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College Football Rankings 2023: Projected AP Top 25 for Week 9

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (56) celebrates during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 20-12.
Oct 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (56) celebrates during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 20-12. /
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Sept 9, 2023; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; James Madison Dukes quarterback Jordan McCloud (2) passes off the ball to James Madison Dukes running back Ty Son Lawton (7) to run a play during the second half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Pajewski-USA TODAY Sports
Sept 9, 2023; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; James Madison Dukes quarterback Jordan McCloud (2) passes off the ball to James Madison Dukes running back Ty Son Lawton (7) to run a play during the second half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Pajewski-USA TODAY Sports /

Two straight disappointing losses would usually cost a team a spot in the AP Top 25, but I think USC is just going to hang on this week despite losing at home to Utah. The Utes took down the Trojans for the third straight time and Caleb Williams’ Heisman campaign feels just about over.

player. 2465. Scouting Report. W 20-9 at Marshall. James Madison Dukes. 24. Pick Analysis. Last Week: NR

It was a huge week for James Madison as it was facing one of the best teams in the Sun Belt on the road and it took care of Marshall. This was a statement win for the Dukes who were the first team outside of the AP Top 25 rankings last week. They’ll find their way into the rankings this week.

How far does Tennessee drop for losing its second game this season, this time on the road against a borderline top-10 Alabama team? Probably not too far. I see the Volunteers remaining in the AP Top 25 this week and probably not too much of a drop after leading in the first half over the Crimson Tide. A heck of an effort from the Vols in Week 8.

UCLA jumped on Stanford early on Saturday and never looked back. The Bruins are going to move up slightly in the AP Top 25 this week. This was an impressive win for the Bruins after losing to Oregon State last week by 12 points.

Tulane had a heck of a scare at home against a 3-3 North Texas team and came away with a one-touchdown win over the Mean Green. Makhi Hughes led the offense with 121 yards and a touchdown and a late touchdown by the Green Wave secured the win. We’ll see them stay in the AP Top 25 this week.

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