My AP top-25 ballot: Georgia remains No. 1, Florida State rises and five Pac-12 teams 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. Georgia2. Alabama3. Ohio State4. Clemson5. Michigan6. USC7. Florida State8. Tennessee9. Oklahoma State10. Kentucky11. Mississippi12. Oregon13. Cincinnati14. Washington State15. Brigham Young16. Baylor17. Florida18. Utah19. Wake Forest20. Washington21. Texas A&M22. Arkansas23. N.C. State24. Penn State25. Kansas
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