THE POST’S TOP TEN

1. Clemson (2-0) (Last week: 1)

The Tigers committed two turnovers, converted just 5-of-14 third downs and still pounded Syracuse, which was supposed to be one of the ACC’s better teams, at the Carrier Dome, 41-6. The gulf between Clemson and the rest of the conference has never been larger.

2. Alabama (3-0) (2)

The Crimson Tide allowed 459 yards of offense and rushed for only 76. Forget the 47-23 victory over South Carolina. Nick Saban will treat this performance like a loss.

3. Georgia (3-0) (3)

Saturday against Notre Dame should provide real insight into the state of the Bulldogs, one of the nation’s most impressive teams so far.

4. Ohio State (3-0) (4)

As the other Big Ten contenders slip, either losing or barely avoiding upsets, the Buckeyes continue to roll, winning their three games by a 138-31 composite.

5. LSU (3-0) (5)

A flat start wasn’t unexpected after the emotional win at Texas. What mattered was the response, a thorough second half to put away Northwestern State. The Big 12 season now begins for Oklahoma and Jalen Hurts. He’s not going to miss the rugged SEC at all.

7. Auburn (3-0) (7)

After two walkovers, the challenges return for Auburn and Bo Nix. First is a trip to College Station on Saturday to face Texas A&M followed by another daunting road game at Florida two weeks later. There are few soft spots in the SEC.

8. Texas (2-1) (8)

There was no LSU hangover. Of course, the opponent — Texas punching-bag Rice — helped. The teams have met 43 times since 1966 and the Longhorns have lost just once.

9. Notre Dame (2-0) (9)

The Irish prepared for a trip to Georgia by mauling New Mexico, 66-14, at home. That’s like going from a third-grade quiz to the SATs.

10. Michigan (2-0) (10)

Jim Harbaugh has two weeks to figure it out, to get his team headed in the right direction, entering Saturday’s visit to Wisconsin. A win shuts everyone up. A loss and the noise increases.