The Post’s college football rankings following Week 4.
The Bulldogs’ win streak has hit 22, and only two of those victories have come by single digits. That’s dominance.
The Seminoles should send Clemson’s Dabo Swinney a gift basket for his conservative, coaching-not-to-lose decisions Saturday. Florida State was outplayed, but for the second straight week on the road, it found a way despite being at less than its best.
The Buckeyes own the best win of the season so far, a dramatic three-point victory at Notre Dame that wasn’t decided until Chip Trayanum’s 1-yard touchdown run with one second to go. Quarterback Kyle McCord grew up in this win, particularly in the clinching 15-play, 65-yard drive.
A shaky first half didn’t matter against Rutgers. Really, the Wolverines don’t have to be at their best for another six weeks, their schedule is that soft.
This year’s Red River Rivalry is looking like the early game of the year in the Big 12, with undefeated Texas and undefeated Oklahoma on an Oct. 7 collision course.
Quarterback Drew Allar has drawn most of the headlines, and the sophomore has earned lofty praise with his play, but the Penn State defense shouldn’t be forgotten. The dominant unit is allowing just 8.8 points per game, and is a major reason this could be the year the Nittany Lions can get past Michigan and Ohio State in the rugged Big Ten East.
The Huskies are first in passing yards per game (467.3), first in yards (593.3) and third in scoring (49.8). It’s no wonder they have yet to face any game pressure.
The defense, allowing 377.3 yards per game, remains an issue. So far, it hasn’t hurt USC thanks to a soft schedule up to this point. But that underwhelming group will soon be tested.
Oregon proved itself by humbling Deion Sanders and Colorado, manhandling the surprising Buffaloes in a one-sided victory that was over in the first quarter. The explosive Ducks’ visit to Washington on Oct. 14 will be a must-watch.
Cameron Rising still has not returned, as Utah gives him all the time he needs after ACL surgery. It’s hard to see the Utes getting past Oregon State without him Friday, even with that dynamic defense of theirs.
QB Bo Nix, Oregon: Nix is leading the nation’s second-highest scoring attack (54 points per game), and put on an impressive display in Saturday’s beatdown of Colorado, throwing three touchdowns and missing just five passing attempts.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington: Penix has yet to throw for fewer than 304 yards and three touchdowns in a single game this year. It’s not supposed to look this easy.
QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado: Sanders had no chance against Oregon. He’ll have a better opportunity to at least put up numbers against USC at home Saturday.
QB Cameron Ward, Washington State: One of the biggest surprises of the season thus far, Ward and Washington State are undefeated, and already own quality wins over Wisconsin and Oregon State.
QB Caleb Williams, USC: Just another Saturday for the electric USC quarterback: 322 yards through the air, three passing touchdowns and two rushing.