CBS Sports columnist Tom Fornelli has released his latest College Football Power Ratings, with Georgia and Miami remaining at Nos. 1 and 2 respectively, though both programs show concerning flaws as the season enters November. Fornelli notes heightened tension across the sport, where late-season losses carry greater weight and unresolved weaknesses become more apparent.
Top of the Rankings
1. Georgia (Last week: 1, Title odds: +350) – Quarterback Gunner Stockton has struggled in his last two games, including the blowout win over Florida. Fornelli warns Georgia cannot win a national title with such quarterback play unless the defense delivers a generational performance.
2. Miami (Fla.) (Last week: 2, Title odds: +620) – The Hurricanes' defense has allowed 35 points to Florida State, 23 to a backup-led Pitt, and 35 to North Carolina in three straight games. Fornelli questions whether that unit can hold up against playoff-caliber offenses.
3. Notre Dame (Last week: 4, Title odds: +550) – The Irish lost leading tackler Drayk Bowen for the upcoming Miami game, while defensive linemen Francis Brewu and Jason Onye are questionable. Notre Dame essentially faces a two-game season after an earlier loss.
4. Alabama (Last week: 5, Title odds: +1100) – The Crimson Tide enjoyed a bye week before a road matchup against LSU, one of four games this week featuring teams in the power ratings.
5. Ohio State (Last week: 3, Title odds: +1000) – After a loss to USC with a true freshman quarterback making his first start, Buckeyes fans have reacted with extreme frustration, calling for widespread firings.
Notable Movers
6. LSU (Last week: 6, Title odds: +810) – Lane Kiffin stayed unusually quiet during the bye week ahead of the Alabama game.
7. Ole Miss (Last week: 8, Title odds: +1800) – The Rebels impressed by scoring on every second-half possession against Auburn after a slow start.
8. Indiana (Last week: 7, Title odds: +1000) – The Hoosiers have played nine straight games without a bye, and fatigue appears to be setting in.
9. Texas (Last week: 9, Title odds: +1050) – A 31-3 win over a depleted Mississippi State provided a rare dominant performance.
10. Utah (Last week: 10, Title odds: +3000) – The Utes crushed Cincinnati 42-6 at halftime in a potential trap game, with first-year coach Morgan Scalley earning praise for preparation.
11. Oregon (Last week: 11, Title odds: +35000) – A 34-26 win over Northwestern under a new play-caller showed the Ducks' offensive potential.
12. Tennessee (Last week: 12, Title odds: +6400) – The Volunteers had a bye before a key matchup with Kentucky, a game few predicted would feature two top-16 teams.
For the first time all season, no team dropped out of the top 12.
