College football Power Rankings: Did Florida State fall after close call?
ESPN writers rank the best teams in college football after Week 3 of the 2023 season.
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College football Power Rankings: Did Florida State fall after close call?
ESPN writers rank the best teams in college football after Week 3 of the 2023 season.
No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (3-0)
The Bulldogs' first real test of the season (sorry UT Martin and Ball State, but it's true) was a little dicey. South Carolina jumped out to a lead thanks to the strong play of Spencer Rattler, throwing and running the football. And the Georgia offense couldn't get anything going in the passing or the running game. Then came the second half. It was as if Kirby Smart's squad remembered they're the defending national champions. Suddenly the defense was stifling, and the offense was owning the line of scrimmage. Twenty-one unanswered points later and Georgia cruised to victory. Quarterback Carson Beck was once again solid, but you have to wonder if he'll have a breakout game at some point, whether it's at home against UAB next week or the week after when the Bulldogs go on the road for the first time this season at Auburn. -- Alex ScarboroughUp next: vs. UAB (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2)
No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (3-0)
The team's third and final game without coach Jim Harbaugh on the sideline was messier than the others. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who had not thrown an interception in the first two contests and had just three outside of last season's CFP loss to TCU, was picked off three times by Bowling Green. McCarthy finished with only 143 passing yards. Michigan committed four turnovers and converted only 1 of 5 third-down chances. The Wolverines will need to be sharper against an improved Rutgers team next week. Their defense remained stellar, holding Bowling Green to 205 yards and collecting a season-best three takeaways, three sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins had an interception and a tackle for loss, and cornerback Mike Sainristil had a sack and two tackles for loss as Michigan did not allow a touchdown. -- Adam RittenbergUp next: vs. Rutgers (noon ET, Big Ten Network)
No. 3 Florida State Seminoles (3-0)
A win is a win, but the truth is the Seminoles are lucky to have left Boston College with a victory. Boston College outplayed Florida State for wide stretches -- controlling the ball and the clock on offense, while quarterback Thomas Castellanos gave the FSU defense fits. Though Florida State built a 31-10 lead in the third quarter, two costly fumbles -- including a scoop and score, kept the Eagles in the game until the final minute. BC ended up outgaining Florida State 457 to 340 in yards in the 31-29 loss. The Seminoles dropped a spot in the power rankings. There will be plenty for the Seminoles to clean up before a huge ACC showdown next week at Clemson. -- Andrea AdelsonUp next: at Clemson (noon ET, ABC)
No. 4 USC Trojans (3-0)
Having played in Week 0, the Trojans got an early bye week before they head to Arizona State for their first road game of the season and the start of the true test of their schedule. The Sun Devils could present a trap game of sorts for USC, but even if Lincoln Riley's team steps over ASU with ease, what awaits them is a daunting set of matchups against Colorado, Utah, Notre Dame, Washington and Oregon. The first three games of the season showed USC has one of the best offenses in the nation and improved defense. The rest of the season will show if that will be enough to take them to the playoff and beyond. -- Paolo UggettiUp next: at Arizona State (9:30 p.m. ET)
No. 5 Texas Longhorns (3-0)
Texas has a history of showing up for big games, then suffering letdowns. When Wyoming tied the Longhorns after a 17-play, 10-minute field goal drive in the third quarter, it looked like another lull was well underway. Instead, Texas responded brilliantly. Xavier Worthy scored on a 44-yard catch-and-run, kick-starting a 21-0 run over four minutes early in the fourth quarter, and the Horns cruised 31-10. Quinn Ewers had a quiet day (11-for-21 for 131 yards and two scores), but Jonathon Brooks rushed for 164 yards on 21 carries, and despite a major time-of-possession disadvantage -- Wyoming had the ball for 38:47 -- this one ended up comfortable. It's on to Big 12 play for the Horns. -- Bill ConnellyUp next: at Baylor (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0)
The Buckeyes are still a bit of a mystery as they gear up for a Week 4 clash at Notre Dame, but they should feel better about their offense and quarterback Kyle McCord after a 63-point performance against Western Kentucky. McCord, officially named the starter on Tuesday, completed 19 of 23 pass attempts for 318 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, finding Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 75-yard score. Ohio State's 35-point second quarter marked its highest since 2019 and its second-highest in the past 20 seasons. "We needed to take the next step," coach Ryan Day said of his offense. The defense overcame a leaky first half to shut out Austin Reed and Western Kentucky in the final 30 minutes and hold the Hilltoppers to 284 total yards. Linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers led the defense, but Ohio State still needs much more from a talent-stocked line going forward, beginning next week against Sam Hartman and the Irish. -- RittenbergUp next: at Notre Dame (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC)
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