Week 3 AP Poll Reaction

By Owen Pannell | KZA Sports

The 3rd AP poll of the season is here, and after a very interesting week of college football, I’m excited to take a look at it.

1. Ohio State (57) 2-0 -

2. Penn State (5) 2-0 -

3. LSU (2) 2-0 -

4. Oregon (1) 2-0 +2

5. Miami 2-0 -

6. Georgia 2-0 -2

7. Texas 1-1 -

8. Notre Dame 0-1 +1

9. Illinois 2-0 +2

10. Florida State 2-0 +4

11. South Carolina 2-0 -1

12. Clemson 1-1 -4

13. Oklahoma 2-0 +5

14. Iowa State 3-0 +2

15. Tennessee 2-0 +7

16. Texas A&M 2-0 +3

17. Ole Miss 2-0 +3

18. South Florida 2-0 UR

19. Alabama 1-1 +2

20. Utah 2-0 +5

21. Texas Tech 2-0 +3

22. Indiana 2-0 +1

23. Michigan 1-1 -8

24. Auburn 2-0 UR

25. Missouri 2-0 UR

Others receiving votes: Arizona State 94, BYU 92, Georgia Tech 78, Florida 70, USC 64, TCU 58, Mississippi State 52, Louisville 49, SMU 26, Nebraska 10, Tulane 9, Baylor 7, UNLV 5, Pittsburgh 3, Navy 2, Vanderbilt 1, Memphis 1

Dropped from rankings: Arizona State 12, Florida 13, SMU 17

What jumps out

- 11 SEC teams !?!?

There is 11 SEC teams in the top 25, you might call that SEC bias, but honestly it’s valid. The SEC isn’t as good as the Big Ten in terms of the top talent, but it is way deeper and far better overall. There’s also an argument to be made for Florida, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and maybe even Arkansas could be in it. In a not so distant world, 14-15 SEC teams could be ranked.

- Tennessee jumps up 7

I do not think a team should jump 7 spots for killing an FCS team, that’s what’s supposed to happen. However apparently the voters were extremely impressed that the Vols were able to beat East Tennessee State by 55.

- OU only up 5, Michigan still ranked

After the game of the week, I would have expected OU to jump higher, or Michigan be unranked. Oklahoma looked pretty convincing, and if the voters think the Wolverines are still a top 25 team, the Sooners should be in the top 10.

Who got left out?

- BYU

BYU has looked good through the first 2 weeks, they should definitely be ranked in my opinion. They’re 27th in voting, but if they beat ECU on the road this weekend, they should get in.

- Mississippi State

I’m fine with them not being in, I have them 26th in my rankings, but a win over Arizona State should get them recognition at least. They’re 32nd in voting, which is somehow still below Arizona State.

- Georgia Tech

No idea how these guys still aren’t ranked, they certainly deserve it. They play Clemson on Saturday, and that will be a MASSIVE game for both teams.

- Vanderbilt

The Commodores had a nice win vs Virginia Tech, and that should be enough to get them into the top 25. Their roster is a top 25 roster in my opinion, but they need to prove more I suppose.

Who is overrated?

- Texas

The Longhorns are 0% the 7th best team in the country, but they are overrated by the committee like always.

- Notre Dame

The Irish looked pretty bad against Miami, and after playing nobody they move up 1 spot. Just doesn’t make sense.

- Michigan

After a terrible showing vs the Sooners, Michigan should not be ranked. They stay at 23, and there is teams below them that deserve that spot more.

Who is underrated?

- Texas Tech

Tech is a top 10 team in my eyes, and they are all the way down at 21. They’re the best in the Big 12, but Utah and Iowa State are above them.

- Oklahoma

If Michigan is still a top 25 team, OU should definitely be in the top 10. Other than a few mistakes, they put the belt to the Wolverines.

- South Florida

2 top 25 wins in 2 weeks should get you into the top 15 in my opinion. I get they’re a G6 team, but still they should be higher than 18. If they win on Saturday vs Miami, they will jump into the top 10.

You can find Owen Pannell on X here.

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