2024 SID Sports Week 9 Rankings

Breaking down the Top 25 and players of the week after Week 9

Oct 21, 2024

The top five was plunged into chaos as Georgia dominated the Texas night, toppling the Number One program on their own home turf. Lovable underdogs keep winning. The College Football Playoff Selection Committee’s first rankings of the 12-team era is looming and conferences are still a mess of zero- and one-loss programs. This, my friends, is when college football thrives.

Let’s take stock of this sport’s chaotic landscape right now, though. Who’s positioned themselves well? And who’s lurking around the corner for the conference’s top dog to slip up?

SID Sports Week Top 25

Oregon 7-0 LW: 2
The story of the week is Georgia taking Texas behind the woodshed, but I want to focus on Oregon’s complete lack of respect for Big Ten traditions. After winning a last-second thriller against then-No. 2 Ohio State, the Ducks went to Ross-Ade Stadium and…won 35-0? The audacity! This was prime Spoilermaker territory on a Friday night in West Lafayette, but Oregon kept their nose to the grindstone and beatdown a down-trodden Purdue team. Oregon is legit.
Georgia 6-1 LW: 7
If it wasn’t for that pesky loss, the Dawgs would be the unconditional top dogs. But Kirby Smart’s team proved they’re still the class of the SEC with a massive road win over Texas, who I’ve had in my No. 1 spot since Week 3. This was a Georgia masterclass as they forced Quinn Ewers to the bench and held him to a 23.9 QBR. The Longhorn offense could only muster 1.1 yards per carry on 27(!) attempts. Carson Beck didn’t have his best game, tossing three picks, but that didn’t matter with a defensive performance like that. Georgia’s defense is back and that’s a scary thought for their future opponents.
Penn State 6-0 LW: 3
A week off didn’t move the needle either way for the Nittany Lions in our rankings. Looking across their body of work, this is a much improved Penn State team. They rank top-30 in passing yards per game (270 - 29th) and rushing yards per game (201.2) while scoring 34.2 points per game. As you can expect, this is an elite defense, allowing only 14.5 points per game, ranking ninth in the nation. They’ll get tested the next two weeks with a trip to Madison to take on a much improved Wisconsin and then welcome Ohio State to Happy Valley for what might amount to be a spot in the Big Ten title game.
Miami 7-0 LW: 4
The Hurricanes can’t keep getting away with this, but somehow they do. It was another one-score ACC game, this time with Miami surviving a Louisville comeback bid to win 52-45. At this point, I’m starting to worry about the Miami defense. It’s clear their offense, led by Cam Ward, is comfortable in a track meet, but the defense is forcing each and every game into a track meet. They’re allowing 22.6 points per game - ranking 55th in the nation - but if we isolate their conference opponents, that jumps to 39.0. With the Canes scoring 43.0 over that same stretch, the margin for error is nonexistent. If Miami’s offense is off for one week, that may spell doom for the unbeaten season.
Ohio State 5-1 LW: 5
The Buckeyes got a much needed bye after the Oregon loss, but the schedule won’t let up the next two weeks against Nebraska an the aforementioned trip to Happy Valley on November 2. On paper, this is an elite team, scoring 43.5 points per game (sixth) and allowing only 11.0 (third). But that’s against some offensively-lacking Big Ten programs and three Group of Five schools in Columbus. Oregon was Ohio State’s first true test and they failed that. Can Ryan Day and the Buckeyes bounce back? We’ll find out for certain against Penn State.
Tennessee 6-1 LW: 10
Don’t look now, but Tennessee has won two of the last three Third Saturday in October matchups and two straight in Neyland Stadium. The Volunteers overcame another poor start from the offense led by Nico Iamaleava, but the rushing duo of Dylan Sampson and DeSean Bishop punished the Alabama defense the entire second half. The defense continued to play well, sacking Jalen Milroe three times and tallying nine tackles for loss. They also forced two interceptions, showing the secondary can hang with the nation’s best. If Tennessee can figure out how to score in the first half again, they’ll be a dangerous playoff contender.
Texas 6-1 LW: 1
The Longhorn defense got two early turnovers to pivot the game in Texas’s favor, but the offense couldn’t capitalize and let Georgia back into it. Rule number one in the SEC: Never let Georgia get up when they’re down. Texas learned that the hard way, as the Dawgs shut down everything they tried on offense and Trevor Etienne ran for three scores. There’s a quarterback controversy brewing that I assume Steve Sarkisian didn’t want to open up, but inserting Arch Manning in for a struggling Quinn Ewers before halftime does that. Ewers played the entire second half, but the genie is out of the bottle. Can Texas navigate their first SEC schedule with fans clamoring for Manning anytime Ewers makes a mistake?
Clemson 6-1 LW: 8
Another week, another ho-hum Tiger win. The final score against Virginia appears close - 48-31 - but that’s because the second-team let Virginia post 21 fourth-quarter points. Cade Klubnik is playing himself into the Heisman conversation (some quarterback has to do it) and the Clemson defense is their stifling selves. Dabo Swinney’s squad hasn’t had a true test this side of Georgia, but they’ll get their best opponent since that season-opening loss in Louisville after a bye week.
Iowa State 7-0 LW: 9
Boy was it tight, but Iowa State found a way to sneak out the win. UCF had the upset all but wrapped up with a 35-30 lead and 1:47 remaining until Rocco Becht orchestrated a 11-play, 80-yard drive and called his own number to put the Cyclones up 38-35 with 30 seconds on the clock. Becht didn’t have a great day passing, posting a 55.3 QBR, but Iowa State could rely on a standout rushing attack where Becht and Carson Hansen combined for 188 yards and four rushing scores. It was the first cracks the defense showed all season, but a timely interception by Jontez Williams secured the Cyclone win.
BYU 7-0 LW: 11
When Oklahoma State’s Alan Bowman found Brennan Presley to put the Pokes on top 38-35 with 1:13 left, it looked like the BYU dream had died. But Jake Retzlaff channeled his inner Lee Corso, called out “not so fast, my friend” and marched the Cougars 75 yards in 1:02 to reclaim the lead and save the bid for perfection with a 35-yard touchdown strike to Darius Lassiter with 10 ticks on the clock. They allowed the most points in a game this season and couldn’t stop the Oklahoma State rushing attack, but the offense bailed them out. Good teams find a way to win week in and week out. BYU did that this week, but they’ll need to solidify that running game before four straight games against strong running conference foes.
LSU 6-1 LW: 12
The next two weeks will tell us a lot about Brian Kelly’s Tigers. They’ll travel to Texas A&M next week for a battle between the two remaining teams unbeaten in league play and then welcome Alabama to Death Valley. For a one-dimensional team like LSU, they’ve been really good with that one trick. The passing game, orchestrated by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, is one of the nation’s best, racking up 322.4 yards per game. I’m still worried about the defense, but last week’s play against Ole Miss really settled my nerves. If the defense can keep the opposition out of the endzone, Nussmeier should be able to keep the Bayou Bengals on top.
Indiana 7-0 LW: 17
Well, we know Indiana is scary good now after they utterly decimated Nebraska 56-7. Even with Kurtis Rourke injuring his hand and missing the second half, the Hoosiers were virtually unstoppable. Tayven Jackson posted a 99.9 QBR in relief of Rourke and the rushing attack slashed through the Cornhusker defense to the tune of 215 yards and five touchdowns. The defense harassed Dylan Raiola all day, forcing three picks while sacking him twice. Don’t look now, but Indiana is full steam ahead towards Indianapolis and a playoff spot.
Notre Dame 6-1 LW: 13
The Fighting Irish notched a solid win over Georgia Tech and continued their solid play. Right now, they’re on the outside of the playoff race with their best win coming over Texas A&M and the win over Louisville losing some shine with each Cardinal loss. They’re in a tough spot as an Independent, but they’re taking care of business, which is all you can ask. Marcus Freeman has built an elite defense and the offense, led by Riley Leonard, has really come around in recent weeks.
Texas A&M 6-1 LW: 14
Speaking of the Aggies, they survived a scare against Mississippi State. Conner Weigman struggled again, which doesn’t bode well for the Texas A&M playoff hopes, but the rushing attack was able to get the job done behind 65 yards and two scores by Le’Veon Moss. I am a bit worried about the Aggies letting Mississippi State stay in the game, but they were able to come out on top despite a lackluster offensive showing.
Boise State 5-1 LW: 15
Did you know that Ashton Jeanty has 25 less rushing yards then quarterback Maddux Madsen has through the air? Crazy stuff. Speaking of crazy, the Broncos were on a bye week, meaning Jeanty is going to be well-rested heading into their presumptive Mountain West title preview against UNLV this weekend. Good luck stopping him.
SMU 6-1 LW: 16
SMU stayed unbeaten in the ACC behind a 40-10 domination of Stanford. Kevin Jennings torched the Cardinal secondary for 322 yards and three scores and forced Ashton Daniels to the bench. The Ponies’ defense feasted on backup Elijah Brown, holding him to a 15.3 QBR and snagging two interceptions. SMU’s defense also kept Stanford under 1.0 yards per carry, surrendering 33 yards on 35 carries throughout the game. This is as dominant of a win as you’d see in the Power Four level.
Alabama 5-2 LW: 7
The Tide’s skid lands them at 17, but this is a crossroads for Kalen DeBoer and company. Alabama’s lost two of their last three following a statement win over Georgia and the schedule doesn’t let up with Missouri, a bye, and LSU in the next three weeks. The offense, long DeBoer’s calling card, looks out of sorts. The defense is struggling to keep opponents out of the endzone. Something has to change and soon, otherwise boosters in Tuscaloosa are going to start growing restless. Welcome to the post-Saban era, Alabama.
Kansas State 6-1 LW: 19
Make no mistakes, this win over West Virginia was big for the Wildcats’ stance in the Big 12 Conference race. Avery Johnson finally looked the part with 298 yards and three passing scores, posting a 96.5 QBR on the day. The defense shut down Garrett Greene through the air, but continue to struggle against rushing quarterbacks, allowing Greene to scamper for 89 yards. Still, this was a solid, all-around win the Wildcats needed. With the Sunflower Showdown on tap this week, Kansas State has a chance to emphatically push to the top of the Big 12 race.
Ole Miss 5-2 LW: 18
On paper, this Rebel team is good. Like, really good. They rank top-10 in both scoring offense (41.4 points per game - 10th) and scoring defense (10.6 points per game - second) with a top-five passing attack (360.1 yards per game - fourth). But that hasn’t worked in-conference, with Ole Miss toting a 1-2 record in the SEC that slots them in the bottom third of the conference. They’ll get a chance to get right against Oklahoma and Arkansas the next two weeks, but a loss the rest of the way will doom Lane Kiffin’s squad to a second-tier bowl.
Missouri 6-1 LW: 20
It took a miraculous return from the literal hospital by quarterback Brady Cook to get the Tigers past Auburn, but Missouri’s fourth-quarter comeback bid was a success. Auburn held a 17-6 lead over the hobbled Missouri as the third quarter gave way to the fourth, but Missouri struck on the first play of the final quarter and the game was on. The Tigers traded punts for five possessions before Cook got the ball with 4:21 left on his own five and didn’t look back. 95 yards and 3:40 later, tailback Jamal Roberts put Missouri on top with a powerful four-yard score. This feels like a turning point for Missouri. At 6-1 and 2-1 in SEC play, they’re very much still a factor. A win like this can put a lot of air in a team’s sails. Let’s see what they do with that air.
Vanderbilt 5-2 LW: 21
It came against Ball State, but a win is a win. Diego Pavia continues to will this team forward, this time throwing for 275 yards and a score while leading the team with 13 rushing attempts, 82 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals had no answer for wideout Eli Stowers and Pavia kept going to that well, producing eight completions for 130 yards and a score. The Commodore defense played well, only surrendering two touchdowns. It wasn’t the blowout you would have hoped for, but still a solid win.
Pittsburgh 6-0 LW: 22
Lost in the shuffle of the ACC race is the Panthers, but they’ll get a chance to assert themselves soon enough. With a trip to Dallas to take on SMU in two weeks and a home game against Clemson coming in mid-November, the Panthers will be able to show everyone what they’re made of. They’re scoring at a great clip - 40.8 points per game, ranking 12th - behind Eli Holstein’s arm, but the defense is very much middle-of-the-road. They’ll need more out of that unit if they want to keep this unbeaten thing going.
Illinois 6-1 LW: Next Five Out
Party like it’s 2009 because Illinois beat Michigan for the first time since then. Granted, this is a down Michigan, but still. It’s good to get that monkey off your back. The Illini defense played well, but the story is the Illinois rushing attack getting 4.9 yards per carry on the Michigan front seven. Even if the Wolverines aren’t notching too many wins this season, that’s still a very good unit full of NFL talent. Between a good running game and a stout defense, Illinois is your stereotypical mid-2000s Big Ten team. That’s a fun change of pace.
Navy 6-0 LW: 24
Navy put up a fifty-burger on Charlotte and continues to ravage the American conference. Senior corner Dashaun Peele had two pick sixes, the Midshipmen forced four turnovers, and the option attack ran for 171 yards and two scores. Charlotte got completely outclassed by Navy, which is becoming more and more commonplace. In what is now one my most hyped games of the season, Navy is scheduled to take on Notre Dame at Metlife Stadium this weekend. This should be fun.
Army 7-0 LW: 25
Not to be outdone, Army annihilated East Carolina 45-28 behind six total touchdowns from quarterback Bryson Daily. The Black Knights did allow ECU to find the endzone four times, but most of those came in garbage time in the fourth-quarter where Army carried a 45-7 lead. I don’t know what’s brewing in the east-coast service academies, but this season is special.

Next Five Out: Washington State, Syracuse, UNLV, Memphis, Colorado

Washington State has been solid all season, a 42-10 win over Hawaii is just evidence of that. Their only loss is to Boise State, but the Cougars are dominating the scoreboard and have solid wins over Texas Tech and Washington on the resume. Syracuse has really become a mainstay of the Next Five Out section, but that’s honestly an improvement for them. They’ll get Pitt after a bye week in what should turn out to, surprisingly, be a great quarterback matchup between Kyle McCord and Eli Holstein. UNLV has gotten better since the Matthew Sluka defection and notched a solid 33-25 win over Oregon State. The Rebels continue to beat down their opposition in the second half with a punishing run game. We’ll see their true mettle with a hyped game against Boise State this weekend. Memphis was my original G5 playoff pick and a loss to Navy derailed that. Well, that and Ashton Jeanty. But the Tigers sit at 6-1 and are firmly in the American race. Don’t count Seth Henigan and company out yet. Colorado is surprisingly better following a 4-8 season last year. You can chalk some of that up to the team growing together, and some to an offensive line that’s keeping Shedeur Sanders relatively upright. The Buffs are 3-1 in Big 12 play and definitely in reach of the conference championship game with wins over Arizona and UCF already.

Players of the Week

Finally, let’s get into some of the best individual performances of this week.

Bryson Daily, QB, Army
It’s not often you see an Army rushing record broken, but quarterback Bryson Daily did just that in a win over ECU, finding the endzone a record five times with 171 yards. As if that wasn’t enough, Daily went 7-10 passing for 147 and another touchdown, making him responsible for 36 of the Black Knights’ 48 points (42 if you count extra points).
Dashaun Peele, CB, Navy
We need some defensive love here, and Peele may have turned in one of the most impressive defensive performances this season. The senior cornerback picked off Charlotte’s Max Browne twice, each of which he brought to the house for 145 total return yards. But that wasn’t all. Peele also posted three tackles and a sack on the day. A truly all-around performance.
Marion Anderson Jr., RB, Memphis
The American was seemingly full of great performances as Anderson decimated North Texas to the tune of 183 yards and four touchdowns on 22 carries - an 8.3 average. Toss in five catches for 27 yards and you have a 200 scrimmage yard day with four touchdowns.

What I’m Reading:

Three-Point Stance by Tyler Schuster: Three-Point Stance is your favorite independent college football newsletter. Come for in-depth analysis and bold commentary, stay for the jokes and memes. An idea hatched after years of 12-hour days glued to the couch, Tyler Schuster puts his passion for the sport on full display, delivering big-picture ideas, weekly previews and gambling nuggets directly to your inbox.

An idea hatched after years of 12-hour days glued to the couch, Tyler Schuster puts his passion for the sport on full display, delivering big-picture ideas, weekly previews and gambling nuggets directly to your inbox.

CERNIG by Colin Cerniglia: It’s time for October baseball, and Colin’s the one I’m trusting to keep me covered! If you don’t know, I love baseball too, and Colin’s been putting out some great work about players around the league. He writes for Yardbarker a lot, but the content is easy to find on CERNIG and super engaging.

Split Zone Duo by Alex Kirshner, Steven Godfrey, and Richard Johnson: You can't beat Alex, Richard and Godfrey. They're on the front lines breaking news and creating the best content in the game. I 100 percent recommend SZD for anyone into college football and Steven Godfrey hating your team. They’re mostly a podcast publication, but sometimes being able to listen to three well-informed guys talking about college football is what you need in your life.

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