College Football is back! Every week, I will provide an update that summarizes our College Football Power Rankings. FTN’s simulation model repeats 10,000 iterations and powers our weekly College Football Power Rankings. The rankings will update at the start of each week as the model collects additional data. If you are looking for weekly picks? Check out our CFB Betting Model which is updated every Monday for the upcoming slate of games.
Let’s take a quick look at the biggest discrepancies from the AP Top 25 to our own FTN Power Rankings.
FTN College Football Power Rankings
Tennessee
AP Ranking: 6
FTN Power Ranking: 7
Change: +7
Tennessee is one of our biggest risers after a 71-0 destruction of Kent State. The Volunteers have now outscored their opponents 191-13 through three games. Freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava and this explosive Tennessee offense gets its first road test this Saturday at No. 15 Oklahoma, which will also enter the game a perfect 3-0.
USC
AP Ranking: 11
FTN Power Ranking: 14
Change: +5
The Trojans jump five spots during a bye week, thanks to unimpressive wins by Missouri and Oklahoma. USC is still reaping the benefits of their opening upset of LSU but has two challenging Big Ten games at Michigan and against Wisconsin.
Oklahoma
AP Ranking: 15
FTN Power Ranking: 16
Change: -8
The top teams in college football are so close that Oklahoma’s 34-18 lackluster home win over Tulane plummets the Sooners eight spots in our FTN Power Rankings. Sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold produced three touchdowns, but Oklahoma only led 24-19 before Tyler Grubbs’ 22-yard interception return for a touchdown provided a comfortable cushion. The Sooners also narrowly escaped a 16-12 loss to Houston last week.
Indiana
AP Ranking: Others Receiving Votes
FTN Power Ranking: 42
Change: +22
Indiana shocked UCLA 42-13 in Pasadena after entering as just a 3.5-point underdog. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke passed for four touchdowns against UCLA in its Big Ten debut. The Hoosiers are now 3-0 on the season and outscoring their opponents 150-23. Indiana does not face a ranked opponent until it hosts Nebraska on October 19. Their 22-spot change is the largest of any team in our FTN Power Rankings this week.
Oklahoma State
AP Ranking: 14
FTN Power Ranking: 24
Change: +3
Oklahoma State rises three spots in our Power Rankings after blasting Tulsa, 45-10. This was the Cowboys last game before their Big 12 opener against No. 12 Utah. Junior running back Ollie Gordon has posted 216 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The Cowboys will face consecutive ranked opponents in the Utes and current No. 13 Kansas State.
Miami
AP Ranking: 8
FTN Power Ranking: 11
Change: +4
The Hurricanes have blitzed their three opponents, including this weekend’s 62-0 pasting of Ball State. Senior quarterback Cam Ward has thrown 11 touchdowns with just one interception. Miami does not project to face a ranked opponent until it travels to Louisville on October 19.