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The AP Top 25 college football poll saw major movement this week, with the Georgia Bulldogs maintaining their grip at No. 4 and the Oklahoma Sooners surging to No. 8 after dominant performances. As the playoff picture takes shape, these rankings signal an intense battle ahead.
Georgia Bulldogs: Unshaken at No. 4
Despite a 45-3 blowout over Ball State, Georgia held steady at No. 4, trailing Texas, Michigan, and Florida State. The Bulldogs’ elite defense has allowed just 33 total points this season, while QB Carson Beck (72% completion rate) has managed the offense efficiently.
However, critics note Georgia’s soft early schedule (UT-Martin, Ball State, South Carolina) hasn’t fully tested their title credentials. That changes next week when they host No. 23 Missouri—their first ranked opponent. A strong win could push the Dawgs into the top three, especially if Texas or FSU falters.
Oklahoma Sooners Explode to No. 8
Oklahoma made the week’s biggest leap, jumping five spots to No. 8 after a 66-17 demolition of Tulsa. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (905 yards, 11 TDs in 3 games) leads the nation’s highest-scoring offense (55.3 PPG).
But the real test looms:
– Oct. 7 @ No. 14 Kansas – A potential trap game
– Oct. 14 vs. No. 3 Texas (Red River Showdown) – A likely top-10 clash with playoff stakes
If the Sooners keep rolling, they could reassert themselves as legitimate CFP contenders.
Biggest AP Poll Winners & Losers
✅ Florida State (No. 3, ↑ from No. 5) – Survived a scare vs. Boston College (31-29).
❌ Alabama (No. 12, ↓ from No. 10) – Struggled in a 17-3 win over USF, raising QB concerns.
🔥 Washington State (No. 21, new entry) – Upset Wisconsin for first ranking since 2019.
Key Games to Watch
- Georgia vs. Missouri (Sep. 30) – Can Mizzou challenge the Dawgs?
- Oklahoma vs. Kansas (Oct. 7) – Sneaky Big 12 road test.
- Texas vs. Oklahoma (Oct. 14) – Red River Showdown could decide playoff fates.
