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AP Rankings: College Football Top 25 Week 14
Michigan’s fears realized as USC jumps ahead of the Wolverines in the AP Rankings.
While Ohio State had already locked up their birth in the BCS Championship game in Glendale, Arizona on January 8, their opponent had yet to be determined. After Saturday’s games that picture may have become a little clearer.
Ohio State remained the number one team in college football after defeating Michigan last week. Finishing the season at a perfect 12-0 the Buckeyes now prepare for a BCS title game that is still more than a month away.
Jumping a spot in the rankings is USC, who now claims the number two spot after beating Notre Dame 44-24 on Saturday night. USC now holds a 36 point advantage over Michigan in the AP Rankings. Voters were impressed with the high powered offense displayed by the Trojans who now find themselves in line for a third title since 2003.
Michigan dropped to number three despite not playing. The off week for the Wolverine proved to be their downfall as they had no way of building their case for a rematch with Ohio State. The Wolverines will have to pray for a UCLA victory over USC next Saturday or it’s off to the Rose Bowl for the Wolverines.
Florida remained the number four team in the nation after doing just enough to get by in-state rival FSU 21-14 on Saturday. The Gators weren’t able to do enough to impress the voters to move them any higher. Florid still has an SEC Championship game against Arkansas to build their resume.
The Tigers of LSU jumped four spots to land at number five after knocking off Arkansas on Saturday. The win over the #5 Razorbacks should earn the Tigers an invitation to a BCS Bowl despite the fact they didn’t win the SEC West.
Louisville climbed back into BCS contention after Saturday’s pounding of Pittsburgh to claim the number six spot in voting. The Cardinals can still win the Big East if Rutgers falls next Saturday to West Virginia. While the Cardinals had dreams of reaching the BCS Championship game, they may still have the opportunity for a major BCS Bowl game.
AP Top 25 for Week 14
1. Ohio State (65) 12-0
2. USC 10-1
3. Michigan 11-1
4. Florida 11-1
5. LSU 10-2
6. Louisville 10-1
7. Wisconsin 11-1
8. Oklahoma 10-2
8. Arkansas 10-2
10. Boise State 12-0
11. Auburn 10-2
12. Notre Dame 10-2
13. Rutgers 10-1
14. Virginia Tech 10-2
15. West Virginia 9-2
16. Wake Forest 10-2
17. Tennessee 9-3
17. Texas 9-3
19. Nebraska 9-3
20. Brigham Young 10-2
21. California 8-3
22. Texas A&M 9-3
23. Georgia Tech 9-3
24. Hawaii 10-2
25. Boston College 9-3
