September 9, 2019
This week’s AP College Football Top 25 Poll featured several teams moving up and down the rankings including Michigan and Michigan State. The Top 5 welcomed a new team as LSU jumped into 4th after defeating the Texas Longhorns. Clemson, Alabama, and Georgia remain the Top 3, with Oklahoma in 5th.
Michigan
Michigan entered the weekend 7th, unchanged from their prior ranking, despite a lackluster effort in their 40-21 win over Middle Tennessee State. This weeks opponent, Army, rolled into Ann Arbor and almost stole a win at the “Big House.”

The game went to overtime, but not before Black Knights kicker Cole Talley missed a 50-yard field goal short and to the right to leave the score 14-14 at the end of regulation. Both teams scored touchdowns in the first overtime. Michigan kicker Jake Moody nailed a 43-yard field goal to start overtime number two and the Wolverine defense forced an Army fumble, recovering it to end the contest 24-21.
The voters penalized Michigan dropping them to 10th after their 2nd week of sub-par performances. Coach Jim Harbough will have plenty of time to try and work out the kinks as the Wolverines are off next week. Michigan will need to up their game as they travel to face 14th ranked Wisconsin in a key Big 10 matchup.
Michigan State
The Spartans 28-7 win over Tulas last week was a defensive gem, it was the offense that was ugly. The only thing ugly about this weeks 51-17 trouncing of Western Michigan was Michigan State’s alternative uniform. Who thought lime green pants were a good look for the gridiron?

Coach Mark Dantonio promised an improved offensive effort and State delivered, despite the garish duds. Quarterback Brian Lewerke was 23 of 32, throwing for 314 yards and 3 touchdowns. Dantonio tied Duffy Daugherty with 109 victories at the school and State moved up one spot to 18th with the win.
Michigan State will be tested next week as the level of competition steps up. The Spartans face Arizona State at Spartan Stadium.
The Big 10
Big 10 schools hold seven spots in the AP Top 25. In addition to Michigan and Michigan State, conference foes Ohio State(6th), Penn State(13th), Wisconsin(14th), Iowa(19th) and Maryland(21st) are ranked.
The Rankings Headed into Week 3
1 |
Clemson (56) 2-0 |
— | 1544 | @
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2 |
Alabama (6) 2-0 |
— | 1489 | @
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3 |
Georgia 2-0 |
— | 1385 | vs
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4 |
LSU 2-0 |
2 | 1336 | vs
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5 |
Oklahoma 2-0 |
1 | 1315 | @
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6 |
Ohio St. 2-0 |
1 | 1291 | @
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7 |
Notre Dame 1-0 |
1 | 1072 | vs
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8 |
Auburn 2-0 |
2 | 1056 | vs
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9 |
Florida 2-0 |
2 | 997 | @
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10 |
Michigan 2-0 |
3 | 936 | @
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11 |
Utah 2-0 |
2 | 905 | vs
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12 |
Texas 1-1 |
3 | 877 | vs
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13 |
Penn St. 2-0 |
2 | 781 | vs
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14 |
Wisconsin 2-0 |
3 | 714 | vs
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15 |
Oregon 1-1 |
1 | 677 | vs
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16 |
Texas A&M 1-1 |
4 | 643 | vs
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17 |
UCF 2-0 |
1 | 544 | vs
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18 |
Michigan St. 2-0 |
1 | 495 | vs
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19 |
Iowa 2-0 |
1 | 473 | @
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20 |
Washington St. 2-0 |
2 | 343 | vs
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21 |
Maryland 2-0 |
— | 207 | @
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22 |
Boise St. 2-0 |
2 | 164 | vs
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23 |
Washington 1-1 |
9 | 161 | vs
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24 |
USC 2-0 |
14 | 137 | @
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25 |
Virginia 2-0 |
2 | 122 | vs
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Courtesy of CBS Sports