Over the weekend, several undefeated college football teams faced their first defeats, reshaping the landscape of the rankings. Notably, Miami, Texas Tech, and Ole Miss were among those who lost. In stark contrast, BYU maintained its perfect record, improving to 7-0 for the second consecutive season. This achievement sets the stage for a significant upward movement in the AP Poll.
Strong Performance Boosts BYU’s Ranking Potential
BYU’s recent victory against Utah has helped legitimize their status among national media, a sentiment echoed by sports journalist Chris Vannini. He expressed his newfound belief in the Cougars, recognizing that some critics had previously questioned their strength of schedule and the impact of having a true freshman quarterback.
Changing Perceptions in the Polls
As teams ranked higher endured losses, BYU’s position in the AP Poll is likely to improve. Here’s a list of the top teams that lost during the weekend:
- #2 Miami
- #5 Ole Miss
- #7 Texas Tech
- #10 LSU
- #11 Tennessee
Even the most conservative predictions suggest that BYU will climb several spots, at a minimum surpassing LSU and Tennessee. Here are some possible outcomes:
Ranking Predictions for BYU
| Scenario | Predicted Ranking |
|---|---|
| Worst-Case | 13 |
| Best-Case | 10 |
| Expected Outcome | 11 |
Currently, only six undefeated teams remain in college football, making BYU’s success even more impressive. In a best-case scenario, voters could reward BYU for navigating the season without a loss, potentially propelling them into the top ten. They could surpass not just LSU and Tennessee, but also teams like Notre Dame that have already seen defeats.
Ultimately, as the Cougars aim for a higher ranking in the AP Poll, their ongoing success will be closely monitored. The landscape of college football is ever-evolving, and BYU’s position in the rankings is a testament to their hard work and determination.
