US LBM Coaches Poll: Did Michigan prove its dominance in Week 11?
Michigan has dominated the Big Ten conversation, but after Saturday’s win over Penn State, that conversation is focused on their performance on the field.
The debate rages on: Who is No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank 1-133?
The question isn’t any easier to answer, even after Michigan passed its first legitimate test of the regular season with a 24-15 win over Penn State. That’s because Georgia followed with a dominant win over Mississippi that had the Bulldogs looking like a Bowl Subdivision juggernaut chasing a historic three-peat in the national championship.
For another week, Michigan remains on top. That’s due to the Wolverines’ control of the game against the Nittany Lions, where quarterback JJ McCarthy didn’t attempt a single official pass with about six minutes left in the first half.
How long will this lead last? The Bulldogs will have a chance to hold their own against Tennessee this weekend and then make another big statement in the SEC Championship Game against Alabama. The Wolverines beat Ohio State on November 25th.
UPS AND DOWNS: Week 11 college football winners and losers
Along with Michigan and Georgia, OSU is one of the clear top three. There’s also some separation in the unchanged top eight of the Wolverines, Bulldogs, Buckeyes, No. 4 Florida State, No. 5 Washington, No. 6 Oregon, No. 7 Texas and No. 8 Alabama. This group has separated itself from the crowd in the FBS.
Then comes No. 9 Oregon State and No. 10 Louisville. Missouri moves up to No. 11 after a very strong win against the Volunteers, followed by No. 12 Oklahoma and No. 13 Penn State. Undefeated James Madison moves up one spot to No. 14 and is the highest-ranked team in the Group of Five.