College Football Top 10 Teams Suffer 11 Losses in Three Weeks

The current AP Poll has recorded 11 losses by top-10 ranked teams over the last three weeks. This total ties the record for the most top-tier defeats in any three-week span of the regular season. The previous benchmark was set in 2007, according to ESPN Research data.

Week 8 delivered a series of results that further destabilized the national hierarchy. LaNorris Sellers and the South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Tennessee Volunteers, ending their College Football Playoff aspirations. The Texas Tech Red Raiders fell during a visit to Cincinnati, while the USC Trojans lost at Wisconsin. Lincoln Riley's team managed only seven points after a week off.

BYU's position at No. 2 in the AP Poll collapsed following a double-overtime road loss to UCF. The Cougars had secured that spot after defeating Notre Dame the previous week. The Fighting Irish used their bye week to recover from that defeat. Big 12 officials later acknowledged a mistake in not awarding Notre Dame an additional attempt at a win in that game.

Several other high-profile matchups ended with narrow margins. Indiana survived a trip to Michigan, securing a 13-6 overtime victory. The Hoosiers held the Wolverines to 54 rushing yards on 39 carries. Alabama overcame a fourth-quarter surge by Texas A&M to avoid a third consecutive loss. Boise State required a late push to defeat Washington State, a result that contrasted with the struggles of other Group of 6 contenders.

The Texas Longhorns held off a comeback attempt by Ole Miss to preserve their standing. Arch Manning recorded three turnovers, including a strip sack that resulted in a touchdown for the Rebels. Despite these errors, the Longhorns maintained their lead in the final minutes. New Mexico defeated North Dakota State in a high-scoring contest between two Group of 6 programs with postseason ambitions.

Miami continued its dominance by defeating Pitt 52-23. Malachi Toney set a school record with 16 receptions for 194 yards. The Hurricanes' secondary allowed 334 passing yards, but the outcome was largely determined early in the game. Miami will face North Carolina next, with a matchup against Notre Dame scheduled for Nov. 7.

Ohio State enters its week off without starting quarterback Julian Sayin, who is sidelined indefinitely with an elbow injury. True freshman Luke Fahey has assumed the starting role. The Buckeyes will test their new offensive configuration against USC this Saturday. Georgia is also using its open week to address injuries and offensive balance following a 27-24 home loss to Auburn.

UCLA defeated Michigan State 28-10, relying on a rushing attack that produced 245 yards. The Bruins' defense forced three turnovers, marking the fifth game this season where they have recorded that many. Kentucky advanced to 6-0 with a 34-17 win over Vanderbilt. The Wildcats have now secured their third winning record in the SEC since 1977.