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nw____ Ballot for 2023 Week 8

Ballot Type: Human

Submitted: Oct. 15, 2023, 11:23 a.m.

Rank Team Reason
1 Washington Huskies Maybe just got the best win that any team has had this season. They were more physical than I expected on defense and there's no denying that offense.
2 Florida State Seminoles They played Syracuse and did what they should've--erased them.
3 Michigan Wolverines Speaking of erasers, here's Michigan again. Looking forward to seeing them play someone but they haven't really played with their food at all this season, which counts for something.
4 Georgia Bulldogs I thought they woke up against Kentucky. They might not have. They are in the top 4 partly because I just can't make myself move them down any further--they're the two-time defending national champs for god's sake. But, man, you really want to see more than what they've shown so far.
5 Oklahoma Sooners Bye week. I will say I think this is too high, but other teams need to give me a reason to put them here instead.
6 North Carolina Tar Heels Great win. I'm really curious about the defense.
7 Ohio State Buckeyes I believe in their defense, mostly because I believe in Jim Knowles (especially his second half adjustments). I've still got questions about the offensive line and McCord, though.
8 Penn State Nittany Lions Kinda felt bad for UMass, tbh.
9 Oregon Ducks Close loss against a really good team. I still think Oregon is really good too, though.
10 Texas Longhorns Bye.
11 Alabama Crimson Tide Alabama sure leaves a lot to be desired this year. But again, other teams are going to have to make me rank them over Bama.
12 Oregon State Beavers I really thought UCLA would keep it closer-- I think the Bruins' defense is sneaky good. Kudos to Oregon State for a killer win.
13 Ole Miss Rebels Bye week.
14 Utah Utes They just keep winning, even without Rising. Will he ever come back? If he does, this team has a ton of potential--that defense is, as usual, pretty nasty. Wondering if they'll feel the loss of Fano in a big game at some point, though.
15 Missouri Tigers I cannot believe this team is 6-1. Drinkwitz went from a lukewarm to warm seat to a throne of ice, imo. Tough remaining schedule but their offense is absolutely legit.
16 James Madison Dukes They should be able to play in a bowl. The rule is stupid.
17 Notre Dame Fighting Irish I still have questions about their offense. Big ones. Not sure what the game would've looked like if Caleb Williams didn't throw 3 picks, but their defensive front was pretty much unblockable against USC. They'll hang around against most teams with a defense like that, even if their offense stinks. Last year, I started calling them Green Iowa. I think the nickname is still pretty appropriate.
18 Duke Blue Devils Hoping Leonard can come back soon. Thought NC State would give them more trouble. They did not.
19 Air Force Falcons I think Wyoming is a really good team, and I thought Wyoming would beat Air Force. Kudos to the Falcons for a tough win (in what was a really fun game if you ask me).
20 LSU Tigers Absolutely handled Auburn. They're kind of like a purple USC, honestly--it's just that their defense is only pretty bad, not horrific. The offense is killing it, though.
21 Louisville Cardinals I have no words for what happened in that Pitt game. I said I thought it could be a trap after an emotional win. It absolutely was. But Pitt? You've got to do better, Louisville.
22 Tennessee Volunteers I am not really buying this team but their record is undeniable. I am not sure how they'll fare against better teams, but beating A&M (even with their backup QB) means something in my mind, especially considering how good A&M is up front.
23 Clemson Tigers Bye.
24 USC Trojans They are who we thought they were. But we didn't let them off the hook. Surprised it was the offense that let them down rather than the defense--the final score hides that the defense was actually pretty good. It isn't going to get any easier, though.
25 Wyoming Cowboys Tough loss but I still think this team deserves to be here. If not, I am willing to let the ranking work itself out--they'll prove me right or wrong.

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