
The day we all circled on the college football calendar lived up to the hype.
The Top 5 matchup between Oregon and Ohio State was a one-point game. Mississippi at LSU was a four-hour battle that needed overtime. Penn State at USC needed overtime. Tennessee had to hold on to beat unranked Florida. Alabama had to hang on to beat unranked South Carolina. Illinois needed overtime to beat Purdue. Pittsburgh only beat Cal by two points. Kansas State needed a last-minute touchdown to walk out of Boulder with a win over Colorado.
Whew. What a week. How do we make sense of it all? Well, one week at a time.
There are more than 60 voters on the AP Top 25 panel. There’s at least one voter from each state that has an FBS team and a handful of national folks. For the state of Nebraska, there’s one voter.
Each week I’ll break down my ballot compared with the actual Top 25 and write on some pressing topics.
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Without further ado, here’s my ballot ahead of Week 8:
- Oregon
- Texas
- Penn State
- Ohio State
- Georgia
- Miami
- LSU
- Clemson
- Iowa State
- Alabama
- Notre Dame
- Boise State
- Texas A&M
- Tennessee
- BYU
- Indiana
- Mississippi
- Kansas State
- Missouri
- Army
- Illinois
- Pittsburgh
- Nebraska
- SMU
- Oklahoma
And here’s the actual AP Top 25 for Week 7.
- Texas
- Oregon
- Penn State
- Ohio State
- Georgia
- Miami
- Alabama
- LSU
- Iowa State
- Clemson
- Tennessee
- Notre Dame
- BYU
- Texas A&M
- Boise State
- Indiana
- Kansas State
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Pittsburgh
- SMU
- Illinois
- Army
- Michigan
- Navy
General thoughts
Once again, a close game between two top teams shuffles the rankings at the top. But I didn’t drop Ohio State far. Why? Because I don’t like penalizing teams for having only one loss if it’s a one-point loss to another national championship contender.
I did move Oregon up to No. 1 — which six people on the panel did. That could easily change after this next week. The task of those with ballots is to react to what the season of college football looks like at that moment, not try to predict the future.
My ballot looks a little odd compared to some. I try to leave teams with idle weeks precisely where they are. Emphasis on try. That didn’t necessarily work out last week when Texas bumped back up to No. 1 after Alabama lost to Vanderbilt. But that’s an extreme example. I kept Miami at No. 6, Texas A&M at No. 13, Nebraska at No. 23 and SMU at No. 24. Indiana didn’t stay at No. 17, moving up to No. 16, but I blame Mississippi for that.
Trending up and in
LSU: Big rise for the Tigers after beating Mississippi in dramatic fashion on Saturday. LSU jumped five spots, the biggest jump of any team this week.
SMU: The Mustangs rose four spots to No. 21 despite not playing.
In: Army and Navy! Both of the service academies are ranked for the first time this season. Army is ranked for the first time since 2020 and Navy is ranked for the first time since 2019. Both schools are undefeated thus far.
Trending down and out
Mississippi: The Rebels dropped nine spots to No. 18 after losing to LSU.
Utah: Two Ls in the last two weeks dropped the Utes out entirely.
Oklahoma: The Sooners only mustered 36 votes this week and fell out of the Top 25 after Texas cruised to an easy win in the Red River Rivalry.
Oregon tight end Kade Caton (left) and fans celebrate on the field after Saturday’s victory over Ohio State in Eugene, Ore.
Lydia Ely, Associated Press
Quirks
There were a few quirks on my ballot this week.
Oregon at No. 1: I wasn’t the only one who did this, but it definitely wasn’t the majority opinion. Texas hasn’t had the most difficult schedule… yet. To be fair, Oregon hasn’t either, but beating Ohio State deserved some appreciation.
Ranking Nebraska: Nebraska was idle, so I wasn’t going to drop them for not playing. Michigan remained in after its bye, but I dropped them last week.
Keeping Oklahoma ranked: I went back and forth on this, but ultimately settled on keeping the Sooners at No. 25 because their losses came against Texas and Tennessee — two of the nation’s best teams.
Week 8 highlights
Get ready for what should be yet another great week of college football. Here are the games I have circled.
RV Nebraska at No. 16 Indiana: Indiana’s first home sellout since 2021. Had Nebraska been ranked, it would have been Indiana’s first ranked vs. ranked game in Bloomington in front of fans since 1993. It gets the Big Noon Kickoff treatment at 11 a.m. on FOX.
No. 7 Alabama at No. 11 Tennessee: It’s time for one of these teams to change the narrative. Who’s it going to be? Both teams were beaten by unranked teams two weeks ago and played flat last week. Kickoff’s at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
No. 24 Michigan at No. 22 Illinois: Will Michigan look better after its bye week? Will Illinois look better after escaping West Lafayette with an overtime win against Purdue? This may not have title implications, but it will have bowl implications. And ranking implications. The loser likely falls out.
No. 5 Georgia at No. 1 Texas: For all the folks saying that Texas hasn’t played any worthy adversary yet this season (it’s me, I’m folks), this is it. All eyes should be tuned to ABC at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Photos: Nebraska football hosts Rutgers on Homecoming in Lincoln — Sept. 5

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) looks to pass the ball in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai (bottom) is tackled by Nebraska’s John Bullock (5) and Marques Buford (3) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s John Bullock (5) prepares to tackle Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai (5) as he runs the ball in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Marques Buford (3) and Malcolm Hartzog (7) try to prevnent Rutgers’ Ben Black (2) from scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) punts the ball out of the Noth endzone in the fourth quarter against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska players huddle up the North endzone in the fourth quarter against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Rutgers’ Kyonte Hamilton (48) sacks Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano (center) argues a targeting call on one of his players in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

A pass intended for Rutgers’ Ben Black (2) bumps off his helmet as he attempts to score in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with an referee in the quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with an referee in the quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Rutgers’ Eric Rogers (0) and Flip Dixon (10) try to bring down Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21) as he runs the ball in the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen (center) watches Nebraska take on Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2), Ceyair Wright (15), DeShon Singleton (8) and MJ Sherman (48) celebrate a defensive stop against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Head Coach Matt Rhule reacts to a penalty on Nebraska during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule reacts to a penalty during the game against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) watches the offense play from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) watches the offense play from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) looks on during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) tackles Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Vincent Shavers (1) forces Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) to fumble the ball on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (left) makes a pass in the first quarter while teammate Bryce Benhart (54) blocks Rutgers’ Kyonte Hamilton (48) on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) receives a hand-off from quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson (center) is tackled by Rutgers’ Joe Lusardi (37), Davoun Fuse (19), and Kaj Sanders (5) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) reacts toward fans in the strands after the Huskers win over Rutgers 14-7 on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) is sacked by Rutgers’ Abram Wright (11) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) celebrates with teammates on the sideline in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) celebrates with Luke Lindenmeyer (44) after completing a pass in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Rutgers’ Flip Dixon (10) rushes after Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) as he catches a pass from Brian Buschini (not pictured) on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) throws a pass on a fake punt against Rutgers on Saturday. The play resulted in a 30-yard gain to Jaylen Lloyd.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Nerbaska’s Brian Buschini (13) reacts after absorbing a hit by Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (right) tosses the ball to Nebraska’s Jacory Barney (17) during the first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) walks onto the field during the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) lays on the ground after being hit on a blocked punt by Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star

Nebraska celebrates an interception by Marques Buford (center) during the second quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Nebraska’s John Bullock (right) tackles Rutgers’ Kenny Fletcher (12) during the second quarter of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (right) passes the ball while pressured by Rutgers’ John Stone (71) during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Nebraska celebrates a touchdown by Dante Dowdell (center) during first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner takes off on his second-quarter touchdown run against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Marques Buford picks up an interception against Rutgers in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Rutgers’ Kyle Monanga escapes tackles andi runs past Nebraska defenders in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson runs with the ball against Rutgers in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Flag was initially drawn but later withdrew as Rutgers’ Shaquan Loyal defends against Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor in the second quarter, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Marques Buford (right) defends against Rutgers’ Chris Long in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell scores against Rutgers in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright (left) and Malcolm Hartzog (right) Rutgers’ Timmy Ward in a fake field goal attempt in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright (left) and Malcolm Hartzog (right) Rutgers’ Timmy Ward in a fake field goal attempt in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) is checked on by medical staff after being hit in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner (16) tumbles into the endzone for a touchdown after being pushed by Rutgers’ Shaquan Loyal (6) in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska fans celebrate after the first touchdown against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Justin Evans (left) and Alex Bullock (right) celebrate a touchdown by teammate Janiran Bonner in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) celebrates with his teammates after a sack in the second quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) is sacked by Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) celebrates after stopping Rutgers and forcing them to punt in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) attempts to hurdle Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2) as he is tackled mid air in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Ben Orozco (right) pours shots onto a Husker themed shot-ski board for Ashley Garrard (from left), Sarah Maher, Ally Garrard and Miguel Pagcaliwagan as they tailgate before the Nebraska game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Nebraska fans tailgate before the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Jeff Wylie of Omaha grills bratwursts while tailgating before the Nebraska game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star

Ashley Garrard (from left), Sarah Maher, Ally Garrard and Miguel Pagcaliwagan take shots from a Husker themed shot-ski board as they tailgate before the Nebraska game on Saturday outside of Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star

Austin Freiberg (from left) from Sergeant Bluff, IA, sits in the bed of a truck while tailgating outside of at Memorial Stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Austin Freiberg sits in the bed of a truck (from left) while his father Dwight grills, from Sergeant Bluff, IA, tailgate outside of at Memorial Stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Teddy Prochazka (65) high fives fans as he makes his way inside the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Ben Scott (66) walks into the stadium during the Legacy Walk before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) makes his way through the crowd during the Legacy Walk before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

UNL freshman mechanical engineering major Orion Ulmer waits to get into the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

UNL freshman mechanical engineering major Orion Ulmer (left) and senior construction management major Broc Homeyer wait alongside other students to get inside the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Carter Hergot, 12 (from left) Preston Scott, 12, and Heywood Johnson, 13, hang out in the south stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Bailey Jennett of Lincoln, 16, hands out red balloons ahead of the Rutgers game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

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