Top 10 Time: Vanderbilt Cracks AP Top 10 After Stunning SEC Surge

The Commodores’ historic climb continues as Vanderbilt enters the Associated Press Top 10 for the first time in over 75 years, signaling a seismic shift in SEC football power dynamics.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. | The unthinkable is now a reality: Vanderbilt football is officially a Top 10 team in the nation.

In this week’s Associated Press Top 25 poll, the Commodores vaulted into the No. 9 spot, marking their first Top 10 appearance since 1948. The stunning rise reflects a season of disciplined defense, balanced offense, and a team that has defied every preseason projection in the Southeastern Conference.

Under head coach Clark Lea, a Vanderbilt alumnus who has methodically rebuilt the program around culture and accountability, the Commodores have transformed from an SEC afterthought into a legitimate contender. With recent victories over ranked opponents and a trademark physicality that’s disrupted traditional SEC hierarchies, Vanderbilt’s ascension has the college football world buzzing.

“We’ve built this brick by brick,” Lea said following Sunday’s AP poll release. “Our players believe in what we’re doing, and that belief is showing up on the field every Saturday.”

Second-Half Surge Propels No. 12 Georgia Tech Past Duke to Stay Perfect at 7-0

After a sluggish first half, the undefeated Yellow Jackets exploded offensively behind Haynes King’s 325 total yards and a record-setting defensive score to top Duke 27-18 in Durham.

DURHAM, N.C. | The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets proved once again why they’re one of the most complete teams in college football, shaking off early struggles to surge past Duke 27-18 on Saturday night. With the victory, No. 12 Georgia Tech (7-0, 4-0 ACC) remains unbeaten, marking its best start since 1966 and its first 4-0 start in Atlantic Coast Conference play since 1998.

The Jackets’ offense was nearly invisible early on, managing just 110 total yards in the first half. But a defensive gem from Omar Daniels — a school-record 95-yard fumble return for a touchdown — kept the team even at 7-7 going into the locker room.

That spark carried into the second half. Quarterback Haynes King once again showcased his dual-threat ability, amassing 325 total yards (205 passing, 120 rushing), including 240 in the second half. King directed four consecutive scoring drives after halftime, capped by a 28-yard touchdown run that effectively sealed the victory with just over two minutes remaining.

The Yellow Jackets’ offensive turnaround featured drives of 63, 89, 72, and 71 yards — all ending in points. Meanwhile, the defense adjusted flawlessly, holding the Blue Devils to just 116 yards in the second half before a late score made the final tally more respectable.

On defense, Jy Gilmore led the charge with 11 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a half-sack, and two pass breakups. The Jackets’ defense collectively logged five pass deflections, two sacks, and four quarterback hurries, neutralizing Duke QB Darian Mensah after his strong first half.

Georgia Tech now turns its attention to Homecoming at Bobby Dodd Stadium, where it will face Syracuse next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for noon as the Jackets look to extend their unbeaten streak and strengthen their case as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.

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-- By Michele Robinson

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