Mid-term exams came early this fall for a number of the top football programs in the country.

There were match-ups between high-ranked opponents--in the Big Ten, the SEC, the Pac-12 and the ACC--with some teams facing their first big tests of the still-young season. And, as with all exams, some passed, and some failed.

Here are our CFB rankings after Week 4, from our usual fantasy perspective (won-loss records in parentheses).

 

NCAA College Football (CBB) Rankings

1. Alabama, 5-0

We're not sure Kentucky, an SEC doormat more often than not, counts as a tough test for the Tide, but even a patsy in the SEC is still an SEC team. Tide wide receiver Calvin Ridley finally had a breakout game (11 catches, 174 yards, two TDs), and showed why he'll likely be playing on Sundays in the future.

2. Clemson, 5-0

In arguably the game of the weekend, Deshaun Watson (306 passing yards, five TD passes, 91 rushing yards) out-battled his opposite number--Louisville's Lamar Jackson--to lead the Tigers to victory. Running back Wayne Gallman (110 rushing yards) also had his first big game since Week 1.

3. Ohio State, 4-0

The Buckeyes got off easy against Rutgers (insert joke about easy classes for jocks here). QB J.T. Barrett (238 passing yards, four TD passes) and running back Mike Weber (144 yards rushing on 10 carries, with one TD) continue to put up big numbers for the Big Ten's best team.

4. Michigan, 5-0

Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines might have something to say about the Buckeyes being the Big Ten's best, but we'll have to wait until November to find out. Until then, they provided their own evidence with a solid win over a tough Wisconsin team. Receiver Amara Darboh led the way with 87 yards and a touchdown.

5. Houston, 5-0

The Cougars may have to wait until the Big 12 accepts their membership application--or at least for their match-up with Louisville later this season--before the college football world takes them seriously. But Greg Ward Jr. (389 passing yards, three TD passes, 65 rushing yards, two TDs on the ground) can play with anyone.

6. Washington, 5-0

Remember what we said about some teams failing their "exams" over the weekend? Ironically, Stanford, arguably the toughest school academically in major college football, was one of them. The Huskies mauled the Cardinal on Friday night. QB Jake Browning (210 passing yards) had a solid game, but the two-headed rushing attack of Myles Gaskin (110 yards, two TDs) and Lavon Coleman (74 yards, one TD) was most impressive.

7. Tennessee, 5-0

We were late to the Tennessee train for our own reasons (we're looking at you, Butch Jones), but the Vols know how to win now. QB Josh Dobbs (230 passing yards, three TD throws) led another late comeback, this time with a 43-yard Hail Mary. Georgia ain't Georgia anymore, but Athens is still a tough place to win. And yet, the Vols went there and won.

8. Texas A&M, 5-0

The Aggies debut in our Top 10 after a solid, team win at South Carolina. There's a lot to like about Kevin Sumlin's team (starting with a QB not named Johnny Football), but wide receiver Christian Kirk (12 catches, 61 yards on Saturday) is as good a go-to guy you can have.

9. Boise State, 4-0

We asked the Broncs to beat nemesis Utah State on Saturday, and they did so, albeit without much flash. We still like QB Brett Rypien's NFL bloodlines despite his having an ordinary game (163 yards passing, two TDs).

10. Louisville, 4-1

Look, there's no shame in losing at Clemson. The Tigers have been our No. 1 or No. 2 team all season. And Jackson put on quite a show for the Cardinals with 295 yards passing and 162 yards rushing on the night). Bobby Petrino's team may still be in the mix at season's end.

 

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