College Football Rankings 2017: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 1

Penn State will boost up a spot into the top five of the AP Top 25 after No. 3 Florida State’s loss to No. 1 Alabama. The No. 6 Nittany Lions pitched a shutout on the opening weekend of a season for the first time in a decade, taking down Akron 52-0 at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. It could have been an even bigger scoreline if offensive coordinator had leaned more on his Heisman favorite in the backfield.

Saquon Barkley paced the blowout win, gaining 246 total yards and two touchdowns for the Nittany Lions. Barkley finished with 172 yards on 14 carries, three receptions for 44 yards and a 20-yard kickoff return. It was an all-around effort packed within the span of just over two quarters’ work, given how little he was utilized in the first quarter.

Penn State’s defense looked especially strong in the win. The group gave up just 159 total yards and prevented Akron from crossing the goal line or even getting a field goal. A second straight shutout is probably less likely in next week’s rivalry game against Pitt, though Penn State is catching the Panthers after their close call in overtime against FCS Youngstown State.