Notre Dame made a big climb up both polls this weekend after winning its third straight game, this time a 28-7 win over Boise State on Saturday afternoon. It was not only the third straight win for the Irish, it was the third straight win by at least 21 points. The Irish have outscored its opponents by an average of 46.7 to 16.7 in the current three game win streak.
Notre Dame jumped up to No. 16 in the Associated Press Poll, which is up five spots from last week's rankings. The Irish are now ranked No. 16 in both polls. Notre Dame moved up because of its own recent dominance, but also thanks to major upsets throughout the country in what was a wild week six of action.
Texas and Penn State entered the weekend ranked in the Top 10, but both teams rightfully fell all the way out of the Top 25 after their losses this weekend. Penn State lost to previously winless UCLA by a 42-37 score. UCLA scored first and led the remainder of the game. Texas was also dominated by previously 1-3 Florida by a 29-21 score, and the Longhorns scored late to make it as close as the final score shows.
The Irish lost to No. 2 Miami and No. 5 Texas A&M to start the season. Notre Dame lost those two games by a combined four points. Miami jumped ahead of Oregon to move up to No. 2 after its 28-22 road win over now No. 25 Florida State. The Seminoles are the only other 3-2 teams remaining in the Top 25 after week six. Like Notre Dame, both of Florida State's losses were to teams currently ranked in the Top 25, whereas Penn State and Texas both have bad losses to unranked teams with losing records.
None of Notre Dame's other opponents are currently ranked, although USC and Navy both received votes. USC will get a chance to jump back into the Top 25 if it can beat No. 15 Michigan this weekend.
Here is the complete AP rankings after week six:
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0)
2. Miami Hurricanes (5-0)
3. Oregon Ducks (5-0)
4. Ole Miss Rebels (5-0)
5. Texas A&M Aggies (5-0)
6. Oklahoma Sooners (5-0)
7. Indiana Hoosiers (5-0)
8. Alabama Crimson Tide (4-1)
9. Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-0)
10. Georgia Bulldogs (4-1)
11. LSU Tigers (4-1)
12. Tennessee Volunteers (4-1)
13. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-0)
14. Missouri Tigers (5-0)
15. Michigan Wolverines (4-1)
16. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-2)
17. Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1)
18. BYU Cougars (5-0)
19. Virginia Cavaliers (5-1)
20. Vanderbilt Commodores (5-1)
21. Arizona State Sun Devils (4-1)
22. Iowa State Cyclones (5-1)
23. Memphis Tigers (6-0)
24. South Florida Bulls (4-1)
25. Florida State Seminoles (3-2)
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