The Indiana Hoosiers football team is spotting a trajectory that has taken the commentators and fans by surprise, becoming the first FBS team in over two decades to have an 8-0 streak without trailing. Their national rank has moved up to No.9 in The Athletic 134 weekly ranking. Despite a lackluster 3-9 record last year, the Hoosiers are now favored to beat Michigan in the coming weeks. Even without their star quarterback, Kurtis Rourke, the team has managed impressive wins.
Analysts agree that some of this success can be attributed to a seemingly easy schedule, yet the team’s strength of record stands at No. 10 leading them credence for their wins. But it’s fair to add that Indiana has seized every moment and opportunity they’ve been given, actively demonstrating stellar performances against all opponents. Projections suggest that they could potentially pose a real threat in the College Football Playoff.
Indiana’s move to No. 9 only slightly alters the top 10 rankings on The Athletic 134. Notre Dame has made a strong comeback, reflected by a 51-14 win against Navy. Texas A&M also appears to be back after their win at the weekend, moving the ranks once more. The top five is poised for a shakeup once Ohio State and Penn State lock horns this week.
Texas A&M sits pretty at No.11, the only team to remain undefeated in the SEC. Notre Dame’s resounding win over the weekend bounces them back into the good books, while Clemson and Iowa State fell out. For the top 25, Arkansas has entered the ranks off the back of a victory against Mississippi State. Colorado also makes an entry following a solid season that has been quietly ignored. Despite a loss to Alabama, Missouri somehow stays at No. 23.
Teams ranked between 26-50 saw some shifts as well, with Navy slipping to No. 27 due to their loss to Notre Dame. There was also a minor reshuffle among the idle teams after Colorado and Arkansas moved up. TCU comes back into the top 50, while Cincinnati dropped to No. 46 after a loss to Colorado. Nebraska managed to hold its position at No. 38 despite a close call with Ohio State.
For teams ranked 51-75, the previous week’s results stand solid as Maryland lost to Minnesota and USC beat Rutgers. North Carolina made positive strides against Virginia. November saw Auburn rise from No.81 to No. 61 after defeating Kentucky, which continues to fall. The rankings from 76-100 experienced few changes with UCF falling to No. 76 owing to a five-game losing streak. The last group, scored 101-134 saw a notable rise from Colorado State currently undefeated in the Mountain West. After their very first win, Kennesaw State stands at No. 127.
