College Football Rankings 2020: Projected AP Top 25 for Week 9

Through most of the first half, it appeared that Nebraska might actually hang with Ohio State in Columbus. The Cornhuskers pulled level at 14-14 midway through the second quarter, but by the time Scott Frost’s team scored again they were booting a field goal to pull within 38-17. Nebraska didn’t score again as the Buckeyes ran away with a 52-17 victory, locking down top-three status in the AP Top 25 as formerly hesitant voters add Ryan Day’s team back to their ballots.

Justin Fields romped his way to a huge game both on the ground and in the air. The quarterback went 20-of-21 for 276 yards and two scores, while adding 54 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Heisman hopeful’s effort was supplemented by a pair of rushing touchdowns from Master Teague III and a defense that was susceptible to the run but held Nebraska quarterbacks to only 160 passing yards.

Ohio State wasn’t perfect in victory, but they now have an assertive win to fortify their position as the Big Ten favorite and a College Football Playoff contender. The Buckeyes head to State College in Week 9 for a Halloween battle against Penn State in an empty Beaver Stadium. That game could ultimately determine the Big Ten East race this season.