Instead of talking about Florida State’s losses, let’s focus on one of the teams that beat the Seminoles.
With a 2-0 start that included a victory in Irleand over FSU, Georgia Tech moved into media Top 25 for the first time in nine years at No. 23. The poll drought was the third-longest among power conference teams; Rutgers has not been ranked since 2012 and Vanderbilt was last ranked at the end of the 2013 season.
The next two longest active runs without cracking the Top 25 belong to Texas Tech and the other team that beat Florida State, Boston College. Both the Red Raiders and Eagles were last ranked in 2018. Boston College was second among the others receiving votes in Tuesday’s poll.
Despite losing Florida State from the rankings, the Atlantic Coast Conference had more teams in the Top 25 this week than last with five as Louisville also moved in while Clemson held on at No. 25.
The schools suing to get out of the ACC are currently 0-3. How’s that for a reality check?
Next: vs. Tennessee Tech, Saturday.
Reality check: Freshman RB Nate Frazier emerged as yet another option as coach Kirby Smart weighs when to bring back Florida transfer RB Trevor Etienne, who did not play in the opener after an offseason arrest for a traffic violation. Looks like Georgia will be fine there, regardless.
Ranking: Just right.
Next: vs, Western Michigan, Saturday.
Reality check: The Buckeyes rested preseason All-America guard Donovan Jackson for the opener against Akron due to an undisclosed injury, which might have contributed to a running game that was productive but not explosive.
Ranking: Just right.
Next: at No. 10 Michigan, Saturday.
Reality check: The 545 total yards and seven offensive touchdowns against Colorado State wasn’t particularly surprising. Recording the first season-opening shutout since 2004 had to be encouraging because — aside from running back injuries — the defense is where the question marks lie in this team.
Ranking: This is fine.
Next: vs. South Florida, Saturday.
Reality check: Freshman WR Ryan Williams, just 17 years old, looks like the next great Crimson Tide receiver after a lull in that area of the ‘Bama development machine.
Ranking: Just right.
Next: vs. Northern Illinois, Saturday.
Reality check: The 246 yards allowed by the Irish at Texas A&M were the fewest in a road game against a ranked team since 2003. Second-year CB Christian Gray looks like a strong complement to preseason All-American Benjamin Morrison.
Ranking: Maybe a little high, but rewarding teams for playing and winning real games early is justifiable.
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