Amber Aniston • October 21, 2024

Oregon Rises to No. 1 as Alabama Falls in Week 9 AP Poll

The college football landscape continues to shift dramatically as Oregon takes the No. 1 spot in this week’s AP Top 25 poll, while perennial powerhouse Alabama slides down after suffering a second loss. This week’s rankings come in the wake of several significant matchups, and the outcome of these games has reshaped the national championship picture for several teams.


AP Top 25 Rankings (Week 9)

  1. Oregon (7-0)
  2. Georgia (6-1)
  3. Penn State (7-0)
  4. Ohio State (6-1)
  5. Texas (6-1)
  6. Miami (7-0)
  7. Tennessee (5-1)
  8. LSU (6-2)
  9. Clemson (6-1)
  10. Iowa State (7-0)
  11. Oklahoma State (5-2)
  12. Florida State (6-1)
  13. North Carolina (6-1)
  14. USC (5-2)
  15. Alabama (5-2)
  16. Washington (6-2)
  17. Notre Dame (5-2)
  18. Ole Miss (5-2)
  19. Missouri (5-2)
  20. Illinois (6-1)
  21. Oregon State (6-1)
  22. Utah (5-2)
  23. Army (7-0)
  24. Navy (6-1)
  25. Vanderbilt (5-2)


Oregon Takes the Top Spot

Oregon has capitalized on the chaos at the top, moving into the No. 1 position with a perfect 7-0 record. The Ducks, who were ranked second in the previous poll, benefited from Georgia’s win over then-No. 1 Texas, allowing them to leap into the top spot. Oregon’s recent top-five victory over Ohio State, coupled with their consistent performances, solidified their position as the top-ranked team in the country.


Georgia also surged in the rankings, climbing to No. 2 following their 30-15 win over Texas. The Bulldogs were dominant against the Longhorns, controlling the game from the outset and reaffirming their position as one of the nation's top teams. Texas, meanwhile, dropped to No. 5 after the loss, ending their undefeated run.


Top 10 Shake-Up

Behind Oregon and Georgia, the rest of the top 10 has seen some movement. Penn State, which remained undefeated over the weekend, held steady at No. 3. The Nittany Lions have continued to build their case as a College Football Playoff contender, showcasing a well-rounded team that has yet to face a major stumble. Ohio State, another Big Ten powerhouse, retained its No. 4 spot, setting up an exciting race in the Big Ten as the season progresses.


Miami also maintained its position at No. 6 after a thrilling shootout victory. The Hurricanes, with a 7-0 record, are still in the hunt for a playoff spot as they eye a favorable schedule down the stretch.


Tennessee rose to No. 7 after defeating Alabama, marking a significant win for the Volunteers in what has been a rollercoaster season. This victory over the Crimson Tide not only propelled them up the rankings but also kept their playoff hopes alive.


LSU, Clemson, and Iowa State rounded out the rest of the top 10, with all three teams picking up wins over the weekend. Iowa State, in particular, has been one of the surprise teams of the season, remaining undefeated and sitting just outside the top five.


Alabama's Fall

The most significant storyline in this week’s rankings is Alabama’s drop to No. 15. After losing to Tennessee 24-17, Alabama now has two losses, marking the first time since 2007 that the Crimson Tide have suffered multiple defeats before November. This dip is also the first time since 2010 that Alabama has fallen below No. 15 in the AP poll, raising questions about their playoff chances and the overall direction of the program under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer.


With back-to-back losses, Alabama’s playoff hopes have taken a severe hit, and the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. The Crimson Tide will need to regroup quickly if they want to salvage their season, but the competition in the SEC will be unforgiving in the weeks to come.


New Faces in the Top 25

As Alabama fell in the rankings, other teams made their way into the top 25. Vanderbilt, fresh off a win over Alabama earlier this season, entered the rankings at No. 25. The Commodores have quietly put together a solid season, boasting a 5-2 record and a signature win over the Crimson Tide. With more big games on the horizon, Vanderbilt will have the opportunity to prove that their ranking is well-deserved.


Illinois also continued its strong season, rising to No. 20. The Fighting Illini capitalized on Michigan’s mistakes, forcing three turnovers and securing a 21-7 victory over the Wolverines. With a trip to Oregon up next, Illinois will face a major test as they look to continue climbing in the rankings.


Army and Navy also held steady in the rankings at No. 23 and No. 24, respectively. Both military academies have been impressive this season, with Army remaining undefeated at 7-0. Their upcoming clash with Air Force looms large, as both teams are eyeing a potential run at a major bowl game.


Looking Ahead

As the college football season enters its most crucial stretch, the race for the playoff spots is heating up. Oregon, Georgia, and Penn State have established themselves as the teams to beat, but with several top-10 matchups still on the horizon, the rankings are sure to see more shake-ups in the coming weeks.


Alabama’s fall from grace has opened the door for other programs to step into the spotlight, but it’s too early to count the Crimson Tide out entirely. With their talent and pedigree, Alabama could still make noise down the stretch, though their margin for error is slim.



Meanwhile, teams like Iowa State, BYU, and Tennessee will be looking to capitalize on their upward momentum as they push for playoff consideration. As we enter the final weeks of the season, every game will be critical for teams jockeying for position in the top 25.

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