College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 5

Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) tosses the ball to an official after scoring on a eight-yard run against the Stanford Cardinal during the second half at Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) tosses the ball to an official after scoring on a eight-yard run against the Stanford Cardinal during the second half at Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 14-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 14-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

There’s no way around the Badgers dropping a ways down the AP Top 25 after suffering their first loss. But despite being held under 160 total yards of offense by Michigan on Saturday, the Badgers had chances to win the game up to the end. Wisconsin’s defense held the Wolverines 38 points below their season scoring average and did so in the hostile environs of the Big House. The most glaring issue remains quarterback for Wisconsin, as Alex Hornibrook threw for just 88 yards and had three interceptions.

Wisconsin gets a break next weekend before Ohio State comes to Madison on October 15. A loss to the Buckeyes would hurt the Badgers’ chances of contending for the Big Ten West. They shouldn’t fall too far down the polls after such a narrow loss on the road, but Wisconsin can’t afford to suffer any more losses — especially with their win over LSU looking less lustrous by the week and their quarterback issues becoming more and more exposed.