My AP top-25 ballot: Georgia remains No. 1, Florida State rises and five Pac-12 included (again)
Submitted to the Associated Press late Saturday night …
One general note on voting philosophy: I have never believed that a loss by a ranked team automatically should result in that team dropping down, or off, the ballot.
The circumstances must be considered. If No. 18 loses a close game to No. 12, at home or on the road, that doesn’t mean it’s no longer worthy of a spot on the ballot.
In fact, No. 18 might deserve to move up under those circumstances.
At the same time, a victorious team doesn’t necessarily deserve to climb — or to be included on the ballot in the first place.
The quality of opponents must be taken into account.
1. Georgia
2. Alabama
3. Ohio State
4. Clemson
5. Michigan
6. USC
7. Florida State
8. Tennessee
9. Oklahoma State
10. Kentucky
11. Mississippi
12. Oregon
13. Cincinnati
14. Washington State
15. Brigham Young
16. Baylor
17. Florida
18. Utah
19. Wake Forest
20. Washington
21. Texas A&M
22. Arkansas
23. N.C. State
24. Penn State
25. Kansas
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