College Football 2021: Winners, Losers of Week Nine AP Poll Release

Oct 23, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) celebrates his touchdown run with teammates against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

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Iowa State senior wide receiver Tarique Milton runs the ball in the third quarter against Oklahoma State on Saturday, /

Winner: Iowa State (22nd)

Don’t look now, but the Iowa State Cyclones have started to look like a team that can make the Big 12 championship game. The Cyclones had some early losses, but their defense has started to play like an elite unit and the passing attack has looked improved. Iowa State also got a nice game from star running back Breece Hall and they took down the previously eighth-ranked Cowboys.

Iowa State might not be the playoff contender that some thought in the preseason, but this looks like a team that is capable of causing some problems down the road for a team like Oklahoma.

Winner: BYU (25th)

The Cougars are a team that has been bouncing back and forth between being in and out of the AP Poll, but they find themselves on the right side of things this week. BYU clinched bowl eligibility by getting a win over Washington State and BYU continues to surpass the low expectations that were put on them this season.

It is not inconceivable that the Cougars could get to 10 wins. They play inconsistent from week to week, but the schedule is not that daunting. Look for the Cougars to finish strong this season as they get ready to move to the Big 12.

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