Post-Week Seven College Football Power Rankings

Ian Book & Jafar Armstrong, Notre Dame

1. Alabama Crimson Tide -- Just a reminder of how dominant Alabama has been: they were without Tua Tagovailoa for much of the second quarter and were beat up pretty bad overall and still managed to pound a decent Missouri team 39-10. Until they lose, they are the overwhelming favorite to win it all.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes -- Ohio State's resume has been hurt by recent losses by TCU and Penn State, but they still look like the class of the Big Ten. Dwayne Haskins and these receivers give OSU the best downfield passing game they've had in some time, and the defense should be stout, even without Nick Bosa.
3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- Although they played pretty sloppy, Notre Dame kept their undefeated record intact by beating Pitt this past Saturday 19-14. The defense continues to be one of the best in the nation, while Ian Book's arrival as starting QB has certainly waked a slumbering offense.
4. Clemson Tigers -- The ACC is the weakest it has been in some time, boding well for a Clemson team with undeniable talent, but still working out some things out. A battle with NC State, a game that will decide the Atlantic Division, looms.
5. LSU Tigers -- The Tigers absolutely dismantled SEC East favorite Georgia this past weekend, only adding to an extremely impressive resume. QB Joe Burrow continues to be the X-factor; despite not having huge stats he has been the guiding force behind a resurgent season.
6. Michigan Wolverines -- UM has looked completely different from the team that was dominated by Notre Dame to begin the season, playing with a ton of confidence and winning the battle in the trenches. They are very much a factor in the brutal Big Ten East and can seriously compete with OSU to win it.
7. Georgia Bulldogs -- Georgia had a rough Saturday against LSU, but their Playoff hopes are not dead. This team still has astounding talent, but they need better quarterback play. Is it now time to switch to highly touted true frosh Justin Fields?
8. UCF Knights -- The reigning "National Champions" look like they could once again run the table, led by one of the country's most explosive offenses. Yet, the remaining schedule lacks any heavyweights, likely ensuring no Playoff berth for the Knights.
9. Texas Longhorns -- I'm still hesitant to say Texas is "back" but they recently beat Oklahoma and have gone on the road and beat a number of strong opponents. Sam Ehlinger has played more under control at quarterback, and there is no denying the defense's abilities.
10. Oklahoma Sooners -- OU's Playoff hopes are not dead yet, as West Virginia's loss to Iowa State keeps them neck and neck with UT for the Big 12 crown. Lincoln Riley is hopeful the defense can take a step forward after firing coordinator Mike Stoops.
11. Oregon Ducks -- The team in the Pac-12 with the best chance of making the Playoff now appears to be Oregon, as they stifled Washington at home last Saturday. Justin Herbert and the offense are rolling on all cylinders, and there isn't much in the conference ready to challenge them.
12. Florida Gators -- Dan Mullen has done a superb job with Florida in his debut season; the Gators are as strong as ever on the defensive side of the ball, but the growth of the offense has been the most important factor in their 6-1 start.
13. NC State Wolfpack -- Sure, NC State has yet to beat anybody very significant, but the Wolfpack look like a bonafide contender in the weak ACC. With veteran QB Ryan Finley at the helm and the defense playing better than most expected, don't rule out an upset victory over Clemson.
14. Kentucky Wildcats -- Fueled by superstar running back Benny Snell Jr., Kentucky has been a great story, rolling to a 5-1 first half. The schedule does pick up over the next month, with two difficult road trips, but the Wildcats are still locked in as SEC East contenders.
15. West Virginia Mountaineers -- Much like many highly-ranked Big 12 opponents, West Virginia was shocked in a night game at Ames, showing some of their deficiencies. It may have killed their Playoff chances, but the Big 12 remains wide open.
16. Penn State Nittany Lions -- A shocking loss to Michigan State at home was a real downer for Penn State, to say the least, but this team should still not be overlooked. Trace McSorley and this offense are going to be playing with real edge down the stretch.
17. Iowa Hawkeyes -- With Wisconsin underperforming, Iowa now looks like they could win the Big Ten West, even though they lost to the Badgers a few weeks ago. Outside of a road trip to Penn State, Iowa should be favored in every single game the rest of the way.
18. Washington Huskies -- UW has been a slight disappointment this year, losing in the non-conference to an Auburn team that isn't very good and losing to Oregon on Saturday. Though, the defense is still playing at an elite level and if the offense can create some big plays, the Huskies can still find a way to win the Pac-12 North.
19. Michigan State Spartans -- The Spartans have been confusing this season. They underperformed in losses to Arizona State and Northwestern, but then went on the road and beat PSU. They have the experience and depth to still be dangerous, and Mark Dantonio's teams always play tough.
20. Texas A&M Aggies -- A&M went on the road and took down South Carolina this weekend, but I'm still not completely sold on this team. The defense has been wonderful under new DC Mike Elko, but the offense is still working on finding consistency.
21. Cincinnati Bearcats -- Quietly, Cincinnati is off to their best start since 2013, jumping to a 6-0 start behind a great ground attack. However, they face a brutal second half schedule that includes UCF, Navy and South Florida. That will decide just what level the program is truly at in Luke Fickell's second season at the helm.
22. Mississippi State Bulldogs -- The Bulldogs are another team struggling to be consistent, but Joe Moorhead still has quite a threatening team in Starkville. Nick Fitzgerald will have to have a big day if they are able to go on the road and stun LSU this upcoming Saturday.
23. Wisconsin Badgers -- Wisconsin looked overwhelmed in their beatdown loss at the hands of Michigan this past Saturday, but they aren't dead yet. Jonathan Taylor still gives them a fighting chance, and coordinator Jim Leonhard should be able to solve some of the defensive woes.
24. Stanford Cardinal -- Stanford is coming off two straight losses, but I still think they are a factor out West. Bryce Love may finally be 100 percent after a bye week and quarterback K.J. Costello should be able to bounce back from a couple weak showings.
25. South Florida Bulls -- Much like Cincinnati, South Florida has beaten up on some weak AAC foes to begin the year 6-0. Former Alabama QB Blake Barnett has been a great story, and he'll need to continue to play well if the Bulls want to lock up the conference.

Others to Consider
USC Trojans
Colorado Buffaloes
Washington State Cougars
Ole Miss Rebels
Appalachian State Mountaineers
Duke Blue Devils