Notre Dame has moved into the top 10 for the first time this college football season. The Irish are ranked 9th in the nation in both the USA Today Coaches’ Poll and the Associated Press Poll. Notre Dame moved up two spots after beating in-state rival Purdue 30-14 on Saturday.
Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 6.5 yards per completion. The versatile Golson also led the Irish in rushes, posting 56 running yards and a rushing touchdown. Golson did not give up any interceptions. Golson is undefeated in his career as a starting quarterback for the Irish.
While the Irish continued their steady ascent in the rankings — after starting the season at #17 — two big name programs saw their stock drop last weekend. The Georgia Bulldogs fell 8 places to #14 after losing in a nail biter to SEC rival South Carolina 38 to 35.
ND arch-rival USC fell to #21 after a stunning 37 to 31 upset at the hands of unranked Boston College. USC beat #13 Stanford the previous week in a low scoring 13 to 10 victory. Notre Dame plays both Stanford and USC this season.
The Irish have a bye this week. Their next game is against Syracuse on Saturday, September 27.
Here is the full USA Today Coaches’ Poll:
1. Florida State 2-0
2. Alabama 3-0
3. Oregon 3-0
4. Oklahoma 3-0
5. Auburn 2-0
6. Baylor 2-0
7. Texas A&M 3-0
8. LSU 3-0
9. Notre Dame 3-0
10. UCLA 3-0
11. Michigan State 1-1
12. Ole Miss 3-0
13. Arizona State 3-0
14. Georgia 1-1
15. Stanford 2-1
16. South Carolina 2-1
17. Wisconsin 1-1
18. Ohio State 2-1
19. Missouri 3-0
20. Kansas State 2-0
21. USC 2-1
22. Nebraska 3-0
23. BYU 3-0
24. Clemson 1-1
25. North Carolina 2-0
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