Duke receives votes for first time this season
The Blue Devils (6-2) received two votes for this week's poll after shocking No. 16 Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The Hokies (6-2) fell out of this week's poll and are now in second place in the Coastal Division despite having one of the best defenses in the country. Virginia Tech's defense has only allowed three total touchdowns in both of the team's losses this season.
Last week's surprises fall
Missouri (7-1) fell five spots and is now No. 10 over falling 27-24 in double overtime at home against South Carolina (6-2). Gamecock quarterback Connor Shaw entered the game in the third quarter despite a sprained knee after backup Dylan Thompson struggled mightily. Shaw led three fourth quarter scoring drives and sent the game to overtime with his touchdown pass with 42 seconds left in regulation. The Tigers could have essentially guaranteed themselves a spot in the SEC title game with a win, but now will have to fight to get to Atlanta. South Carolina rose six spots and is now No. 14 in this week's poll.
Texas Tech (7-1) faced its biggest test of the season on Saturday and fell 38-30 at Oklahoma (7-1). The Red Raiders fell five spots and are now No. 15 in this week's poll while the Sooners climbed four spots and check in at No. 13. The Sooners travel to Waco Nov. 7 to take on No. 5 Baylor (8-0) in a Big 12 showdown that will likely be overshadowed by another huge Thursday night game. No. 2 Oregon travels to Palo Alto to face No. 6 Stanford that same evening.
Top Four Maintain Control
Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State have looked to be the class of college football this season and all had huge victories this week.
The Crimson Tide (8-0) routed Tennessee 45-10 a week after Nick Saban complained about fans leaving early during Alabama's 52-0 demolition of Arkansas.
The Ducks (8-0) pulled away at home against UCLA (5-2) and eventually won 42-14. With the loss, the Bruins fell five spots and are now No. 17.
The Seminoles (8-0) followed up their triumph at Clemson by getting up 35-0 in the first quarter on N.C. State, then using a fake punt to add a second quarter touchdown before eventually winning 49-17.
The Buckeyes (8-0) felt the pressure to impress voters and stay in the National Championship race, and delivered with a 63-14 rout of Penn State (4-3). It was the worst loss in 114 years for the normally competitive Nittany Lions.
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