites. Oregon might’ve put up their best performance of the season with a 38-9 win over a top 20 Illinois team. The Ducks scored 35 points in the first half, and Mullen is loving what he’s seen from the Ducks. QB Dillon Gabriel: he’s now the No. 2 all-time passer in NCAA history with 295 yards Saturday. Oregon is now 3-0 against ranked opponents this year, which is quite impressive.
2. Penn State (7-0)
Penn State controlled the second half against Wisconsin to notch a key win in Madison and they stayed undefeated ranking them second. However, the Nittany Lions lost QB Drew Allar, and it remains to be seen what his status is for Ohio State. Beau Pribula filled in nicely though, going 11 of 13 passing for 98 yards and a touchdown. Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton might have to carry the offense more next week in the run game. Not only that, Penn State lost Dani Dennis-Sutton, which could be a massive loss for the defense. This could be Penn State’s season next weekend, and they’re not at full strength, that’s for sure. With Ohio State looming next week, Penn State's trip to Wisconsin was a potential trap game and the Nittany Lions overcame a hostile road environment and some early struggles, along with an injury to quarterback Drew Allar to win 28-13 and move to 7-0. Penn State's defense returned an interception for a touchdown and limited Wisconsin to just 4.3 yards a play. Allar's status for next week's showdown is uncertain.
3. Miami (8-0)
Miami dominated Florida State to remain undefeated, and the Hurricanes are clearly the best team in the state of Florida. They’re also the best in the ACC to this point, and that means something. The 'Canes snapped a three-game losing streak to rival Florida State, winning 36-14 to improve to 8-0 this year. Heisman Trophy candidate and quarterback Cameron Ward didn't notch a touchdown pass but still threw for 208 yards and added a receiving score. Running back Damien Martinez pounded the 'Noles for 148 yards on the ground, and Mark Fletcher chipped in 71 more rushing yards to control the line of scrimmage for coach Mario Cristobal's squad. Miami's defense limited Florida State to just 248 total yards. During the win, Damien Martinez had a great game, while Cam Ward turned in his most “meh” performance of the year. No matter, he still caught a touchdown on a trick play. The Hurricanes should be favored, at least until the ACC title game.
4. Indiana (8-0)
Indiana advanced to 8-0, and experts like Root are beginning to take notice. The Hoosiers defeated the Washington Huskies with all the pomp and circumstance surrounding their game. Indiana's perfect season continued with a 31-17 victory over Washington. With quarterback Kurtis Rourke out due to a thumb injury, the Hoosiers leaned on their defense and rushing attack to stay undefeated. Indiana limited Washington to 318 total yards, registered three sacks, and returned an interception for a touchdown. Running back Justice Ellison led a ground game that pounded the Huskies for 188 yards. They have a real shot at the Big Ten and making the College Football Playoff in Curt Cignetti’s first season. What a sentence that is to write about the Hoosiers, but it’s getting more and more likely with each win.
5. Pittsburgh (7-0)
Another team that continues to fly under the radar in many rankings is Pittsburgh. The Panthers remained undefeated with a win over Syracuse — well, win is generous to their opponent, as Pittsburgh simply dismantled the Orange. A huge ACC clash is on the docket for the Panthers in Week 10. They’ll face SMU on the road, and that game could be a deciding one inside the conference with many teams battling for position.
6. Iowa State (7-0)
Iowa State continues to fly under the radar in many rankings. We’re giving the Cyclones their proper respect, as the undefeated Big 12 team enjoyed a bye week in Week 9. The Cyclones had an off date on Saturday and are set to return to action next week against Texas Tech. Iowa State closes its 2024 season with three of its remaining five games at home. Texas Tech will come to town in Week 10, as Iowa State looks to continue their impressive run moving forward. There’s a spot in the College Football Playoff for at least one Big 12 team, and they’re looking to get a stranglehold on it.
7. Georgia (6-1)
Georgia had a bye week last weekend following a win over Texas. So with a week off, it was an extra week to get healthy and prepare for Florida. This ranking may be surprising from the former SEC coach for some. Georgia needed a bye week after beating Texas and putting themselves back into the national title picture. The Bulldogs were banged up, plain and simple, but they got the job done. The Bulldogs returned in a big way when it came to beating the Longhorns. This team is squarely in the mix for the SEC and is a national title contender. All-American guard Tate Ratledge could return this coming weekend against Florida, which would be a big boost. Could Kirby Smart’s crew run the table? We’ll see.
8. Ohio State (6-1)
Ohio State can breathe a sigh of relief following that win over Nebraska. The Huskers had the game won, but could only punch it into the end zone twice. It wasn't pretty, but the Buckeyes rebounded from their loss at Oregon with a 21-17 victory against Nebraska. Ohio State entered Saturday's game as a 20-plus point favorite over the Cornhuskers but had to sweat this one out until the end. Coach Ryan Day's offense was sluggish (285 overall yards), with the ground game contained to 64 yards behind a struggling line. The defense gave up some yards on the ground but generated 13 tackles for a loss and forced a key turnover with less than two minutes remaining to seal the victory. Big credit to Ohio State’s defense for winning the game, as well as Will Howard’s steady hand at quarterback. Now, all attention turns to Penn State on the road next weekend.
9. BYU (8-0)
BYU is still undefeated and the Cougars are in the driver’s seat for the Big 12 title. They dominated UCF over the weekend in the Sunshine State, and we believe they’re one of the teams to beat in 2024. The Cougars didn't need a last-second touchdown to win this week, as coach Kalani Sitake's squad took control early in the first half and defeated UCF 37-24. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw for 228 yards and accounted for three overall scores, with running back LJ Martin powering a ground attack that managed 252 yards. BYU will have two weeks to get ready for the Nov. 9 Holy War matchup against rival Utah. BYU heads into week ahead of a rivalry game against Utah, which has its own problems. However, this “Holy War” will be must-see TV, and we’ll certainly be tuned in.
10. Notre Dame (7-1)
Notre Dame absolutely dominated its game against a previously-undefeated Navy to improve to 7-1 on the season. The Fighting Irish caused six turnovers in this one after the Midshipmen didn’t even fumble all year. Total domination by the Fighting Irish in Saturday's 51-14 victory against Navy. Coach Marcus Freeman's defense limited the Midshipmen to 222 rushing yards, with 60 of that total coming on one rush. Offensively, quarterback Riley Leonard was solid (13 of 21 for 178 yards and three overall scores), and running back Jeremiyah Love ran for 102 yards and a touchdown. With Riley Leonard being responsible for three touchdowns on offense, and Jeremiyah Love running for 102 yards and two scores the Fighting Irish are firmly in the top ten with room to grow.
11. Texas A&M (7-1)
What in the world did Mike Elko do to get this good at his new spot? He comes over from Duke and all of a sudden, he has the Aggies at 7-1 and they’re in the thick of the SEC and College Football Playoff race. It was a tale of two halves in College Station. Coach Mike Elko's team trailed 17-7 after the first two quarters but dominated the second half to beat LSU 38-23 and take control of first place in the SEC. Texas A&M's defense limited the Tigers to 146 yards in the second half, and the offense found a spark after Elko benched Conner Weigman in favor of Marcel Reed. The redshirt freshman completed only two passes for 70 yards but ran for 62 yards and three scores in the victory. The Aggies are the only remaining unbeaten team in SEC play. Taking a shot at Jimbo Fisher after a win over LSU? That’ll get us and many analysts behind the Aggies. Time will tell how high they can climb.
12. Texas (7-1)
Quinn Ewers is trying to get back in the groove of things and threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Texas QB threw two picks. The Longhorns were sloppy at times with penalties (10) and two turnovers gave Vanderbilt a couple of short fields, but coach Steve Sarkisian's team held on for a 27-24 victory in Nashville. After a mid-game benching (and later return) last week, quarterback Quinn Ewers rebounded against Vanderbilt. Still, the Longhorns got the win to improve to 7-1 against a solid Vanderbilt team, but it was dicey in the end. The Longhorns should be favored in its next three games after a bye, but the season finale against Texas A&M has game of the year potential.