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College Football Rankings AP Poll Overview
The latest college football rankings AP poll has been released, revealing Ohio State and Indiana as the top two teams for the seventh consecutive week. This week marks a significant shift in the rankings as teams gear up for their conference championship games. Notably, Texas A&M has slipped out of the top five for the first time in two months after a disappointing loss to Texas.
Top Teams in the AP Poll
In the latest AP rankings, Ohio State remains undefeated with a 12-0 record, followed closely by Indiana, who also boasts a flawless 12-0 season record. Here are the key highlights from the AP Top 25 rankings:
- 1. Ohio State (12-0)
- 2. Indiana (12-0)
- 3. Georgia (11-1)
- 4. Oregon (11-1)
- 5. Texas Tech (11-1)
- 6. Ole Miss (11-1)
- 7. Texas A&M (11-2)
- 8. Oklahoma (10-2)
- 9. Notre Dame (10-2)
- 10. Alabama (10-2)
Texas Tech achieved its highest ranking in 17 years by climbing to number five, which is a remarkable feat considering their recent performance throughout the season.
Key Matchups Ahead
As conference championship games approach, two exciting matchups are in focus:
- Indiana vs. Ohio State: This matchup features two Heisman Trophy contenders, with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin leading their respective teams.
- Georgia vs. Alabama: This SEC clash is anticipated to be thrilling, given Alabama’s earlier victory over Georgia this season.
Additionally, other key matchups involve Texas Tech playing against No. 11 BYU in the Big 12 championship game, showcasing two formidable teams that have performed excellently this season.
Group of Five Teams Making Waves
This week’s poll also highlighted the success of Group of Five teams, as four have made it into the rankings. This marks the first time in a long while that so many teams from outside the Power Five have been recognized, showcasing the growing competitiveness in college football.
James Madison stands out as the highest-ranked Group of Five team at number 19, moving up the ranks after a successful season, while North Texas, Tulane, and Navy round out the list of Group of Five teams participating in this week’s poll.
Implications for the College Football Playoff
With the regular season concluding, the implications for the college football rankings AP poll on the College Football Playoff positions become critical. The conference championships will likely influence the final rankings heading into the postseason, shaping opportunities for teams vying for the prestigious playoff spots.
Conclusion
As the college football season approaches its climax, the latest AP poll offers insight into the teams who are in contention for the national championship. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the conference championships will unfold, and which teams will ultimately secure their positions in the College Football Playoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the AP college football rankings?
Ohio State and Indiana currently lead the AP college football rankings, both holding perfect records at 12-0.
How did Texas A&M perform in the latest poll?
Texas A&M slipped to 7th place in the rankings after a loss to Texas, marking their departure from the top five for the first time in two months.
Which teams are notable in the Group of Five competitions?
James Madison is the highest-ranked Group of Five team at number 19, alongside North Texas, Tulane, and Navy, which have all made it into the rankings.
What major games should fans look out for this weekend?
Fans should watch the Indiana vs. Ohio State and Georgia vs. Alabama matchups, both of which are critical for determining playoff positions.
How does the AP poll impact the College Football Playoff?
The AP poll impacts the College Football Playoff by influencing seeding and team selections based on performance throughout the season and in conference championships.
