Inside the AP Poll: How USF's Shocking Win Over No. 13 Florida Boosted Its Rank

Understanding the Challenges of Voting in the AP Top 25 Poll

Voting in the AP Top 25 college football poll is a complex and subjective process. As someone who has only been a voter for about a month, I’ve already found it difficult to determine how much weight to give a strong win versus a poor loss or a lackluster performance against a weaker opponent. Each voter brings their own perspective, which is why the AP poll includes a diverse group of voters from across the country with varying backgrounds and opinions. This diversity ensures that the poll reflects a wide range of viewpoints, making it inherently subjective.

Ohio State, Penn State, and LSU Maintain Their Dominance

In the latest rankings, Ohio State, Penn State, and LSU continue to hold the top three spots in the AP Top 25. These teams have consistently performed at a high level, earning respect from voters and fans alike. However, the landscape of college football is constantly shifting, and new teams can rise quickly based on impressive performances.

The Case of South Florida: A Team with a Strong Resume

One team that has caught my attention is South Florida (USF). With a 2-0 record, USF has built a compelling resume. Their first win came against Boise State, a team that made the College Football Playoff last season. Then, they pulled off a stunning upset by defeating then-No. 13 Florida in Gainesville. These victories have positioned USF as a strong contender for the Group of 6 spot in the CFP this year.

Boise State's lack of marquee nonconference wins last season didn't stop them from making the playoff, so USF's performance against them could be a crucial factor in the selection committee’s decision. However, this discussion is more about the Week 3 AP poll than the final CFP rankings.

My Personal Ranking and Regrets

When I submitted my ballot, I ranked USF 21st. They weren’t ranked last week, but they did receive votes. Being unranked a week before a big win means that one result could significantly change opinions. I wanted to ensure USF was comfortably in the top 25, which is why I placed them at No. 21. However, looking back, I feel some regret about my choices.

For instance, I placed Clemson seven spots ahead of USF after they lost to LSU and trailed Troy by 13 points in the third quarter. I based my vote on Clemson's potential and talent, but USF has actually delivered results. Similarly, I put Indiana four spots ahead of USF despite their weak schedule against Old Dominion and Kennesaw State. These are not as impressive as USF’s wins.

Notable Changes in the Rankings

It’s encouraging to see that my fellow voters ranked USF higher than I did, allowing them to break into the top 20. That feels right, and I’m impressed by how quickly the rankings adjusted. Florida fell out of the official rankings completely, while USF jumped into the top 20—something that doesn’t happen often for a Group of 6 team.

Other Observations and Thoughts

Arizona State also fell out of the official poll after a poor performance against Mississippi State. I didn’t have them on my ballot either, and their performance was disappointing. While they might still win the Big 12 and make a playoff run, I’m not convinced they’re there yet.

I’m also very high on Iowa State and Utah, and I believe both teams deserve to be ranked higher than they currently are. Fans should keep an eye on the Big 12 this season.

Michigan started the season with a lot of uncertainty, and many voters, including myself, placed them in the 13-18 range. However, their loss to Oklahoma suggests that a ranking in the 20s is more accurate. Oklahoma clearly outperformed Michigan, and the Wolverines still don’t have confidence in their passing game.

Teams That Answered Questions

Several teams stepped up in Week 2, answering questions about their capabilities. Missouri, Illinois, and Baylor all had strong performances, showing they can compete with the best in the country. These results will likely influence future rankings and perceptions of these programs.