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CFB Top 25 Week 9

Writer: Justin Baltes
Justin Baltes
5 minutes ago
9 min read

Hope everyone had a great Halloween weekend! College football delivered plenty of tricks and treats, with major upsets, statement victories and impressive individual performances highlighting another exciting week of action.



As we turn the page to November, the College Football Playoff picture continues to take shape. Miami holds onto the No. 1 spot, USC makes a major statement with its upset over Ohio State, and undefeated teams such as Utah and UCLA continue to strengthen their résumés. With the regular season entering its final stretch, every game carries added importance.


Here is the latest Too Recklss Top 25 heading into Week 10.


1. Miami Hurricanes (8-0)



Miami remains at No. 1 after surviving a 38-35 shootout against North Carolina. The Hurricanes needed all four quarters to secure the victory, overcoming a late challenge from the Tar Heels to preserve their undefeated record. Miami's offense received a major contribution from wide receiver Malachi Toney, who finished with seven receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns. North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns, keeping the Hurricanes' defense under pressure throughout the afternoon. Miami showed its ability to win a close game, but its defensive performance remains something to monitor heading into the final stretch of the season.



2. Georgia Bulldogs (7-1)



Georgia handled business in its rivalry matchup against Florida, earning a 27-8 victory in Jacksonville. The Bulldogs established control early, scoring 24 points in the first half while holding Florida scoreless through the first three quarters. Georgia's defense limited the Gators to just 172 passing yards and forced an interception. Running back Nate Frazier contributed 67 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Georgia continues to demonstrate why it belongs among the nation's elite, combining a physical defense with an offense capable of controlling games.



3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-1)



Notre Dame took care of Navy with a 35-13 victory, improving to 7-1 on the season. The Fighting Irish scored 28 points in the second half, pulling away after a competitive opening two quarters. Notre Dame's ability to control the matchup and limit Navy's opportunities helped secure another important victory. The Irish continue to build a strong résumé and remain one of the most consistent teams in the country.



4. UCLA Bruins (8-0)


UCLA delivered one of the strongest defensive performances of the weekend, shutting out Nevada 27-0. The Bruins controlled the game from the opening kickoff, scoring in every quarter and never allowing Nevada to establish an offensive rhythm. UCLA's defense deserves much of the credit, recording a shutout and keeping Nevada off the scoreboard for all four quarters. At 8-0, the Bruins continue to make a strong case as one of the nation's top playoff contenders.


5. Indiana Hoosiers (8-1)


Indiana survived a difficult conference matchup against Minnesota, escaping with a 23-16 overtime victory. The Hoosiers struggled to create separation throughout regulation but delivered when it mattered most in overtime. Wide receiver Charlie Becker was the difference offensively, recording eight receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown. Running back Lee Beebe Jr. also contributed 84 rushing yards on 15 carries. Indiana's ability to find ways to win close games continues to separate the Hoosiers from other contenders. Although the performance was not dominant, an overtime conference victory is an important addition to their résumé.


6. Utah Utes (8-0)


Utah continues to look like a legitimate national championship contender after dominating Cincinnati 49-25. The Utes exploded for 28 points in the second quarter, creating a lead that Cincinnati could never overcome. Utah's offense consistently found ways to move the football, while tight end Hunter Andrews put together a standout performance with five receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Cincinnati's offense managed to produce 25 points, but the Bearcats could not keep pace with Utah's scoring attack. The Utes remain undefeated and continue to strengthen their position among the nation's best teams.


7. Kentucky Wildcats (7-1)


Kentucky had the weekend off with a scheduled bye, giving the Wildcats an opportunity to rest before the final stretch of the SEC schedule. The Wildcats remain in the Top 10 because of their earlier performances, including a 34-17 victory over Vanderbilt on Oct. 24. Kentucky has demonstrated that it can compete against quality SEC opponents, and its upcoming schedule will provide opportunities to strengthen its résumé. A bye week does not change the Wildcats' position in these rankings.


8. Ole Miss Rebels (6-2)


Ole Miss delivered an impressive 45-15 victory over Auburn, putting together one of the weekend's strongest offensive performances. The Rebels scored 21 points in the fourth quarter alone, turning a competitive game into a convincing victory. Ole Miss controlled the matchup offensively and never allowed Auburn to seriously threaten its lead. The victory gives the Rebels another important SEC win and helps strengthen their postseason résumé.


9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-1)


Wake Forest put together an offensive clinic against Virginia, earning a dominant 51-7 victory. The Demon Deacons scored consistently throughout the afternoon and completely controlled the game. Wake Forest's offense produced 51 points, while its defense limited Virginia to just seven. The Demon Deacons have quietly established themselves as one of the ACC's strongest teams, and a 44-point conference victory makes a strong statement.


10. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-2)


Ohio State takes a significant hit in this week's rankings after falling 30-18 to USC. The Buckeyes struggled to find offensive consistency and were unable to overcome USC's early advantage. Quarterback Luke Fahey completed 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown, while running back Bo Jackson provided one of the few bright spots with 121 rushing yards on 21 carries. Ohio State was held scoreless in the third quarter, allowing USC to maintain control of the game. Despite the disappointing loss, the Buckeyes still have enough talent and previous results to remain inside the Top 10.


11. BYU Cougars (7-1)


BYU earned a 27-20 victory over Arizona State, continuing its strong season in the Big 12. The Cougars built an early advantage and managed to hold off a second-half push from the Sun Devils. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier and the offense did enough to secure the victory against a competitive Arizona State team. Although the win wasn't particularly dominant, BYU remains one of the strongest teams in the Big 12 and deserves to stay near the top of the rankings.


12. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2)


Alabama was off this weekend, giving the Crimson Tide a chance to prepare for the upcoming stretch of SEC competition. The Tide remain one of the most talented teams in the country and have already added an important 31-20 victory over Texas A&M to their résumé. Alabama's experience against elite competition makes it difficult to leave out of the Top 25. The upcoming matchup against LSU will be an important opportunity to show where the Crimson Tide stand among the SEC's top contenders.


13. LSU Tigers (6-2)


LSU also had the weekend off, but the Tigers remain inside the Top 25 because of their overall talent and previous performances. The Tigers have already shown they can compete against difficult SEC competition. LSU now turns its attention toward a massive matchup against Alabama. That game could have major implications for the Tigers' postseason hopes and their position in the national rankings.


14. USC Trojans (7-2)


USC delivered the biggest upset of the weekend, defeating previously No. 2 Ohio State 30-18. The Trojans established control early, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and never allowing the Buckeyes to regain the lead. Freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley finished with five receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. USC's defense also deserves credit for holding Ohio State to just nine second-half points. The victory gives the Trojans a major résumé boost and puts them firmly back into the national conversation.


15. Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-1)


Texas Tech earned an important 34-26 victory over Arizona in a matchup between two ranked Big 12 programs. The Red Raiders overcame a strong passing performance from Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, who threw for 417 yards and a touchdown. Texas Tech answered with an impressive rushing attack, led by J'Koby Williams, who finished with 175 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries. The Red Raiders scored 14 points in the third quarter and added another 10 in the fourth to secure the victory. Winning a ranked conference matchup is exactly what Texas Tech needed to strengthen its playoff résumé.


16. Tennessee Volunteers (6-2)


Tennessee had the weekend off, giving the Volunteers time to prepare for the final stretch of their SEC schedule. The Volunteers have experienced some inconsistency this season, but their talent and ability to compete against quality opponents keep them in the Top 25. Tennessee previously fell 27-24 to South Carolina, making its upcoming schedule particularly important. The Volunteers will have an opportunity to get back on track and improve their standing in the SEC.


17. Missouri Tigers (6-2)


Missouri took care of business against Arkansas, earning a convincing 34-10 road victory. The Tigers scored in every quarter and held Arkansas to just 10 points throughout the afternoon. Missouri's balanced offensive performance helped the Tigers control the matchup from start to finish. Winning on the road in the SEC is never easy, and Missouri deserves recognition for taking care of business against a conference opponent.


18. Boise State Broncos (7-1)


Boise State survived one of the wildest finishes of the weekend, escaping Texas State with a 46-45 victory. The Broncos built a 28-3 halftime lead before watching Texas State storm back with 42 second-half points. Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns, while Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen finished with 236 passing yards, one passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns. Boise State finished with 484 total yards and converted all three of its fourth-down attempts. The Broncos needed a late-game response to survive, but finding a way to win a one-point game keeps them among the nation's top Group of Five programs.


19. Houston Cougars (6-2)


Houston had a scheduled bye this weekend, giving the Cougars an opportunity to regroup before returning to Big 12 competition. Houston has already put together several impressive performances this season, including a 35-16 victory over Kansas State and a 35-32 win over Oklahoma State. The Cougars have demonstrated that they can compete with quality conference opponents, and their remaining schedule will determine how high they can climb in the rankings.


20. Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2)


Iowa delivered one of the weekend's most impressive defensive performances, shutting out Wisconsin 30-0. The Hawkeyes controlled the game on both sides of the football, scoring 10 points in each of the first three quarters while keeping Wisconsin completely off the scoreboard. Quarterback Hank Brown completed 20 of 24 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Xavier Williams added 78 rushing yards on 20 carries. Iowa's ability to combine a productive offense with a dominant defensive performance makes the Hawkeyes a difficult opponent heading into November.


21. Texas Longhorns (6-2)


Texas put together a dominant performance against Mississippi State, earning a 31-3 victory. The Longhorns controlled the game from the opening quarter and limited the Bulldogs to just three points. Quarterback Arch Manning completed 16 of 20 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns, delivering an efficient performance. Texas showed what its offense can look like when everything is clicking, and the Longhorns remain a dangerous team heading into the final weeks of the regular season.


22. New Mexico Lobos (7-1)

New Mexico earned an important 21-16 road victory over San José State, continuing its impressive season. The Lobos relied on their defense and rushing attack to secure the win, finishing with 231 rushing yards compared with just 48 for the Spartans. Running back Scottre Humphrey recorded two rushing touchdowns, helping the Lobos establish control of the game. New Mexico continues to make a strong case as one of the best Group of Five teams in the country.


23. Liberty Flames (7-1)


Liberty dominated Florida International 49-10, putting together one of its most complete performances of the season. The Flames scored 21 points in the second quarter and another 14 in the third, building a commanding advantage. Liberty finished with 391 total yards and controlled the ground game, finishing with 145 rushing yards compared with FIU's 34. The Flames' ability to put points on the board and consistently handle their opponents makes them a strong contender for a Top 25 ranking.


24. Oregon Ducks (6-2)


Oregon picked up an important 34-26 victory over No. 20 Northwestern, overcoming a 14-point deficit to secure the win. Quarterback Dylan Raiola delivered a standout performance, completing 22 of 31 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns. The Ducks scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to pull away and secure the victory. Oregon still has work to do to climb the rankings, but defeating a ranked opponent is an important step in the right direction.


25. Virginia Tech Hokies (6-2)


Virginia Tech rounds out this week's rankings after having a scheduled bye. The Hokies have an opportunity to regroup before returning to action. Their position at No. 25 reflects their overall season résumé and potential to compete in the ACC. With the regular season entering its final stretch, Virginia Tech will need to produce another quality performance to hold onto its place in the rankings.

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