Oregon still leads the AP Top 25 poll, Ohio State and Miami plummet after upset losses
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Oregon remains at the top of the AP Top 25 college football poll for the seventh consecutive week, following a dominant 49-21 victory over the Washington Huskies. The Ducks, who are the only unbeaten team in the country at 12-0, maintain their position as the number one team in the nation. However, significant changes took place behind them in the rankings, with many teams shifting after a weekend of upsets and surprising outcomes.
Texas moved up to the No. 2 spot in the rankings after a 17-7 win over Texas A&M. The Longhorns are now preparing to face Georgia in the SEC championship game this Saturday. This result bumped Texas ahead of Penn State, Notre Dame, Georgia, and Tennessee, all of whom advanced one spot in the rankings. Penn State, Notre Dame, and Tennessee all finished the regular season with impressive 11-1 records, while Georgia, with a 10-2 record, remained strong despite their loss to Alabama earlier in the season.
Ohio State experienced a significant drop in the rankings following a shocking 13-10 loss to unranked Michigan, marking the Buckeyes’ second defeat of the season. This upset dropped Ohio State five places, from No. 2 to No. 7 in the poll. Ohio State’s loss, which severely weakened their College Football Playoff hopes, came after their first defeat of the season earlier in the year.
Miami, which had been ranked much higher earlier in the season, fell to No. 14 after a heart-wrenching 42-38 loss to Syracuse. This loss effectively ended the Hurricanes’ chances at a spot in the ACC title game, causing them to drop significantly in the rankings from the top 10. Despite a strong start to the season, Miami’s recent struggles have seen them slide down the standings, leaving them with a 10-2 record.
On a positive note, Boise State saw its undefeated conference run rewarded with a place in the top 10, moving into the No. 10 position after finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record. The Broncos’ rise is a testament to their impressive play throughout the season and their strong finish to conference play.
With the regular season now complete, the fifth edition of the College Football Playoff rankings is set to be released on Tuesday. These rankings will play a crucial role in determining the matchups for this weekend’s championship games, including key contests in the Big Ten, SEC, and other conferences, which could ultimately influence the teams that make the playoffs.
The updated AP Top 25 rankings show plenty of changes, with many teams on the move after unexpected results in the final games of the regular season. Oregon’s continued dominance atop the poll has solidified their place as the team to beat, while teams like Texas, Penn State, and Notre Dame remain in strong contention for playoff spots. Meanwhile, teams like Ohio State and Miami are left to regroup after surprising losses that cost them crucial spots in the rankings.
Here is the latest AP Top 25:
- Oregon Ducks (12-0)
- Texas Longhorns (11-1)
- Penn State Nittany Lions (11-1)
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1)
- Georgia Bulldogs (10-2)
- Tennessee Volunteers (10-2)
- Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2)
- SMU Mustangs (11-1)
- Indiana Hoosiers (11-1)
- Boise State Broncos (11-1)
- Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3)
- Arizona State Sun Devils (10-2)
- South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3)
- Miami Hurricanes (10-2)
- Ole Miss Rebels (9-3)
- Iowa State Cyclones (10-2)
- BYU Cougars (10-2)
- Clemson Tigers (9-3)
- UNLV Rebels (10-2)
- Colorado Buffaloes (9-3)
- Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3)
- Missouri Tigers (9-3)
- Syracuse Orange (9-3)
- Army Black Knights (10-1)
- Memphis Tigers (10-2)
With championship games on the horizon, the race for the College Football Playoff spots is intensifying. Teams like Texas, Penn State, and Notre Dame will be looking to secure their places in the playoff mix, while others, like Ohio State and Miami, will aim to regroup and finish strong. The upcoming rankings will set the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the college football season.
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