The Week 9 AP Top 25 Poll has ignited debate among college football analysts, particularly concerning the dramatic rise of USC after its win over Ohio State and the stagnant ranking of Wake Forest, despite a dominant performance. Miami (FL) maintained its No. 1 position with an 8-0 record.
The poll saw USC jump 13 spots to No. 18 following their victory against a Buckeyes team playing without its starting quarterback. This move has been labeled a "laughable overreaction" by critics, especially considering USC's prior loss to Wisconsin, a team that subsequently suffered a significant defeat to Iowa.
Conversely, Wake Forest, standing at 7-1, remained at No. 14 despite a resounding 51-7 win over Virginia. The Demon Deacons have won their last four games by an average of 44 points and have outscored opponents 187-31 in that span. Their only loss was a 13-point margin against top-ranked Miami. Analysts argue that Wake Forest's consistent dominance and sole loss against a top team warrant a higher ranking, suggesting the team is being penalized for playing in a less competitive conference.
While the top five teams in the AP poll were deemed correct, their order has been questioned. Georgia secured the No. 2 spot after defeating Florida. Utah, at 8-0, was placed at No. 3, but concerns were raised about the strength of their schedule compared to UCLA, which also boasts an undefeated record and a notable road win against Oregon. Notre Dame, at No. 4, is also facing scrutiny, with some suggesting their resume does not justify the ranking over undefeated teams.
Another point of contention is the ranking of New Mexico, which sits at No. 22. The Lobos have won seven of their last eight games, with a peculiar scoring trend of exactly 21 points in their last three victories. Analysts suggest that based on this streak alone, New Mexico could warrant a No. 21 ranking.
The College Football Playoff rankings are set to be released on November 3, which will signal a shift in focus for the season's evaluation. However, the current AP poll continues to generate discussion regarding the criteria and perceived biases of voters.