Every game during the season is a potential game-changer for a team's College Football Playoff journey. Last week's upsets , where several top-ranked programs stumbled, serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football . These teams are now eager to bounce back and make their case for a playoff berth in their Week 7 matchups.
After a thrilling weekend of college football , which saw surprising upsets like Vanderbilt's stunning victory over previously undefeated Alabama in a nail-biting 40-35 win , the power rankings by odds have experienced a significant shakeup for the second time this season. Ohio State currently leads the rankings, with Texas hot on their heels in the second spot.
The competition has reached a fever pitch, with the College Football Playoff now expanded to accommodate 12 teams , a significant departure from the previous four-team format. This expansion has opened the door for a larger pool of teams to vie for the national championship, intensifying the battle on the field.
Let's take a closer look at the top contenders to win the championship according to odds as we head into Week 7:
ACC POWER RANKINGS: Miami clings to top spot, Florida State bottoms out after Week 6
College football power rankings: CFP championship odds after Week 6
All numbers from BetMGM college football odds as of Thursday, Oct. 10.
10. Clemson (4-1) (+2500)
Clemson has maintained its ranking for the third consecutive week after defeating Florida State 29-13. Quarterback Cade Klubnik played a key role in the team's success, throwing for 235 yards and two touchdowns. This victory was especially significant as it marked head coach Dabo Swinney's 174th win, passing Florida State's Bobby Bowden for the most coaching victories in ACC history. Now, the Tigers will travel to Wake Forest in Week 7.
9. Penn State (5-0) (+2000)
Penn State extended its winning streak with a 27-11 victory over UCLA despite the absence of star running back Nick Singleton. Quarterback Drew Allar seems to have found his rhythm, completing 17 of 24 attempts for 237 yards and one touchdown and also scoring one touchdown on the ground. Penn State is now looking to maintain its unbeaten streak as it gets ready to take on USC in Week 7.
8. Ole Miss (4-1) (+2000)
In Week 6, Ole Miss returned to winning form with a 27-3 victory over South Carolina , following a close 20-17 loss to Kentucky in Week 5. Quarterback Jaxson Dart put the tough game behind him and completed 14 of 27 pass attempts for 285 yards in the win against the Gamecocks. The team faces a tough challenge as it travels to face LSU in Week 7.
7. Miami (6-0) (+1800)
Miami narrowly secured a 39-38 win over California in their second Atlantic Coast Conference game of the season. Quarterback Cam Ward led the Hurricanes, throwing for 437 yards and two touchdowns, including a crucial five-yard pass in the final seconds for the Week 6 victory. This win was the toughest test yet for Miami, as the Hurricanes also narrowly escaped in Week 5. The Hurricanes now have a much-needed bye week ahead.
Tennessee suffered a heartbreaking last-minute 19-14 loss to Arkansas in Week 6. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava tried to lead the Vols down the field but couldn't find the endzone before time ran out. Iamaleava finished the game completing 17 of 29 attempts for 158 yards against the Razorbacks. Now, the Vols are shifting their focus to the upcoming game against the Florida Gators in Week 7.
5. Oregon (5-0) (+900)
Oregon clinched a 31-10 victory over Michigan State in their second Big Ten conference matchup in Week 6. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel showcased his versatility by throwing for 257 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 22 yards and adding another touchdown on the ground against the Spartans. Oregon is set to host Ohio State in their biggest test of the season in Week 7.
4. Alabama (4-1) (+600)
Alabama suffered a surprising 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt , causing a significant shift in the rankings this week. This marked Vanderbilt's first victory over a top-ranked team, prompting fans to celebrate by tearing down the goal post and carrying it out of the stadium. Jalen Milroe, the Heisman Trophy candidate and quarterback for the Crimson Tide , had a decent against the Commodores , completing 18 of 24 attempts for 310 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but the Alabama defense could not get stops when needed.
3. Georgia (4-1) (+500)
In an exciting Week 6 game, the Georgia Bulldogs bounced back from their first loss of the season to Alabama and defeated Auburn 31-13. Quarterback Carson Beck had an impressive performance, throwing for 240 yards and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs will look to continue their winning ways in Week 7 against Mississippi State .
2. Texas (5-0) (+450)
After several top teams fell in the rankings, Texas had a much-needed bye week and has now moved up to the second spot. Next, the Longhorns will face the Oklahoma Sooners in the 120th edition of the Red River Rivalry, which will be the first one in the SEC conference. The Longhorns will have starting quarterback Quinn Ewers back from an abdominal injury, setting the stage for a must-see Week 7 game.
Ohio State remains at the top spot following another dominant 35-7 victory over Iowa . Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith once again showcased his talent with a remarkable one-handed touchdown catch, proving to be a dependable target for quarterback Will Howard. Howard had an impressive performance, completing 21 of 25 pass attempts for 209 yards and four touchdowns, and he also scored one rushing touchdown. The Buckeyes will aim to maintain their winning streak as they prepare to face the undefeated Oregon in Week 7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football power rankings by odds: Undefeated Ohio State, Texas claim top spots
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