Washington leaps into top five of Power Rankings after Week 5

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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As promised, Week 5 of the 2016 college football season delivered. Clemson and Louisville presented a classic heavyweight bout in the nightcap after Wisconsin-Michigan provided the Big Ten fare that fans were waiting for (or, depending on their predilection, dreaded). Tennessee managed yet another comeback with a miraculous Hail Mary, North Carolina walked-off vs. Florida State and Washington thumped Stanford in a result few saw coming.

Throughout the top 25, a number of contests either extended pre-existing storylines or shook up widely held assumptions. Six teams departed the rankings, paving the way for a Week 6 full of captivating rivalry meetings and conference showcases. With playoff projections picking up meaning by the week, it’s time to start finding some separation in a top 10 that features a tremendous amount of ability and experience.

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Dropped out: Michigan State, Utah, San Diego State, Texas, TCU, Arizona State
Next five: Utah, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, North Dakota State, Georgia

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