The four undefeated teams at the top of the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll were all pushed to an extent this weekend but survived to retain their rank. But there is a new team in the top five, providing a small measure of clarity on the eve of rivalry weekend.
Georgia holds on to the No. 1 spot once again, named first on 59 of 62 ballots submitted this week. Ohio State remains No. 2 with one first-place nod, though the Buckeyes were in a four-quarter fight at Maryland. No. 3 Michigan had its first close call of the season but got past Illinois, 19-17, thanks largely to kicker Jake Moody, and now have a pair of first-place votes.