25. Nebraska (5-1, Previous Rank: NR)
Week 7 Results: Win at Maryland (34-31)
Next Week: at Minnesota
The Cornhuskers trailed 31-24 going into the fourth quarter, but rattled off a 12-play, 83-yard drive that ended in a field goal, forced a punt on defense and then marched 81 yards for a touchdown to take the lead. Dylan Raiola threw three interceptions, but also had four touchdown passes, and Emmett Johnson finished with 176 rushing yards on 21 carries. With Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon not on their schedule this year and Michigan already in the rearview, don’t sleep on this Nebraska team as a contender for the Big Ten championship game.
24. Washington (5-1, Previous Rank: NR)
Week 7 Results: Win vs. Rutgers (38-19)
Next Week: at Michigan
Demond Williams Jr. put up video game numbers in a lopsided win over Rutgers on Friday night, racking up 402 passing yards, 136 rushing yards and four total touchdowns. The Huskies actually trailed 10-0 in the first quarter and 13-10 at halftime, but they found the end zone three times in the third quarter to take control. With a 24-6 loss to Ohio State as their only blemish, Washington has a solid resume, and they have a chance to add a signature win at the Big House next Saturday.
23. Notre Dame (4-2, Previous Rank: NR)
Week 7 Results: Win vs. NC State (36-7)
Next Week: vs. USC
NC State quarterback CJ Bailey entered Saturday’s game leading the ACC in completion percentage (74.6%) and passer rating (168.8), with 1,660 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions through his first six games. However, the Fighting Irish defense proved to be a different animal than the previous teams he had faced, as he was picked off three times and limited to 17-of-30 passing for 186 yards. After leading 10-7 at halftime, Notre Dame tacked on 26 unanswered points in the second half.
22. Memphis (6-0, Previous Rank: 24)
Week 7 Results: BYE
Next Week: at UAB
The Tigers will need to be careful not to start looking ahead next weekend to a huge head-to-head clash with South Florida on Oct. 25 that could ultimately decide who gets the Group of Five bid in the playoff field. Brendon Lewis has taken a nice step forward as a passer after transferring from Nevada during the offseason, but the Memphis offense is built on running the ball and averages 238.7 rushing yards per game on 5.8 yards per carry.
21. Cincinnati (5-1, Previous Rank: 25)
Week 7 Results: Win vs. UCF (20-11)
Next Week: at Oklahoma State
Despite finishing on the short end in total yardage (413 to 306), first downs (26 to 14) and time of possession (39:44 to 20:16), the Bearcats managed to pull out a victory. After building a 17-0 lead with 4:13 remaining in the second quarter behind a pair of touchdown passes from Brendan Sorsby, they scored just three more points the rest of the way, but that was enough to squeeze out a win.
