Clemson Football: Ranking College Football resumes after Week 6

Here are the teams that are ranked in the AP Top 25 but don’t have a top 25 resume:

#20 Utah – Resume score: 9

Like the other teams on this list, it is fair to question why voters still have the Utes ranked. I’m not saying they are a bad team, but they haven’t done anything to prove they are Top 25 worthy. Both losses were on the road, but the impressive wins aren’t there. Somehow, they are favorites against USC this weekend. We’ll see.

#21 Cincinnati – Resume score: 10

The Bearcats’ resume score isn’t awful, it just isn’t that impressive, so it’s fair to question why they are ranked. It’s 2022, and Desmond Ridder isn’t walking through that door. When you add the eye test, things get sketchy. Their P5 win is over Indiana at home, and they squeaked by against South Florida. How is this team ranked?

#22 (tie) Texas – Resume score: 8.5

I don’t think Texas found itself back in the Top 25 because they curb stomped Oklahoma. I think they are ranked because Quin Ewers is back, and voters have rationalized that the Longhorns wouldn’t have lost to Texas Tech if Ewers was healthy. I think some still think they would have beaten Alabama if Ewers hadn’t been hurt. Voters should probably make Ewers and Texas prove it a bit more. Their chance is coming: on the road the next two games at Oklahoma State and Kansas State, then hosting TCU.

#22 (tie) Kentucky – Resume score: 6

The most egregious example by far. Yes, I know Levis didn’t play against South Carolina. It still counts. Kentucky won on the road against an unranked Florida. Otherwise, they have two wins against the MAC and a win over the FCS. C’mon man.

This weekend looks very entertaining. Not only does Clemson hit the road to Doak Campbell Stadium in the ACC, but additionally:

• Syracuse hosts NC State, who might/might not have Devin Leary.
• The greatest basketball rivalry in existence takes the football field in Durham as the Blue Devils host North Carolina.
• The 2-3 Miami Hurricanes visit Blacksburg. (This game isn’t consequential to anything. I just enjoy pointing out that Miami is 2-3.)

Elsewhere:

Alabama visits Rocky Top in a Top 10 matchup

Penn State visits the Big House in a nearly Top 10 matchup

Oklahoma State visits TCU to determine who will take the lead in the Big 12

USC gets its biggest (yet still not big) test of the season when they visit Utah

James Madison plays their first game as an AP Top 25-ranked team on the road against Georgia Southern