COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Even with Ohio State on the sidelines, the drama of this college football season continued and it helped move the Buckeyes up the rankings.
The Buckeyes (5-1, 2-1) have been ranked No. 4 in the new USA Today coaches poll after their second bye week of the season, up one spot from last week. For the first time this year, a Big Ten team is ranked No. 1 as Oregon, the only team Ohio State has lost to this season, claimed the top-spot from Texas.
The 2024 college football season has been one with continuing twists, turns, and unparalleled drama with more eye popping results in Week 8. The Longhorns’ 30-15 loss to Georgia marked the fourth consecutive week a team ranked No. 1 or No. 2 lost. The Bulldogs moved back up to No. 2 while Texas went down five spots to No. 6.
Ohio State fans enjoyed seeing Michigan’s season dash after the Wolverines lost 21-7 to Illinois, marking Michigan’s third loss this season. Another powerhouse’s playoff hopes hang by a thread as Alabama lost its second game 24-17 to Tennessee. We also have seen unlikely teams climb up the rankings like undefeated sides Iowa State, BYU, Indiana, Army, and Navy.
USA Today coaches poll (Week 9)
| 1 | Oregon (51) |
| 2 | Georgia (2) |
| 3 | Penn State |
| 4 | Ohio State |
| 5 | Miami (FL) |
| 6 | Texas |
| 7 | LSU |
| 8 | Tennessee |
| 9 | Clemson |
| 10 | Iowa State |
| 11 | Notre Dame |
| 12 | BYU |
| 13 | Indiana |
| 14 | Texas A&M |
| 15 | Alabama |
| 16 | Kansas State |
| 17 | Missouri |
| 18 | Mississippi |
| 19 | Boise State |
| 20 | Pittsburgh |
| 21 | Illinois |
| 22 | SMU |
| 23 | Army |
| 24 | Navy |
| 25 | Vanderbilt |
The Buckeyes return to the field on Saturday when they host Nebraska at noon. Ohio State will be hungry for a big victory as they look for redemption from its 32-31 loss to Oregon. After Saturday’s game against the Cornhuskers, the Buckeyes travel to play No. 2 Penn State.
The trend of top-two teams losing could continue in Week 9 as No. 1 Oregon is set to host No. 21 Illinois at 3:30 p.m. Penn State will play at Wisconsin at 7:30 p.m. on NBC4. Other games to watch include No. 6 Texas heading to No. 25 Vanderbilt, No. 7 LSU facing No. 14 Texas A&M, and a showdown in New Jersey between No. 11 Notre Dame and No. 24 Navy.
Week 9 is the penultimate week before the first College Football Playoff rankings are revealed on Nov. 5. This will also be the first rankings reveal in the 12-team playoff era.
