Week 7 College Football Power Rankings

This season has been full of surprises so far, and it won't change anytime soon. From App State beating A&M to Kansas being 5-1, fans have been treated to a cartload of parity. However, rankings still matter, and here are my top 15 heading into Week 7.

1. Georgia

A bounce-back dominant win over Auburn after mediocre performances versus Missouri and Kent State was just what the doctor ordered. Kirby Smart and company are just as dominant as ever.

2. Ohio State

CJ Stroud is living up to expectations and the Buckeyes are rolling. And while Big Ten showdowns are looming, they may be the most complete team in the country.

3. Clemson

The Tigers pulled off late wins against ranked opponents and conference foes NC State and Wake Forest before beating up on lowly Boston College. Their defense might be the best in the nation and a favorable schedule makes them a near-playoff lock.

4. Alabama

Nick Saban versus Jimbo Fisher lived up to the hype, and the Tide barely squeaked out a win at home. So while Bryce Young's health and a matchup in Knoxville are the proverbial elephants in the room, it's hard to leave 'Bama out of the top four for now.

5. Tennessee

Hendon Hooker is a legitimate Heisman candidate and the nation is on notice. The Vols offense cruised over LSU and can roll with anyone. Josh Heupel is turning that program around fast, however Nick Saban comes to town this week and will certainly be looking to quiet the Neyland faithful.

6. USC

The Trojans had huge expectations coming into the season after bringing in Lincoln Riley, and for now they remain the best team in California. Caleb Williams may not be everyone's favorite quarterback but hs supporting cast is as strong as ever. A big showdown against ranked Utah could dampen the party though.

7. Michigan

Their schedule difficulty has been suspect, but a big road win in Indiana got some people looking. Their biggest tests will be ahead of them with Penn State and Ohio State looming, but for now Jim Harbaugh and the maize faithful still deserve some respect.

8. Ole Miss

Lane Kiffin challenged his fanbase two weeks ago and has since delivered. A big win over ranked Kentucky followed by a beatdown of Vanderbilt set them up well against struggling Auburn this weekend. however the opportunistic offense will be forced to face strong defenses down the stretch, like Alabama, and go to hostile environments like LSU and Texas A&M.

9. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys play their next four games against ranked teams (@ TCU, Texas, @ Kansas State, Kansas) so their work will be cut out for them. We'll also be able to find out who they really are, albeit their 6-0 record speaks for itself right now.

10. Penn State

Don't sleep on the Nittany Lions. While they have an extremely tough matchup in Ann Arbor this weekend, they've already gone and beaten Purdue on the road and Auburn on the road. Yes, Michigan is much tougher, but I wouldn't put it past them to win or at least cover. They're playing like a top ten team in Happy Valley.

11. UCLA

Wins against then-ranked Washington and now Utah have propelled UCLA into the national discussion. For now they sit on a bye, but will travel to Oregon next week for a huge showdown that could help decide the PAC-12 power structure. At the very least, they have reignited the conversation about the best team in Cali.

12. TCU

The Horned Frogs spoiled the party in Lawrence last week with a win over Kansas. And while wuarterback health could be a question mark, TCU is still in the hunt for the Big 12 Title and a potential berth in the New Year's Six. Their two biggests tests are ahead of them with Kansas State and Oklahoma State, but both are in Fort Worth.

13. Oregon

A first week loss at the hands of Georgia was expected and Bo Nix has been hot and cold. Despite that, Oregon has weathered the storm and remains a contender in the PAC-12. I like them at thirteen but no higher. Other teams around the country have seemingly done more with less.

14. Wake Forest

Their only loss is to Clemson in overtime, so they just barely eek out a nod over rival NC State because the Demon Deacons have an impressive win on the road versus Florida State. I'm not entirely sold on Wake Forest, but their resume and record speak for themselves, not every win is pretty.

15. Mississippi State

Mike Leach is winning in multiple ways with the Bulldogs and back-to-back home victories over Texas A&M and Arkansas have given them a jolt of confidence. They'll need it when they face ranked teams in four of their next six matchups, including Alabama and Ole Miss on the road. But perhaps if any QB can do it, Heisman candidate Will Rogers can.

The best is still ahead in the season, and you bet fans from Kansas State, Syracuse, NC State, Kansas, and Texas have gripes with my top 15 -- though I guarantee it'll change before we know it.