FOOTBALL

New poll pins Michigan football as the nation’s No. 1 team

A new poll, which is more comprehensive than the AP and coaches polls, has Michigan football ranked No. 1.

Published

8 months ago

October 2, 2023

Chris

Sep 30, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Over the weekend, Michigan football destroyed Nebraska in what is seen as the Wolverines’ best win so far this year. Michigan’s 45-7 performance against the Cornhuskers has heads turning nationally, and while the Maize and Blue are still No. 2 in the AP poll, Michigan has climbed to the top in a different outlet’s rankings: USA Today. Every week, USA Today ranks all 133 college football teams, and this week, it’s Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines that grace the top of their list.

USA Today poll pins Michigan football as the nation’s No. 1 team

Georgia, the nation’s No. 1 team, has not lost since its slow outing in the 2021 SEC title game — a performance the Bulldogs avenged in the national title game against Alabama the same season.

This year, a few slow performances — including last weekend’s 7-point win at Auburn — have people questioning if Georgia is really the best team in the nation, or if that title should belong to Michigan football, at least for the time being.

On a national scale, heads are turning, with the Wolverines earning six times more No. 1 votes in this week’s AP poll. That said, if you ask USA Today, that ship has sailed, as the Maize and Blue are currently ranked atop their standings.

In this week’s USA Today 1-133 rankings, Michigan football is pinned as the No. 1 team in the nation, ahead of Georgia (2), Ohio State (3), Washington (4), and Penn State (5). Notably, USA Today also has the Maryland Terrapins (5-0) ranked in the top 25, coming in at No. 23 this week.

So, while Michigan football is yet to earn the No. 1 spot nationally, some outlets are starting to jump the Wolverines to the top heading into Week 6 against Minnesota this Saturday.

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