Yahoo Top 10: Ohio State Falls, New No. 1 Emerges – Yahoo Sports

Don’t dismiss Lincoln Riley just yet!

USC put Ohio State at risk of dropping out of the College Football Playoff race before November even began — also pushing the Buckeyes out of the Top 10.

The Trojans triumphed over the Buckeyes in the LA Coliseum in what many believed could be Riley’s farewell performance. Ohio State struggled to slow down quarterback Jayden Maiava and receiver Trent Mosley enough on Saturday night, ending with a 30-18 defeat.

Ryan Day’s team fell out of our rankings, making way for Miami to take over as our new No. 1 after the Hurricanes narrowly overcame a thriller in Chapel Hill.

Meanwhile, Texas Tech narrowly defeated Arizona in the Big 12’s highlight matchup on Saturday; Indiana and BYU — both in our top 10 — squeezed out wins; and Georgia dominated Florida in the SEC.

However, Ohio State’s defeat resonates widely across the sport, as quarterback Luke Fahey stepped in for the injured Julian Sayin. Matt Patricia’s defense failed to show up, giving the Trojans a substantial victory.

Now, let’s discuss the Top 10!

1. Miami Hurricanes

This week: defeated North Carolina 38-35

Next week: at Notre Dame

The Hurricanes needed a key sack-fumble followed by a touchdown from, naturally, Malachi Toney to clinch the win in a close contest. The Tar Heels were leading midway through the fourth quarter before Miami executed a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, followed by the pivotal turnover leading to Toney’s score — his second of the day.

2. Indiana Hoosiers

This week: defeated Minnesota 23-16 in OT

Next week: Off

A 60-yard game-tying field goal, a backup quarterback, and two pivotal catches from receiver Charlie Becker were crucial for the Hoosiers to escape a scare at home from the Gophers. Reserve QB Grant Wilson — a seventh-year senior! — stepped in for the injured Josh Hoover and passed for 156 yards. He connected with Becker for two of his nine completions during the field goal drive, eventually leading to the game-winner in overtime.

3. UCLA Bruins

This week: defeated Nevada 27-0

Next week: at Minnesota

The Bruins didn’t require much from QB Ty Dieffenbach given their dominant defensive showing. The Wolf Pack totaled just 176 yards of offense. Over the last five games, no opponent has exceeded the 15-point mark against coordinator Colin Hitschler’s defense. His squad is currently allowing less than 270 yards per game — a solid formula for securing a playoff spot.

4. Georgia Bulldogs

This week: defeated Florida 27-8

Next week: vs. Oklahoma

If you had concerns about the Bulldogs following their loss to Auburn, put them aside. Kirby Smart’s team demonstrated why they might be the SEC’s best shot to break the league’s three-year drought in the national championship race. QB Gunner Stockton bounced back from a turnover-burdened performance against Auburn by dissecting the Gators in Atlanta.

5. Kentucky Wildcats

This week: Off

Next week: at Tennessee

Coach Will Stein and the Wildcats enjoy a much-needed break before a monumental matchup in Knoxville. This contest appears to be a pivotal one for playoff implications. The face-off between QB Kenny Minchey and UT’s formidable defense is the key storyline, especially since he hasn’t thrown an interception since the setback against Alabama in Week 2.

6. Utah Utes

This week: defeated Cincinnati 49-25

Next week: vs. BYU

QB Devon Dampier delivered another exciting performance both on the ground and through the air, accumulating over 300 yards and three passing touchdowns, as the Utes extended the nation’s longest win streak to an impressive 14 games. This marks the longest streak since Utah recorded 16 consecutive victories from 2007 to 2009.

7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

This week: defeated Navy 35-13

Next week: vs. Miami

The Irish incorporated Jerome Bettis Jr. more into the offense on Saturday, yielding positive results. The son of the Hall of Fame running back caught six passes for 78 yards and capped the scoring with a 31-yard touchdown reception from CJ Carr. Notre Dame had a slim one-point lead, 14-13, at halftime before exploding in the second half, which featured a 23-yard score from Nolan James Jr.

8. BYU Cougars

This week: defeated Arizona State 27-20

Next week: at Utah

The Cougars entered the fourth quarter tied, needing both a nine-play and an 11-play scoring drive to break the 17-all deadlock and recover from last week’s surprising loss at UCF. BYU managed to gain only 47 yards rushing, but QB Bear Bachmeier threw for 236 yards, distributing the ball to six different receivers.

9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

This week: defeated Virginia 51-7

Next week: Off

One of the hottest power conference coaches this season achieved another significant victory. Jake Dickert, in his second year in Winston-Salem, has the Demon Deacons at 7-1 and heading for an ACC championship game appearance. Former UNC QB Gio Lopez passed for 229 yards and ran for 64 during the rout of the Cavaliers.

10. Texas Longhorns

This week: defeated Mississippi State 31-3

Next week: at Missouri

The ongoing debate surrounding Arch Manning will proceed, but there is no disputing the quality of the Texas defense. The Longhorns overwhelmed Mississippi State, clinching a second consecutive victory after experiencing two surprising losses that caused them to drop out of our Top 10. Welcome back, Horns!