Florida State, Duke make major moves in Steven Johnson’s AP football ballot

Most of the Top 25 teams handled business in Week 1, but there was still plenty of movement in my ballot starting with TCU of course.

The Horned Frogs were one of just two Top 25 teams to lose to an unranked opponent and thus fell out of my Top 25 this week. It’s not because the performance was so dreadful, but more so about still not knowing how good Colorado is.

The Buffaloes also didn’t make my Top 25 for that same reason. I understand I may be one of the few voters to to not include the Buffs on their ballot, but Colorado’s upcoming game against Nebraska will be very telling for both Colorado and TCU.

Another win for Coach Prime and the Buffaloes and they’ll be on my ballot next week. If that’s the case, TCU would likely jump back into the Top 25 as well because you can only punish a team so much for a one score lose to another ranked team.

Another major changes are Florida State jumping into my top three as the Seminoles currently have the best win in college football with a drubbing of LSU. I also moved Penn State ahead of Ohio State due to how impressive Drew Allar was in his first start.

With TCU, South Carolina, Texas Tech and UTSA falling off my that opened the door for Duke, UCLA, Mississippi State and Texas A&M to land on my ballot. Here’s how I voted in the Associated Press Top 25 after week 1:

1. Georgia (1-0)

Next up: vs. Ball State

The Bulldogs started their title defense with a 48-7 win over UT-Martin as Carson Beck threw for 294 yards in his start at quarterback.

2. Michigan (1-0)

Next up: vs. UNLV

No Jim Harbaugh, no problem as the Wolverines rolled East Carolina 30-3 as their head coach served the first of his three game suspension.

3. Florida State (1-0)

Next up: vs. Southern Miss

The Seminoles defeated LSU for a second straight year with a dominating second half surge against the Tigers. Florida State has one of the top receiver groups in the country.

4. Alabama (1-0)

Next up: vs. Texas

Jalen Milroe had five touchdowns against my alma mater Middle Tennessee State, but the real test will be on Saturday against Texas in a primetime game.

5. USC (2-0)

Next up: vs. Stanford

Caleb Williams continued to put on a show with a number of highlights in a blowout win over Nevada.

6. Penn State (1-0)

Next up: vs. Delaware

Allar threw for three touchdowns and 325 yards in the Nittany Lions’ win over West Virginia. Could Penn State have a better quarterback than Ohio State?

7. Ohio State (1-0)

Next up: vs. Youngstown State

The Buckeyes didn’t dazzle during a 23-3 win over Indiana as All-American receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was held to just two catches in Kyle McCord’s first start.

8. Washington (1-0)

Next up: vs. Tulsa

Michael Penix and the high-flying Husky offense decimated Boise State in a 56-19 win. It was one of the most impressive performances of the weekend.

9. Tennessee (1-0)

Next up: vs. Austin Peay

The Vols drubbed Virginia in Nasvhille 49-13 in a successful first start for Joe Milton.

10. LSU (0-1)

Next up: vs. Grambling State

The final 25 minutes against Florida State wasn’t pretty, but let’s not overreact. The difference in the game were two fourth down stops near the endzone by the Seminoles in the first half. This is still a SEC contender.

11. Texas (1-0)

Next up: at Alabama

The Longhorns handled business as Quinn Ewers tossed three touchdown passes against Rice. Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide await.

12. Notre Dame (2-0)

Next up: at North Carolina State

Sam Hartman has impressed in two starts including Saturday’s blowout over Tennessee State. The Fighting Irish have their first test at the Wolfpack.

13. Utah (1-0)

Next up: at Baylor

Even without Cam Rising, the Utes had no problem handling the Florida Gators. We’ll see if Rising returns to the lineup against a reeling Baylor team.

14. Oregon (1-0)

Next up: at Texas Tech

The Ducks almost scored 100 points on Portland State, but now have a road trip to Lubbock against a Red Raider team that was upset at Wyoming.

15. North Carolina (1-0)

vs. App State

The Tar Heels’ defense was impressive in the 31-17 win over South Carolina. Drake Maye threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns, but had two picks. Carolina can’t overlook an always dangerous App State.

16. Clemson (0-1)

Next up: vs. Charleston Southern

The Tigers were sloppy in their 28-7 upset loss to the Blue Devils. Two fumbles near the endzone and a missed kick doomed Clemson along with an offense that couldn’t find its rhythm.

17. Kansas State (1-0)

Next up: vs. Troy

Will Howard was efficient behind center and K-State rushed for over 200 yards in a win over Southeast Missouri State.

18. Oregon State (1-0)

Next up: vs. UC Davis

DJ Uiagalelei was near flawless in his start with the Beavers as he threw for three touchdowns against San Jose State.

19. Ole Miss (1-0)

Next up: at Tulane

Jaxson Dart won a tightly contested quarterback battle and led the Rebels to a 73-7 win over Mercer.

20. Tulane (1-0)

Next up: vs. Ole Miss

The Green Wave picked up a solid win over South Alabama and have a chance for a signature win over the Rebels from the SEC.

21. Wisconsin (1-0)

Next up: at Washington State

SMU transfer Tanner Mordecai threw two picks in the 38-17 win over Buffalo and will need to better against Cameron Ward and the Cougars.

22. Texas A&M (1-0)

Next up: at Miami FL

The Aggies scored 52 in a win over New Mexico, but the offense should face its first test vs. the Hurricanes.

23. UCLA (1-0)

Next up: at San Diego State

The Bruins outlasted Coastal Carolina as five-star freshman Dante Moore threw two touchdowns. UCLA has a challenging road game at the Aztecs.

24. Mississippi State (1-0)

Next up: vs. Arizona

The Bulldogs slide up thanks to all the chaos of the weekend. Mississippi State handled Southeastern Louisiana 48-7 in its season opener.

25. Duke (1-0)

Next up: vs. Lafayette

The Blue Devils were the more disciplined and physical team in the upset win over Clemson and have now entered the ACC race.