Miami Moves Up to #2 in AP College Football Poll; Alabama Still #1

There were some decisive victories by ranked teams aiming for a place in the College Football Playoff or at least a high profile bowl game in the post season over the November 11th weekend, prompting changes in the AP Poll rankings and there will be some movement in the College Football Playoff rankings when they come out later this week.

Alabama (10-0) remained at #1 with a 31-24 win over then #18 Mississippi State. There is a new team at #2 as Miami (9-0) crushed then #3 Notre Dame 41-8. It was basically over at halftime, when the Hurricanes had a 27-0 lead. Miami rushed for 237 yards and forced four turnovers in making a statement that it should be in the discussion for the College Football Playoff.

Miami has games left against Virginia and at Pittsburgh, and will play defending national champion Clemson on December 2nd in the ACC Championship game. Clemson remained at #4 with a 31-14 win over Florida State.

Oklahoma (9-1) took over as the new #3 after beating then #9 TCU 38-20. Wisconsin (10-0) moved up one spot to #5 after blowing out then #20 Iowa 38-14. Wisconsin has been criticized for a soft schedule, but picked up its first victory against a ranked team with the win over the Hawkeyes. Iowa crushed Ohio State 55-24 a week earlier. Speaking of Ohio State, the Buckeyes (8-2) blew out then #12 Michigan State 48-3. Ohio State moved up one place to #8.

While the Buckeyes hope to get into the CFP with a two loss record, another two loss team made a statement that it should be considered to be still in the running. Auburn (8-2) moved up to #6 after demolishing then #2 Georgia 40-17. Auburn plays Louisiana-Monroe nest, and then will be at Alabama on November 25th. Georgia’s (9-1) first loss of the season dropped it to #7 in the AP Poll.