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 /

4 of 5

Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Wake Forest (13th)

The Demon Deacons played in what might have been the most exciting game of the day, defeating Army 70-56. Wake remains unbeaten and while that might not last that long, this is a fun team to watch every week behind quarterback Sam Hartman and this offense. Wake has a good chance to head into November undefeated, where they will still have to face NC State, Clemson, and North Carolina.

Wake has not been getting much respect this season, but they should deserve a lot of credit for how they have remained undefeated. Look for Wake to try and break into the top ten in the coming weeks.

Winner: Pittsburgh (16th)

After winning at home against Clemson, Pitt jumped up to 16th and could be considered the front runner in the ACC. If they had not lost a fluky game to Western Michigan earlier in the year, it is very possible that the Panthers could be in the top ten right now and possibly even higher.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett should be getting more consideration for the Heisman trophy. Pickett had a solid game against Clemson’s defense, which is one of the best in the country and that deserves recognition. Look out for the Panthers the rest of the way.

Home/College Football News