College Football Week 2 Power Rankings (With Week 3 Predictions)

Omar Bah

*Top 25 match-ups are italicized

#1-Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0)

Jalen Hurts was nearly flawless (1 incompletion) in the first half of Alabama’s victory over Fresno State, as the Crimson Tide cruised while maintaining their health for the most part. I expect them to continue to cruise through their non-conference schedule, as they tune up before the SEC Regular Season begins. Next up: Colorado State (W)

#2-Oklahoma Sooners (2-0)

After a slow start, the Sooners absolutely dominated one of the best teams in the country in Ohio State. Baker Mayfield seems ready to finally be “the man” in college football, following back-to-back top 5 finishes in Heisman voting. Next up: Tulane (W)

#3-Clemson Tigers (2-0)

Dabo Swinney has assembled the best defense in all of college football, and we saw that last week, as the Tigers flexed their muscle against a top 15 opponent in Auburn, sacking Jarrett Stidham 11 times. Clemson will need a similar performance this week, as they face reigning Heisman trophy winner Lamar Jackson and Louisville, in what should be the game of the week. Next up: Louisville (W)

#4-Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0)

Penn State looked strong in a wire to wire victory over in-state rival Pitt. The Nittany Lions have arguably the best running back in the country, Saquon Barkley, and are poised to battle for the Big 10 Title. Next up: Georgia State (W)

#5-USC Trojans (2-0)

Preseason Heisman favorite Sam Darnold looked strong in a good bounce back win for USC over #19 Stanford, 42-24. This year, the Trojans appear to be real contenders but they must play the way that they played in Week 2 consistently. Next up: Texas (W)

#6-Ohio State Buckeyes (1-1)

The Buckeyes have some things to figure out after losing to Oklahoma 31-16. Many of their problems have been offensive, as J.T. Barrett just doesn’t seem right leading the offense so far. If Ohio State can fix the problems they have on the offensive side of the ball, they have plenty of opportunities to climb back up the rankings, despite their Week 2 loss, with games against Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin still left on their schedule. Next up: Army (W)

#7-Michigan Wolverines (2-0)

Michigan has been able to get by thus far, despite lackluster play from QB Wilton Speight. Head coach Jim Harbaugh intends to stick with him, saying, “Wilton’s the starting quarterback,” but there have been calls for a QB change. However, if the Wolverines continue to play defense the way that they have, they may be dangerous despite the precarious QB situation. Next up: Air Force (W)

#8-Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-0)

The Cowboys have a stud in QB Mason Rudolph, who has the Oklahoma State offense firing on all cylinders. Even the defensive unit has been looking good for the Big 12’s best. If they continue to play the way that they have, they could be tough to beat entering conference play. Next up: Pitt (W)

#9-Washington Huskies (2-0)

The Huskies looked pretty shaky in Week 1, but it looks like they’ve knocked off the rust after a good looking Week 2 performance. Jake Browning was his usual self, throwing for 2 touchdowns, as Washington cruised to a 63-7 win over Montana. Next up: Fresno State (W)

#10 Louisville Cardinals (2-0)

Lamar Jackson has been sensational through two weeks, and it appears as though he has a real shot at being the first back-to-back Heisman winner since Archie Griffin did it in 1975. The team as a whole has also looked good so far, but will face a big test this week versus Clemson at home. Next up: Clemson (L)

Lamar Jackson looks to lead Louisville to victory against the #3 ranked team in the country, (and in my power rankings) Clemson. Can the Cardinals pull it off?