College Football Rankings 2017: Projected Week 5 AP Top 25 Poll
By Zach Bigalke
In the annual showdown against Michigan State, Notre Dame headed to East Lansing and took charge right out of the gate. Despite giving up over 500 yards of offense to the Spartans, the Fighting Irish ran away with a 38-18 victory on the road to move to 3-1 on the season. The independent powerhouse will climb back into the AP Top 25, as a result of its victory but also due to the poor showing by No. 24 Oregon at Arizona State.
Julian Love had a 59-yard interception return for Notre Dame, and three different Irish runners punched in touchdowns on the ground. Brandon Wimbush finished a quiet but efficient 14-of-20 for 173 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for another score and 52 yards.
Brian Kelly’s team will almost always get the benefit of the doubt from pollsters. This week will be no exception, as they climb up into Oregon’s position in the AP Top 25 after the turn in fortunes for both schools on the road.