AP Top 25: Ohio State beats Michigan to #2. FSU, Washington alternate at 4-5.
A week before the Big Ten rivals play another top-five clash, Ohio State overtook Michigan and rose to No. 2 in The Associated Press college football poll Sunday. Washington, at No. 4, switched with Florida State.
Georgia led with 61 first-place votes, a season high. The Bulldogs have led the poll for 23 straight weeks, second only to Southern California (2003-05).
The top five undefeated clubs have kept their spots for five weeks. All reached 11-0 on Saturday, but Sunday's ranking shifted.
Michigan fell from No. 2 following their closest game since the preseason. Without suspended head coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan defeated Maryland 31-24.
“Our team did a great job of staying focused this week,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said after the victory. We stayed in the moment and performed well, which is hard for anyone. However, once in the locker room, it was next week.”
WA won 22-20 on the road against Oregon State, which fell five positions to No. 15 and rose one. The Huskies are at their highest rating since 2016, their only playoff season and the last time the Pac-12 had a team in the CFP.
After defeating FCS North Alabama 58-13, Florida State fell a place but suffered a far worse loss. Quarterback Jordan Travis was carried off the field in the first quarter with a suspected lower left leg injury.
After wins, No. 6 Oregon, No. 7 Texas, No. 8 Alabama, and No. 9 Louisville stayed there, while Missouri rose to No. 10.