AP top 25 poll: Huskies in top-five, USC falls in college football rankings for Week 8
Eight ranked teams lost over the weekend, ensuring that we'll see plenty of change all over this week's AP top 25 college football rankings. That includes some adjustments in the top 10, and in particular in the remarkably competitive Pac-12 during what appears to be its final season.
USC is not just a team with concerns on the defensive side of the ball. As its stunning loss to Notre Dame on the road revealed, the Trojans are also struggling badly in protecting their star quarterback and had issues in special teams, as well, with an uphill climb to get back in the playoff conversation.
That should spell major change in the Pac-12 going forward, especially after Washington made the statement of the week, unleashing its masterful passing attack in a win over ranked Oregon, pushing quarterback Michael Penix into Heisman contention, and staking a claim for the Huskies in the league and playoff hunt.
So where does that leave everyone in the polls? Here's your look at this week's top 25 college football rankings, according to the AP voters.
AP top 25 rankings
First-place votes in parentheses
- Georgia (43)
- Michigan (16)
- Ohio State (1)
- Florida State (1)
- Washington (2)
- Oklahoma
- Penn State
- Texas
- Oregon
- North Carolina
- Alabama
- Oregon State
- Ole Miss
- Utah
- Notre Dame
- Duke
- Tennessee
- USC
- LSU
- Missouri
- Louisville
- Air Force
- Tulane
- Iowa
- UCLA
Biggest movers this week
Louisville (Down 7). A week after beating the Irish, the Cardinals responded with a dud on the road against unranked Pittsburgh.
UCLA (Down 7). Still in the rankings despite two straight losses, the Bruins need to beef up their quarterback play.
USC (Down 8). As expected, the Trojans tumbled after a sloppy loss at Notre Dame that was rife with turnovers and poor protection.
Notre Dame (Up 6). The Irish played strong defense and harassed USC in a statement win and still at 2 losses have a shot at a quality bowl.
Other teams getting votes
These teams didn't qualify for the rankings, but are in striking distance
James Madison 70, Clemson 35, Florida 12, Washington State 11, Fresno State 6, Liberty 5, Kentucky 4, Wyoming 4, Kansas 2, West Virginia 1, Oklahoma State 1, Miami 1.
College football's undefeated teams
SEC: Georgia (7-0)
Big Ten: Michigan (7-0), Ohio State (6-0), Penn State (6-0)
Pac-12: Washington (6-0)
ACC: Florida State (6-0), North Carolina (6-0)
Big 12: Oklahoma (6-0)
Conference USA: Liberty (6-0)
Mountain West: Air Force (6-0)
Sun Belt: James Madison (6-0)
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