Power Polling: Clemson starts on top
I realized today that I have yet to publish my world-renowned weekly top 25. Let's rectify that.
For those who aren't familiar, a note about my methodology: I try to reward achievement. I favor teams that beat quality opponents. Going on the road is a big plus. How you win matters, too.
In other words, I don't rank teams by whether or not I think Alabama would beat Oklahoma. Instead, I put more weight on the Sooners beating Ohio State in Columbus than the Crimson Tide's victory over Florida State at a neutral site in Atlanta. Likewise, I'd take Oklahoma State ahead of a majority of the teams that will be ranked ahead of the Cowboys here, but the Pokes have beaten a lackluster set of opponents to date.
Blatant Homerism Top 25: Week 3
1. Clemson
2. Oklahoma
3. Alabama
4. Georgia
5. USC
6. Michigan
7. Mississippi State
8. San Diego State
9. Virginia Tech
10. Maryland
11. Kentucky
12. TCU
13. Duke
14. Vanderbilt
15. Oklahoma State
16. Memphis
17. Penn State
18. Iowa
19. Oregon
20. Washington State
21. Wake Forest
22. Minnesota
23. California
24. Wisconsin
25. Texas Tech
Just missed the cut: South Florida, Utah, Washington, Colorado, Michigan State
Notes:
*I have Clemson on top by virtue of two wins against what I view as pretty strong teams in Auburn and Louisville, one of which came on the road. After three weeks, that's No. 1 material.
*The winner of Georgia-Mississippi State this week will have a case to supplant CU. Other important games for rankings purposes: TCU at Oklahoma State, Penn State at Iowa, USC at California, Washington at Colorado.
*Duke posed a big problem: two home wins over Power 5 conference teams. However, I know Baylor stinks. I don't think a ton of Northwestern, either.
*How good is Iowa State? The answer to that question says a lot about teams in the 18-25 range.