Florida State and Florida are the two state schools still standing in this week’s AP Top 25 poll. Both teams were idle over the weekend, but moved ahead one spot each to 12th and 14th, respectively.
Miami fell out of the top 25 following their big loss at Virginia Tech on Thursday, their third straight. The Hokies earned enough support to be ranked 25th, one week after falling out of the poll because of an embarrassing loss to Syracuse.
South Florida, who received top 25 consideration last week, did not fare as well this week following their defeat at the hands of Temple on Friday.
Alabama is again the overwhelming choice for the top spot. The Crimson Tide earned 60 of 61 first place votes. Michigan, the new No. 2, earned the other.
Ohio State, a solid number two most of the year, fell to No. 6 after their upset at the hands of Penn State. Penn State is now ranked No. 24. Despite their loss, the Buckeyes are not done in their quest to make the championship playoffs.
Florida State has an opportunity to jumble the top five this weekend as they host No. 3 Clemson. In one of three games pitting ranked teams against the other, the recently improved Seminoles’ defense will face an enormous test against Deshaun Watson and the Tigers’ offense.
Fourth-ranked Washington will be tested this week when they travel to No. 17 Utah. Seventh-ranked Nebraska must travel to Wisconsin to face a tough Badger team ranked No. 11.
After putting eight teams in the top 25 last week, the SEC is down to six. One of those dropping out was the former No. 17 Arkansas after their 56-3 pasting at the hands of No. 15 Auburn. The Tigers have vaulted from unranked status two weeks ago to earn their current ranking.
The Big 10 and ACC placed five teams in the top 25, while the Pac 12 and Big 12 had three each. The Mid American, Mountain West and American Conference had one each.
The Top 25 poll can be found here.
