25. South Florida (3-1, Previous Rank: 23)
Week 5 Result: BYE
Next Week: vs. Charlotte
Despite a lopsided 49-12 loss to Miami in Week 3, the Bulls still have an impressive resume with early wins over then-No. 25 Boise State and then-No. 13 Florida to kick off the season and climb into the AP poll for the first time since 2018. Road games against North Texas and Memphis in October will test their standing as one of the top contenders for the Group of Five playoff spot.
24. Arizona State (4-1, Previous Rank: NR)
Week 5 Result: Win vs. TCU (27-24)
Next Week: BYE
The Sun Devils entered the season at No. 11 in the AP poll, but suffered a Week 2 loss to Mississippi State that threw some water on the preseason hype surrounding last year’s Big 12 champion. Things are trending in the right direction again after a 27-24 road win over Baylor in Week 4 and a victory over ranked TCU by the same score on Friday. Sam Leavitt has 512 passing yards, 118 rushing yards and five total touchdowns the last two weeks.
23. Utah (4-1, Previous Rank: 22)
Week 5 Result: Win at West Virginia (48-14)
Next Week: BYE
Fresh off a lopsided loss to Texas Tech, the Utes put together a dominant performance on the road against West Virginia. Quarterback Devon Dampier threw for four touchdowns and rushed for another while completing 21-of-26 passes. The Utah defense also took full advantage of the fact that West Virginia had a question mark at quarterback with Nicco Marchiol sidelined, limiting the Mountaineers to 6-of-13 passing for 85 yards.
22. Illinois (4-1, Previous Rank: 24)
Week 5 Result: Win vs. USC (34-32)
Next Week: at Purdue
The Illini were up 24-10 midway through the third quarter, but saw that evaporate to a 32-31 deficit when USC rattled off an 11-play, 75-yard drive and a nine-play, 80-yard drive that both ended with Jayden Maiava finding Makai Lemon with a touchdown pass. However, with 1:55 remaining, Luke Altmyer marched the Illinois offense 51 yards on eight plays to set up the game-winning field goal from David Olano as time expired.
21. Michigan (3-1, Previous Rank: 20)
Week 5 Result: BYE
Next Week: vs. Wisconsin
The Wolverines narrowly escaped an early second loss last weekend with a 30-27 victory over Nebraska, though it stands to reason that this team’s best football is still ahead of it as true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood gets more comfortable under center. They can’t afford to look past the Badgers to their Week 7 road matchup against USC, but they should be comfortable favorites next weekend at the Big House.
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