Bulldogs Dominate South Carolina
The Georgia Bulldogs maintained their top spot in the latest USA TODAY Sports AFCA College Football Coaches Poll, released on Sunday, after a dominant 41-10 win over South Carolina on Saturday. The Bulldogs received 62 of the 64 first-place votes and 1,598 points from the panel of 64 FBS head coaches.
Georgia’s defense was impressive once again, holding the Gamecocks to just 242 yards of total offense and forcing three turnovers. The Bulldogs also got a balanced attack from their offense, with quarterback JT Daniels throwing for 303 yards and three touchdowns, and running back Zamir White rushing for 92 yards and a score.
Michigan Rises to No. 2
The Michigan Wolverines moved up to No. 2 in the poll, receiving one first-place vote and 1,514 points. The Wolverines improved to 3-0 with a 35-14 victory over Northern Illinois on Saturday. Michigan’s running game was unstoppable, as the team racked up 373 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Blake Corum led the way with 125 yards and three scores, while Hassan Haskins added 156 yards and a touchdown.
Michigan’s defense also did its part, limiting the Huskies to just 218 yards of total offense and forcing two turnovers. The Wolverines have outscored their opponents 127-31 in their first three games.
Florida State Falls to No. 3
The Florida State Seminoles dropped to No. 3 in the poll, despite a convincing 52-17 win over Wake Forest on Saturday. The Seminoles received no first-place votes and 1,396 points from the coaches. Florida State’s offense was explosive, as quarterback McKenzie Milton threw for 327 yards and two touchdowns, and running back Jashaun Corbin rushed for 159 yards and three scores.
Florida State’s defense also had a strong performance, holding the Demon Deacons to just 260 yards of total offense and forcing four turnovers. The Seminoles have scored at least 40 points in each of their first three games.
Ohio State Remains at No. 4
The Ohio State Buckeyes stayed at No. 4 in the poll, receiving one first-place vote and 1,394 points from the coaches. The Buckeyes bounced back from their loss to Oregon last week with a 54-10 rout of Tulsa on Saturday. Ohio State’s offense was led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who threw for 185 yards and a touchdown, and running back TreVeyon Henderson, who set a school record with 277 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
Ohio State’s defense also showed improvement, holding the Golden Hurricane to just 291 yards of total offense and scoring two touchdowns on interception returns.
USC Climbs to No. 5
The USC Trojans climbed to No. 5 in the poll, receiving no first-place votes and 1,325 points from the coaches. The Trojans rebounded from their loss to Stanford last week with a 45-14 win over Washington State on Saturday. USC’s offense was sparked by quarterback Kedon Slovis, who threw for 295 yards and four touchdowns, and wide receiver Drake London, who caught eight passes for 170 yards and two scores.
USC’s defense also had a solid outing, holding the Cougars to just 260 yards of total offense and forcing three turnovers.
Other Notable Changes
Some other notable changes in the poll include:
- Notre Dame moved up two spots to No. 9 after a thrilling 27-24 overtime win over Purdue on Saturday.
- Tennessee plummeted 11 spots to No. 20 after a shocking 34-31 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday.
- Washington State entered the poll at No. 24 after a stunning 38-24 upset over UCLA on Saturday.
- Kansas State dropped out of the poll after a narrow 31-28 loss to Nevada on Saturday.
The full USA TODAY Sports AFCA College Football Coaches Poll can be found here.
