Maintaining Perfection: Tracking the Unbeaten Teams in College Football
As we progress through October in the 2024 college football season, the excitement ramps up as teams vie for supremacy and the coveted perfect season. Midway through Week 9, the landscape reveals that only nine Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams remain undefeated, each with aspirations of finishing the regular season without a blemish.
The Undefeated Landscape
The current crop of unbeaten teams is a tantalizing assembly. The Big Ten leads with three teams, showcasing the conference’s strength. Meanwhile, the Big 12, Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and American Athletic Conference (AAC) each boast two unbeaten squads. Meanwhile, the powerhouse SEC lost its final undefeated representative after Georgia’s decisive victory over Texas in Week 8, further setting the stage for an exhilarating end to the regular season.
A Glance at the Rankings:
Teams are listed according to their ranking in the latest Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll, then sorted alphabetically for easy reference.
No. 1 Oregon
Record: 7-0 (4-0 Big Ten)
Last Game: Defeated Purdue, 35-0
Last Undefeated Season: 1916 (7-0-1, won Rose Bowl)
Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks are turning heads this season, maintaining their position at the top of the rankings following a commanding win against Purdue. The Ducks have regained their momentum after defeating Ohio State and are set to face No. 20 Illinois in Week 9 before an intriguing matchup with Michigan at the Big House on November 2. If they navigate this challenging stretch, the Ducks could be in line for a shot at the Big Ten championship.
No. 3 Penn State
Record: 6-0 (3-0 Big Ten)
Last Game: Defeated Southern Cal, 33-30 (OT)
Last Undefeated Season: 1994 (12-0, won Rose Bowl)
The Nittany Lions showcased grit in their last outing, overcoming a 20-6 halftime deficit to pull off a thrilling overtime win against Southern California. With a bye week allowing time for preparation, the team’s focus will turn to their clash against Wisconsin in Week 9, followed closely by a significant matchup against Ohio State, one that could shape the Big Ten title race.
No. 6 Miami (Fla.)
Record: 7-0 (3-0 ACC)
Last Game: Defeated Louisville, 52-45
Last Undefeated Season: 2001 (12-0, won BCS National Championship Game)
The Hurricanes have proven their offensive prowess, surviving a high-scoring affair against Louisville led by quarterback Cam Ward, who threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns. With their sights set on in-state rival Florida State coming up on October 26, Miami looks to keep the momentum rolling and maintain its perfect record.
No. 10 Iowa State
Record: 7-0 (4-0 Big 12)
Last Game: Defeated UCF, 38-35
Last Undefeated Season: N/A
Emerging as an unexpected contender, Iowa State continues to surprise fans and analysts alike. After a close win over UCF, the Cyclones are enjoying their first 7-0 start in decades. Next on the schedule is Texas Tech on November 2, as they aim to sustain their unbeaten streak and fully assert their place in the Big 12.
No. 11 BYU
Record: 7-0 (4-0 Big 12)
Last Game: Defeated Oklahoma State, 38-35
Last Undefeated Season: 1984 (13-0, won national championship)
In its second season in the Big 12, BYU is exceeding expectations, securing ranked victories against both Kansas State and SMU. After a nail-biting victory over Oklahoma State, the Cougars face UCF in a pivotal matchup in Week 9, as they strive to stay unbeaten and shift conversations across college football.
No. 13 Indiana
Record: 7-0 (4-0 Big Ten)
Last Game: Defeated Nebraska, 56-7
Last Undefeated Season: 1945 (9-0-1)
In a statement win, Indiana blasted past Nebraska with an impressive 56-7 scoreline. The Hoosiers are quietly making noise in the Big Ten, as they prepare for their upcoming challenge against Washington. This unexpected performance is capturing the attention of fans, who are eager to see how deep into the season they can sustain their perfect record.
No. 19 Pittsburgh
Record: 6-0 (2-0 ACC)
Last Game: Defeated California, 17-15
Last Undefeated Season: 1976 (12-0, won national championship)
Pitt is experiencing a resurgence this season, led by transfer redshirt freshman Eli Holstein, who has become a dynamic playmaker. After edging California, the Panthers will lean on their momentum during a bye week, before resumed action against Syracuse, as they mend a path toward maintaining their strong standing in the ACC.
No. 23 Army
Record: 7-0 (6-0 American)
Last Game: Defeated East Carolina, 45-28
Last Undefeated Season: 1958 (8-0-1)
Army’s impressive performance cannot be overlooked, as they hold the longest win streak in FBS football with an active eleven consecutive wins. With a potent offense averaging over 38 points per game, they look poised for an exciting upcoming revamp against a challenging Notre Dame later this season, potentially charting their course toward the playoffs.
No. 24 Navy
Record: 6-0 (4-0 American)
Last Game: Defeated Charlotte, 51-17
Last Undefeated Season: 1926 (9-0-1)
Navy has found its stride, achieving a perfect record that matches its previous year’s successes. With a decisive victory over Charlotte under its belt, Navy’s next major test against Notre Dame could serve as a decisive moment for their season. Each week brings new opportunities for the Midshipmen to bolster their playoff aspirations.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the exciting chase for a perfect season draws in fans from all corners, heightening the drama as our undefeated teams continue their quests amid the unpredictable nature of college football. Each game represents another step on the road to history, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
