As we gear up for November, the question on everyone’s mind is: which team in the FBS is stealing the spotlight? While the Colorado Buffaloes certainly have a compelling case—boasting two Heisman Trophy contenders in Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, alongside a thrilling season under the charismatic Deion Sanders—the team that truly has our attention is none other than the Army Black Knights.
With Liberty and Navy suffering defeats in Week 9, Army stands alone as the **only unbeaten Group of 5 team** as we march into the final stretch of the regular season. Currently sitting at No. 20 in our latest 1-134 rankings, the Black Knights are not just a footnote; they’re a force to be reckoned with. So, what makes Army the talk of the town?
The Army Rushing Offense: A Ground Assault
Army’s **triple-option offense** is a sight to behold, racking up an astonishing **359.1 rushing yards per game**. To put that into perspective, no team in the FBS managed to eclipse the 300-yard mark on the ground last season. This relentless ground game suggests that head coach Jeff Monken has crafted his best squad yet, and they’re ready to bulldoze through the competition.
Bryson Daily: Heisman Candidate in the Making?
Step aside, traditional quarterbacks! Army’s own Bryson Daily is making waves with **19 rushing touchdowns**, equating to a whopping **114 points** this season—tying him with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty for the most in the FBS. But that’s not all; Daily has also thrown for **629 yards** and **seven touchdowns** without a single interception. With **156 points responsible for**, he ranks fourth among FBS quarterbacks, trailing only North Texas’ Chandler Morris and Washington State’s John Mateer. Talk about a dual-threat dynamo!
Army’s Playoff Chaos Theory
Still skeptical after witnessing Notre Dame’s crushing victory over Navy last weekend? Mark your calendars for November 23, when Army faces off against the Irish at Yankee Stadium—a game that could have serious playoff implications. Even if Army were to fall in that matchup, they could still clinch the **American Athletic Conference championship** with just one loss. But here’s where it gets juicy: what if Army emerges as the highest-ranked Group of 5 team? Would the playoff committee dare to select them before their regular-season showdown against Navy on December 14? It’s a tantalizing scenario that exposes potential flaws in the playoff format.
Imagine a **triple-option team** making its debut in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. That would send shockwaves through the college football world, leaving at-large teams scrambling to prepare for an unconventional opponent. Who wouldn’t want to see that kind of chaos unfold?
MORE: College Football Playoff predictions after Week 9
As we dive deeper into the rankings, let’s take a look at the top contenders heading into Week 10:
College Football Rankings 2024
Top 25 for Week 10
1. Oregon (8-0)
The Ducks are flying high, controlling their own destiny in the Big Ten race while allowing a mere **12.6 points per game** in conference play. Dillon Gabriel is lighting it up with **15 touchdowns** and just five interceptions. After a convincing win against Illinois, Oregon is poised to make a statement against Michigan in Week 10. Can they handle the pressure of traveling across two time zones?
2. Georgia (6-1)
As November approaches, two burning questions linger for the Bulldogs: Can their defense, spearheaded by linebacker Jalon Walker, regain its dominant form? And will the running game step up? Currently averaging **112.2 rushing yards** at **3.8 yards per carry** in SEC play, Georgia faces a pivotal stretch against Florida, Ole Miss, and Tennessee that will provide the answers.
3. Penn State (7-0)
Will Drew Allar be ready to roll against Ohio State? After a leg injury in the victory over Wisconsin, the spotlight is on the Nittany Lions’ quarterback. If he can’t go, backup Beau Pribula, who has **seven touchdowns** and just one interception, will be tasked with leading the charge. This is a critical moment for James Franklin, who has struggled against Ohio State with a **1-9** record at Penn State.
MORE: Picks against the spread for Top 25 games in Week 10
4. Texas (7-1)
The Longhorns escaped Vanderbilt with a narrow **27-24** victory, but not without raising concerns. With **107 penalty yards** and Quinn Ewers’ mixed performance—**288 passing yards**, three touchdowns, and two interceptions—Steve Sarkisian has plenty to address during the bye week.
5. Ohio State (6-1)
Ohio State dropped a spot after a nail-biting **21-17** win against Nebraska, where the Huskers led late in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Will Howard was efficient, but the Buckeyes need to tighten up as they prepare for a similar game plan from Penn State in Week 10.
MORE: Ohio State fans throw trash after controversial targeting call
6. Miami, Fla. (8-0)
The Hurricanes remain undefeated after a **36-14** triumph over Florida State, even without a touchdown pass from Cam Ward. Miami leads the nation with a **59.8%** third-down conversion rate but must clean up their act, ranking **124th** in penalties. With Duke looming, can they keep the momentum going?
7. Clemson (6-1)
Who would have thought Clemson would only have one loss by November after that Week 1 debacle against Georgia? Cade Klubnik has thrown for **20 touchdowns** with just two interceptions since then, and the Tigers are ready to make a statement in the ACC race.
8. Tennessee (6-1)
After a bye week to savor their victory over Alabama, the Volunteers have work to do. Dylan Sampson, with **838 yards** and **17 touchdowns**, deserves a spot in the Heisman conversation. The defense is also a force, ranking fourth in scoring defense at **11.6 points per game**. Can Nico Iamaleava be the X-factor as they face Kentucky?
9. Notre Dame (7-1)
The Irish capitalized on six Navy turnovers to secure a **51-14** victory, amassing **265 rushing yards** in the process. As they return home to face Florida State, Notre Dame has scored over 40 points in their last three meetings with the Seminoles. Can they keep the streak alive?
10. Texas A&M (7-1)
With no losses in conference play, the Aggies are in a strong position heading into November. The quarterback situation remains a hot topic, with Conner Weigman and Marcell Reed both making their cases. A tricky road trip to South Carolina awaits, where the Gamecocks will be eager to shine under the lights.
11. BYU (8-0)
The Cougars continue to surprise, taking down UCF **37-24**. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff is proving to be a reliable leader, and BYU is set for a rivalry showdown against Utah after a well-deserved bye week.
12. Iowa State (7-0)
After a bye week, Iowa State remains the top-ranked Big 12 team, boasting the best defense in the conference at **14.4 points per game**. They’ll face a sneaky test against Texas Tech in Week 10.
13. Indiana (8-0)
Under the spotlight of ESPN’s “College GameDay,” Indiana secured a **31-17** victory against Washington, showcasing a run-heavy attack. With Kurtis Rourke potentially returning, the Hoosiers are looking to keep their momentum going against Michigan State.
14. Pitt (7-0)
Pitt’s defense shined in a **41-13** victory over Syracuse, with five interceptions and three returned for touchdowns. The Panthers are gearing up for a ranked matchup against SMU, a critical test for their playoff aspirations.
15. Alabama (6-2)
Alabama bounced back with a **34-0** rout of Missouri, showcasing a revamped running game with **271 rushing yards**. The Crimson Tide will face a true test against LSU, where they’ll need to maintain their momentum.
16. Kansas State (7-1)
In a nail-biter against Kansas, Kansas State clinched a **29-27** victory thanks to a clutch field goal. Their powerful rushing attack continues to wear down opponents as they prepare for Houston.
17. LSU (6-2)
After blowing a 10-point halftime lead against Texas A&M, LSU faces a crucial matchup against Alabama. They’ll need to tighten up their game to avoid another setback.
18. Boise State (5-1)
Ashton Jeanty’s game-winning touchdown against UNLV helped Boise State secure a **29-24** victory. The Broncos face a tough matchup against San Diego State next.
19. SMU (7-1)
SMU completed a thrilling **28-27** victory against Duke, capping off a successful road tour. With three of their final four games at home, the Mustangs are looking to capitalize on their momentum.
20. Army (7-0)
Army is on the hunt for the next leg of the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy against Air Force in Week 10. This could very well be Jeff Monken’s best team since taking over in 2014, and they’re ready to prove it.
21. Ole Miss (6-2)
The Rebels are the last SEC team with genuine playoff aspirations, staying in the mix with a **26-14** victory over Oklahoma. A crucial road game against Arkansas awaits.
22. Illinois (6-2)
After a tough loss to Oregon, Illinois must regroup as they face Minnesota in Week 10. They need to limit turnovers to keep their playoff hopes alive.
23. Washington State (7-1)
With a favorable schedule ahead, Washington State is eyeing a potential playoff spot. Quarterback John Mateer is having a stellar season, making the Cougars a team to watch.
24. Colorado (6-2)
The Buffaloes are back in the rankings under Deion Sanders, with Travis Hunter shining in a **34-23** victory over Cincinnati. With a bye week ahead, they’re gearing up for a pivotal matchup against Texas Tech.
25. Missouri (6-2)
After a humbling defeat to Alabama, the Tigers are left wondering about quarterback Brady Cook’s health. With a bye week to regroup, they’ll need to figure out their path forward.
College Football 1-134 Rankings (1-25)
Here’s a look at the top 25 teams in the FBS as we head into Week 10:
RANK | SCHOOL | RECORD | PVS | WEEK 8 RESULT |
1 | Oregon | 8-0 | 1 | Beat Illinois 38-9 |
2 | Georgia | 6-1 | 2 | Bye |
3 | Penn State | 7-0 | 3 | Beat Wisconsin 28-13 |
4 | Ohio State | 6-1 | 4 | Beat Nebraska 21-17 |
5 | Texas | 7-1 | 5 | Beat Vanderbilt 27-24 |
6 | Miami, Fla. | 8-0 | 6 | Beat Florida State 36-14 |
7 | Clemson | 6-1 | 7 | Bye |
8 | Tennessee | 6-1 | 8 | Bye |
9 | Texas A&M | 7-1 | 14 | Beat LSU 33-18 |
10 | Iowa State | 7-0 | 10 | Bye |
11 | BYU | 8-0 | 11 | Beat UCF 37-24 |
12 | Notre Dame | 7-1 | 12 | Beat Navy 51-14 |
13 | Indiana | 8-0 | 13 | Beat Washington 31-17 |
14 | Pitt | 7-0 | 15 | Beat Syracuse 41-13 |
15 | Alabama | 6-2 | 17 | Beat Missouri 34-0 |
16 | LSU | 6-2 | 9 | Lost to Texas A&M 33-18 |
17 | Kansas State | 7-1 | 16 | Beat Kansas 29-27 |
18 | Boise State | 6-1 | 22 | Beat UNLV 29-24 |
19 | SMU | 7-1 | 18 | Beat Duke 28-27 |
20 | Illinois | 6-2 | 19 | Lost to Oregon 38-9 |
21 | Ole Miss | 6-2 | 21 | Beat Oklahoma 26-14 |
22 | Army | 7-0 | 23 | Bye |
23 | Colorado | 6-2 | 30 | Beat Cincinnati 34-23 |
24 | Washington State | 7-1 | 29 | Beat San Diego State 29-26 |
25 | Missouri | 6-2 | 20 | Lost to Alabama 34-0 |
Rest of FBS (26-134)
Here’s a look at the rest of the FBS heading into Week 10:
26 | Duke | 6-2 | 28 | Lost to SMU 28-27 |
27 | Vanderbilt | 5-3 | 25 | Lost to Texas 27-24 |
28 | Wisconsin | 5-3 | 27 | Lost to Penn State 28-13 |
29 | Navy | 6-1 | 24 | Lost to Notre Dame 51-14 |
30 | Memphis | 7-1 | 34 | Beat Charlotte 33-28 |
31 | South Carolina | 4-3 | 35 | Bye |
32 | Florida | 4-3 | 36 | Bye |
33 | Louisville | 5-3 | 42 | Beat Boston College 31-27 |
34 | Arizona State | 5-2 | 38 | Bye |
35 | Michigan | 5-3 | 45 | Beat Michigan State 24-17 |
36 | Syracuse | 5-2 | 26 | Lost to Pitt 41-13 |
37 | Louisiana | 6-1 | 39 | Bye |
38 | Arkansas | 5-3 | 41 | Beat Mississippi State 58-25 |
39 | Virginia Tech | 5-3 | 43 | Beat Georgia Tech 21-6 |
40 | Cincinnati | 5-3 | 32 | Lost to Colorado 34-23 |
41 | TCU | 5-3 | 54 | Beat Texas Tech 35-34 |
42 | UNLV | 6-2 | 31 | Lost to Boise State 29-24 |
43 | Minnesota | 5-3 | 47 | Beat Maryland 48-23 |
44 | Nebraska | 5-3 | 37 | Lost to Ohio State 21-17 |
45 | Iowa | 5-3 | 51 | Beat Northwestern 40-14 |
46 | Texas Tech | 5-3 | 48 | Lost to TCU 35-34 |
47 | Tulane | 6-2 | 57 | Beat North Texas 45-37 |
48 | Cal | 4-4 | 65 | Beat Oregon State 44-7 |
49 | Georgia Tech | 5-4 | 40 | Lost to Virginia Tech 21-6 |
50 | Washington | 4-4 | 44 | Lost to Indiana 31-17 |
51 | Western Kentucky | 5-2 | 56 | Bye |
52 | Liberty | 5-1 | 33 | Lost to Kennesaw State 27-24 |
53 | Sam Houston | 6-2 | 59 | Beat FIU 10-7 |
54 | James Madison | 6-2 | 62 | Beat Southern Miss 32-15 |
55 | USC | 4-4 | 69 | Beat Rutgers 42-20 |
56 | Oklahoma | 4-4 | 49 | Lost to Ole Miss 26-14 |
57 | Michigan State | 4-4 | 50 | Lost to Michigan 24-17 |
58 | Utah | 4-4 | 46 | Lost to Houston 17-14 |
59 | Fresno State | 5-3 | 80 | Beat San Jose State 33-10 |
60 | Old Dominion | 5-3 | 87 | Beat Georgia Southern 47-19 |
61 | North Texas | 5-3 | 67 | Lost to Tulane 45-37 |
62 | North Carolina | 4-4 | 75 | Beat Virginia 41-14 |
63 | NC State | 4-4 | 68 | Bye |
64 | Baylor | 4-4 | 83 | Beat Oklahoma State 38-28 |
65 | Maryland | 4-4 | 60 | Lost to Minnesota 48-23 |
66 | West Virginia | 4-4 | 74 | Beat Arizona 31-26 |
67 | Oregon State | 4-4 | 70 | Lost to Cal 44-7 |
68 | San Jose State | 5-3 | 63 | Lost to Fresno State 33-10 |
69 | Toledo | 5-3 | 61 | Lost to Bowling Green 41-26 |
70 | Virginia | 4-4 | 52 | Lost to North Carolina 41-14 |
71 | Boston College | 4-4 | 55 | Lost to Louisville 31-27 |
72 | Rutgers | 4-4 | 64 | Lost to USC 42-20 |
73 | Colorado State | 5-3 | 81 | Beat New Mexico 17-6 |
74 | Georgia Southern | 5-3 | 58 | Lost to Old Dominion 47-19 |
75 | Eastern Michigan | 5-3 | 66 | Lost to Akron 25-21 |
76 | Arkansas State | 5-3 | 86 | Beat Troy 34-31 |
77 | UL-Monroe | 5-2 | 53 | Lost to South Alabama 46-17 |
78 | Western Michigan | 5-3 | 88 | Beat Kent State 52-21 |
79 | Marshall | 4-3 | 78 | Bye |
80 | Miami, Ohio | 4-4 | 85 | Beat Central Michigan 46-7 |
81 | Coastal Carolina | 4-3 | 79 | Bye |
82 | South Alabama | 4-4 | 102 | Beat UL-Monroe 46-17 |
83 | Jacksonville State | 4-3 | 98 | Beat Middle Tennessee 42-20 |
84 | Texas State | 4-3 | 82 | Bye |
85 | Ohio | 5-3 | 90 | Beat Buffalo 47-16 |
86 | UConn | 5-3 | 94 | Beat Rice 17-10 |
87 | Bowling Green | 4-4 | 106 | Beat Toledo 41-26 |
88 | Auburn | 3-5 | 89 | Beat Kentucky 24-10 |
89 | Wake Forest | 4-4 | 84 | Beat Stanford 27-24 |
90 | Oklahoma State | 3-5 | 73 | Lost to Baylor 38-28 |
91 | Arizona | 3-5 | 76 | Lost to West Virginia 31-26 |
92 | Kentucky | 3-5 | 71 | Lost to Auburn 24-10 |
93 | Houston | 3-5 | 100 | Beat Utah 17-14 |
94 | Northern Illinois | 4-4 | 77 | Lost to Ball State 25-23 |
95 | UCF | 3-5 | 72 | Lost to BYU 37-24 |
96 | Northwestern | 3-5 | 91 | Lost to Iowa 40-14 |
97 | UCLA | 2-5 | 92 | Bye |
98 | Appalachian State | 3-4 | 110 | Beat Georgia State 33-26 |
99 | South Florida | 3-4 | 96 | Bye |
100 | San Diego State | 3-4 | 97 | Lost to Washington State 29-26 |
101 | Kansas | 2-6 | 95 | Lost to Kansas State 29-27 |
102 | Stanford | 2-6 | 99 | Lost to Wake Forest 27-24 |
103 | Buffalo | 4-4 | 93 | Lost to Ohio 47-16 |
104 | East Carolina | 4-4 | 109 | Beat Temple 56-34 |
105 | Charlotte | 3-5 | 107 | Lost to Memphis 33-28 |
106 | Hawaii | 3-5 | 114 | Beat Nevada 34-13 |
107 | Louisiana Tech | 3-4 | 120 | Beat UTEP 14-10 |
108 | Purdue | 1-6 | 111 | Bye |
109 | New Mexico | 3-5 | 104 | Lost to Colorado State 17-6 |
110 | Central Michigan | 3-5 | 101 | Lost to Miami, Ohio 46-7 |
111 | Mississippi State | 1-7 | 105 | Lost to Arkansas 58-25 |
112 | Tulsa | 3-5 | 121 | Beat UTSA 46-45 |
113 | Ball State | 3-5 | 117 | Beat Northern Illinois 25-23 |
114 | Rice | 2-6 | 113 | Lost to UConn 17-10 |
115 | Nevada | 3-6 | 103 | Lost to Hawaii 34-13 |
116 | New Mexico State | 2-5 | 115 | Bye |
117 | UTSA | 3-5 | 108 | Lost to Tulsa 46-45 |
118 | Georgia State | 2-6 | 116 | Lost to Appalachian State 33-26 |
119 | Florida State | 1-7 | 112 | Lost to Miami 36-14 |
120 | Temple | 2-6 | 118 | Lost to East Carolina 56-34 |
121 | FAU | 2-5 | 119 | Bye |
122 | Kennesaw State | 1-6 | 134 | Beat Liberty 27-24 |
123 | Utah State | 2-6 | 128 | Beat Wyoming 27-25 |
124 | Akron | 2-6 | 129 | Beat Eastern Michigan 25-21 |
125 | UMass | 2-6 | 131 | Beat Wagner 35-7 |
126 | FIU | 2-6 | 123 | Lost to Sam Houston 10-7 |
127 | UTEP | 1-7 | 122 | Lost to Louisiana Tech 14-10 |
128 | Middle Tennessee | 1-6 | 124 | Lost to Jacksonville State 42-20 |
129 | Air Force | 1-6 | 130 | Bye |
130 | UAB | 1-6 | 132 | Bye |
131 | Troy | 1-7 | 127 | Lost to Arkansas State 34-31 |
132 | Wyoming | 1-7 | 125 | Lost to Utah State 27-25 |
133 | Southern Miss | 1-7 | 126 | Lost to James Madison 32-15 |
134 | Kent State | 0-8 | 133 | Lost 52-21 to Western Michigan |