Ohio State got absolutely rocked, falling from No. 2 all the way down to No. 9 in Joel Klatt’s latest top 10 rankings after a brutal 30-18 loss on the road at USC. That’s the biggest shake-up in the whole ranking, even as Miami holds firm at the No. 1 spot after narrowly surviving a 38-35 scare against North Carolina to stay unbeaten.
Top Dogs and a Massive Showdown Looming
While Ohio State took a massive hit, Georgia climbed three spots to snag the No. 2 position, dominating Florida with a 27-8 win. We also saw some serious movement from UCLA and Utah, both sitting pretty at an undefeated 8-0 record this week, proving they are legitimate threats. But hold up, because next Saturday is gonna be wild: Klatt’s No. 1 Miami is heading to Notre Dame, who he’s got at No. 4. That’s a game with huge implications, a real measuring stick for both teams. Klatt has Miami with the fifth-best odds to make the CFP at -280, and the eighth-best odds to win the national title at +1100.
Ohio State’s Stumble and Klatt’s Straight Talk
Alright, let’s talk about Ohio State, because that drop is jarring. Klatt kept them in his top 10 at No. 9, even though the AP apparently tossed them out, which he called “a bit of an overreaction.” The effort against USC was there, he said, but man, too many mistakes. Special teams breakdowns, big plays given up on defense, a couple of those cost them the game. Quarterback Luke Fahey needs to get better, but Klatt sees potential, noting a “big jump” from his first to second start. If Fahey can keep improving on offense, Klatt thinks they can still get things done. But those CFP odds? Not looking great for Ohio State at +170, tied for 14th, and their national title odds are way down at +9000, tied for 16th. That 30-18 loss to USC really stung their chances.
The Rest of Klatt’s Top 10 Shakers
Elsewhere in Klatt’s rankings, Alabama was off last week, but they’ve got a massive road game coming up against LSU. Klatt is high on their first-year starter, Keelon Russell, despite some growing pains, praising his ability to throw downfield and use his legs. He was right there with Georgia just three weeks ago, remember? Russell needs to find consistency in big moments, and the LSU game is definitely one of those. Alabama’s odds to make the CFP are -156, ninth best, with national title odds at +1000, tied for fifth.
Then you’ve got Kentucky at No. 8. Will Stein’s squad has one loss in the SEC, and they control their own destiny for the SEC Championship Game. They were off last week too, and now they face a “huge test” against Tennessee. That’s gonna be a “monster game,” according to Klatt. Their CFP odds are +170 (tied for 14th) and national title odds are +9000 (tied for 16th).
And look, Klatt put Texas at No. 7, and he doesn’t care if anyone is upset about it! Based on their strength of schedule and wins, he’d have them up there in the committee room. They took care of Mississippi State 31-3, a team Klatt noted isn’t the same without Kamario Taylor. The defense was flat out “great,” only giving up three points, with linebacker Rasheem Biles being an absolute force. Three sacks, a strip sack that led to a scoop and score, the dude was terrific. The offense was “fine,” a running joke with Klatt’s crew.
This coming Saturday is gonna be packed with action. Miami faces No. 4 Notre Dame, Alabama takes on LSU in a huge road test, and Kentucky battles Tennessee. Every single one of these games could reshape the national landscape and who’s got a real shot at the CFP. You do not want to miss it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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