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Josh Furlong’s AP Top 25: Florida State makes a move with no inevitable team
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LOS ANGELES — There is no inevitable team this season — at least one hasn’t shown itself just yet.
Georgia was that team the last two years, and it proved correctly as the two-time reigning national champions. Maybe Georgia is that team again this season, but it doesn’t have that feel. To me, it feels like this is a wide-open year, and because of that my top team is prone to change each week.
This week, Florida State takes my No. 1 spot, while Washington drops. Also, I gave several ranked teams that lost leeway and kept them in my poll, but that was more based on other teams being on a bye week.
Here’s the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press this week that will be counted toward the official consensus poll released later today.
1. Florida State
The Seminoles are not a perfect team, but they’ve got a resume that is as good as any in the country — at least their top wins. Florida State has a win over an LSU team that continues to win and climb the rankings, and a win over a solid Duke team. This feels right this week, but we’ll see.
2. Georgia
Georgia was on a bye week, and I’m still conflicted on the Bulldogs.
3. Michigan
Stealing signs or not, Michigan may be the closest to a team that is inevitable to win a national championship, but their schedule has been incredibly weak. Still, shutting out a rival and put up 49 points still plays — even if it’s a Michigan State team in disarray.
4. Ohio State
With a win over Notre Dame and Penn State, the Buckeyes are quietly putting together a great resume, but this team still feels like it’s missing another gear to make it great. The obvious true test will come against Michigan later in the season. Regardless, Ohio State deserves to be talked about as one of the best teams in the country — maybe No. 1 even?
5. Washington
Washington should be grateful it doesn’t have to play Arizona State anymore. After looking lights out against rival Oregon, Washington looked average against an Arizona State team that has struggled mightily this season. Still, Michael Penix Jr. remains one of the best talents in the sport.
6. Oklahoma
Say it with me Sooner fans: survive and advance. It may not be March, but it’s the closest Oklahoma’s football team will get after being in a fight with a mediocre UCF team. As 20-point favorites, Saturday’s result was definitely a disappointment, but it’s not time to panic yet.
7. Oregon
It has nothing to do with their actual talent level, but the Ducks need to keep the jersey they wore Saturday in regular rotation, but I digress. I still see Oregon as one of the most balanced teams in the Pac-12, but Washington State found a way to attack the Ducks and remain competitive before Dan Lanning’s team pulled away for a win.
8. Texas
A few weeks ago, Texas was back. Oklahoma delivered the first blow, and Houston almost finished the Longhorns off. Texas had no business keeping the game close against Houston, but each week is a different dynamic. But winning ultimately matters.
9. Penn State
Penn State has pretty much everything it needs to compete as a top-tier team, but quarterback play is lacking. Drew Allar can be the guy, but he needs to develop a downfield passing game for the Nittany Lions to take the next step as a program. If Allar can eventually figure it out, Penn State is a dangerous team.
10. Alabama
This pick causes me more internal fights than any other. Alabama isn’t anywhere near the level we’ve seen it be over the last decade and more, but the Crimson Tide are finding ways to piece the season together and get wins. Alabama isn’t great; it’s good. But even good is worthy of the top 10, especially Nick Saban calling the shots.
Checking in: Kansas State
Dropping out: Iowa
In consideration: Miami, Tulane, Fresno State, James Madison
If you can’t see my full ballot below, click here.