Michigan remains #4 in AP Poll
After a big win but a 2nd straight week of not blowing out an opponent, UM retains the #4 spot in the AP poll but just barely. In total votes, we’re 3 ahead of Clemson. To put that in perspective, both OSU at #3 and USC at #6 are more than 100 points away from us or Clemson. Here’s to destroying the Hoosiers and giving ourselves some breathing room.
Bama also hops Georgia to retake the top spot (by 2 votes!). The other B1G school in the top 25 is Penn State at #10. Maryland, Minnesota, Illinois, and Purdue all received some votes.
- Alabama (25)
- Georgia (28)
- Ohio State (10)
- Michigan
- Clemson
- USC
- Oklahoma State
- Tennessee
- Ole Miss
- Penn State
- Utah
- Oregon
- Kentucky
- NC State
- Wake Forest
- BYU
- TCU
- UCLA
- Kansas
- Kansas State
- Washington
- Syracuse
- Mississippi State
- Cincinnati
- LSU
Also receiving votes: Washington State 91, Baylor 88, Florida State 78, Arkansas 76, James Madison 39, Florida 37, Maryland 25, Coastal Carolina 17, Minnesota 14, Tulane 9, Illinois 6, North Carolina 5, Texas A&M 4, Purdue 2, Oklahoma 2
October 3rd, 2022 at 7:13 AM ^
Let’s not act like OSU has played a tough schedule thus far… They haven’t left the shoe yet and won’t really be tested until Oct 29. Won’t really know if they are good defensively until they play Maryland. Neither their ND win or their Wisky win looks good right now. Don’t think they could handle Georgia at all. Bama is the best team so far. I think the polls are right. I’d probably flip us and OSU but we will settle that on the field.
October 3rd, 2022 at 11:15 AM ^
Don’t think they could handle Georgia at all.
Have you watched Georgia the past two weeks? I'd give OSU, Clemson, and UM a good shot against Georgia right now. They are not the same team from last year.
October 3rd, 2022 at 2:01 PM ^
Not buying it... All 3 would be -10 at least...
October 3rd, 2022 at 3:10 PM ^
Georgia was a 27.5 point favorite against Missouri and won in the final minutes taking the lead for the first time in the game.
Georgia was a 42.5 point favorite against Kent State and won by 17 after Kent State getting to within 10 in the 4th quarter.
I'm not saying Georgia can't turn it around, if it was a single game I would shrug it off. But usually when these types of questionable performances string together, there are reasons for it and areas teams can exploit.
October 3rd, 2022 at 8:10 AM ^
If you are interested to see who voted for us and where each week, here's the link - LINK
Of note this week, Brett McMurphy had us at #4. Rece Davis went with #6. Two voters even had us at #7.
October 3rd, 2022 at 8:20 AM ^
I don't ever recall a team going from #5 to #40 in 2 weeks.
October 3rd, 2022 at 9:05 AM ^
October 3rd, 2022 at 10:20 AM ^
I am interested in knowing ... A) the two writers who feel Oklahoma is the 25th ranked team in the country - OR - B) the one writer who thinks Oklahoma is the 24th ranked team in the country.
What do they have besides the name?
P.S. - Though I believe it's still a couple of years away - I am going to love seeing both Oklahoma and Texas play in the SEC.
October 3rd, 2022 at 1:17 PM ^
I could foresee, under the right circumstances, Texas rising to the occasion. Oklahoma feels like it is in major trouble.
October 3rd, 2022 at 8:21 AM ^
I'm a bit surprised Maryland is not in the top-25. They probably ought to be at this point. 4-1 and the only loss being by seven on the road against the #4 team.
October 3rd, 2022 at 11:00 AM ^
They don’t have the SEC-stamp of approval. All one-loss spots are held for them.
October 3rd, 2022 at 8:30 AM ^
psu committed 5 turnovers against NU, and none of them turned into points..... if they do that against any team with an offense, they're not going to win.... franklin and co could very well be looking at a three game losing streak in the coming weeks
October 3rd, 2022 at 1:35 PM ^
They were playing in the outer bands of the hurricane. They will be awake when they come to Ann Arbor.
October 3rd, 2022 at 8:50 AM ^
I love polls - and the opinions sportswriters share on various items.
This week's poll and a recent "CFP teams" projection come to mind.
Of the teams mentioned in the AP Poll - include "also receiving votes" - ten (10) of the 14 teams in the SEC are noted. The four (4) SEC teams without a vote are: 1) Vanderbilt, 2) South Carolina, 3) Mizzou, and 4) Auburn.
Last week, ESPN had an article about "teams who will make the CFP" - one writer projected these four teams in the CFP - Georgia, Alabama, the Bucks, and Tennessee. Only three (3) SEC teams in his projection. The writer who provided that insightful perspective was Chris Low.
In this week's poll - seven (7) teams in the B1G received at least a single vote, six (6) ACC teams were noted, six (6) Big 12 teams, and six (6) Pac 12 teams. The ratio at this time is - about 50% of a conference's teams - unless, of course, you're the SEC.
I'll accept that the top of the SEC is good - but, there's quite a bit of "not so good" football being played in that conference too.
One play, one series, and one game at a time. Go Blue!
October 3rd, 2022 at 8:59 AM ^
What difference does it make? Let's see where we are at the end of the season. The rest of this stuff is pure BS. I'm no Trump guy, but remember Hillary Clinton was ahead in the polls on the morning of election day.
October 3rd, 2022 at 11:19 AM ^
Just informing the masses that this poll exists, for the people who care. Also nice false equivalent. Polls for who someone is going to vote for or did vote for is different than a poll of who is the best team. Same word, different meaning. Welcome to the English language.
October 3rd, 2022 at 1:10 PM ^
When voters think Texas A and M, Florida, and LSU are quality wins and Maryland is not its a problem.
October 3rd, 2022 at 9:08 AM ^
Tuck Comin'.... MeLLLL that is.
October 3rd, 2022 at 9:17 AM ^
Polls shouldn't even come out till week 6
October 3rd, 2022 at 9:18 AM ^
Maryland not getting any love yet for playing us tough in the Big House.
October 3rd, 2022 at 10:39 AM ^
Yea, but who have they beat? Any team w/ a pulse?
October 3rd, 2022 at 1:19 PM ^
Michigan State...oh wait.
October 3rd, 2022 at 9:20 AM ^
I like that we're still #4 because we beat the teams that we're supposed to beat, by the margin that we're supposed to beat them..... It truly feels like Michigan football is back..
They said Maryland would be "the test" Check!
They said Iowa was going to be a "struggle" Check!
..... Onward! Go Blue!
October 3rd, 2022 at 9:40 AM ^
We’re still at a point where the polls mean nothing. You could make a case for or against any team right now where they’re ranked. It’s nothing to lose sleep over.
I will say, as one of the many people who get sick of the SEC bias, that I was still very surprised over that Georgia/Missouri score.
Also really weird to see the Fighting Creamsicles of Tennessee at #8.
October 3rd, 2022 at 9:41 AM ^
In addition to the Clemson love, you'll hear talking heads knobwash USC this week.
We'll need to nuke IU this weekend if we want to hold on at #4.
October 3rd, 2022 at 9:49 AM ^
Yeah, but a win over a top ten psu the week after would put us back up
October 3rd, 2022 at 10:01 AM ^
CRISP,
I think we'll also hear a few things this week - the "key" matchup between LSU and Tennessee - two tremendous SEC Powers - with the loser, deserving to "move up" in the polls because of their talent - and tremendous schemes.
As for Clemson - they just "destroyed" an NC State team that defeated East Carolina in week one by one (1) point: 21-20. Yes, NC State is a power - in a toothless ACC. East Carolina missed a PAT, and - had an opportunity to take a lead with a few seconds remaining in the game - but, the East Carolina Pirates missed a 42 yard game winning field goal attempt.
You can't pick the teams you play - you can only play your schedule. But, I believe that USC's opponents have a combined record of 9-14 thus far. So, they haven't exactly been playing world beaters. I do think Lincoln Riley's USC Offense will be creative - but, their D appears to have carried over the Big 12 tradition of - "Defense? What is defense?"
The media is going to continue their love for certain teams. And, of course, the Texas A&M matchup with Bama - will get more air time than Paul Finebaum can fill.
October 3rd, 2022 at 10:24 AM ^
USC's getting overhyped already because of the coach, the uniform, and a few star players. They haven't been that impressive so far for a team playing in the weakest P5 league
41-28 over Stanford
17-14 over Oregon State
42-25 over ASU
That's not a top 5 team
October 3rd, 2022 at 10:38 AM ^
Yep. They have Utah at #11 in a couple weeks. The media wants USC in the playoff discussion really really really bad. An otherwise deserving team will get leaped if USC manages a win against an ostensible top 10 opponent.
Playoff expansion will be a good thing, IMO.
October 3rd, 2022 at 10:51 AM ^
USC was 4-8 last year. Getting Lincoln Riley alone was enough for them to be preseason #10. So yeah, it was pretty obvious back in the summer that the media desperately wants USC as high as possible.
October 3rd, 2022 at 11:01 AM ^
CRISP - I agree on the two points - A) the media wants USC in the discussion - and, it seems that the Trojans may play two ranked teams during their regular season - Utah and UCLA. And B) playoff expansion will be a good thing.
What I find interesting is - there's an assumption that many (including me) make - which is - there are going to be two SEC teams in a four team playoff.
My perspective from the start of the CFP was this - if a team is a member of a conference - the first team selected from that conference to be represented in the CFP MUST be the conference champion.
The CFP Selection Committee devalued conference championships years ago - and, to be fair - the BCS did it too. In the case of the CFP - when they selected / invited the Bucks the CFP over Penn State - it was a key decision. In that season - Penn State won the B1G Conference - the Bucks did not even win the Division. Penn State defeated the Buck "head to head". And, the CFP determined the Bucks were the more deserving - and "better" team. To me - that solidified my thinking and belief that the CFP - and BCS before it - is just a glorified beauty contest. Which teams are the prettiest - or most talented - seem most impressive - or - "hey, they are always good".
The CFP Selection Committee has negated results - "on the field" - in favor of teams that "look good" - have great, talented rosters - or, "would have won if they made a field goal, or committed fewer turnovers." And, in that latter case - my view is as follows - Make your field goals. Protect the football and don't commit costly turnovers. Oh - win the games you play.
My preference for an expanded playoff would have been 8 teams - with the five (5) P5 Champs as auto bids, at least one Group of Five conference champion - and any remaining spots to be at-large invitations. No conference can have more than two (2) teams in the CFP.
October 3rd, 2022 at 11:39 AM ^
Ugh…I hate that you’re making me defend OSU circa 2016 but they did have one loss to Penn State’s two losses. Yes, they shouldn’t have been given that favorable spot against us but it went into the record book as a win for them.
The bigger crime was OSU in 2014 getting in over the other 1 loss teams when OSU’s one loss was the worst. But like you said, it’s a beauty contest for teams that look good and will bring in the higher ratings.
October 3rd, 2022 at 11:50 AM ^
Historian - I appreciate your perspective - and, my apologies for putting you in a position where you needed to defend a specific point - especially, a point as repulsive as you noted.
My view is - are conference championships important? I believe the answer is "yes". And, my view appears to obviously contradict what the various Selection Committees perspectives have been.
So, if Conference Championships aren't important - then, why bother even having conferences? Why bother playing a conference season? From now on - let's just interview teams in August - and, get a feel for - "who the playoff teams should be" - which team should win the "congeniality" award.
One aspect that irks me about this is - a team that doesn't win it's division - and, doesn't need to play in its conference championship - is invited to play for the national championship. To me - there's more than a bit of irony. A team can't win it's division - or it's conference - yet, because it's a "pretty" team - it gets an invitation to the National Championship party. Which - negates the results of actual games that are played.
It is a beauty contest. It's been a beauty contest. And, if we're candid - the Selection Committee has a "crush" on Southern Belles...
October 3rd, 2022 at 9:52 AM ^
I work closely with a Clemson fan (wife went there), and every week he wants to hear my argument on why Clemson shouldn't be ahead of Michigan. Maryland might end up being better than Wake and in the top 20, and a win at Iowa is very impressive, but I really don't know what to tell him? They just handled NC State, a top 10 team at the time, and we really haven't played anyone outside of the two games I just mentioned.
October 3rd, 2022 at 10:08 AM ^
mm, here are my quick thoughts - some of which I shared in another comment.
Clemson - I credit the environment on Saturday evening - it looked fantastic.
However, thus far - Clemson has defeated - arguably - two teams of note - Wake Forest - which required OT, and NC State. That powerhouse - the NC State Wolfpack - defeated the East Carolina Pirates in week one - by a score of 21-20. East Carolina missed a PAT (which would have tied the game) - and - a field goal attempt with a few seconds remaining in the game - which would have won the game for them.
Is Clemson a good team? I think so. How strong is the ACC? I'll let you make your own decision - but, the conference as a whole - doesn't appear to be all that powerful.
The two turnover margin on Saturday evening - probably wouldn't have changed the outcome of the game - and, Clemson deserves credit for that.
Clemson travels to Boston College this weekend - and, it's going to be easy to root for those BC Eagles.
October 3rd, 2022 at 9:52 AM ^
I work closely with a Clemson fan (wife went there), and every week he wants to hear my argument on why Clemson shouldn't be ahead of Michigan. Maryland might end up being better than Wake and in the top 20, and a win at Iowa is very impressive, but I really don't know what to tell him? They just handled NC State, a top 10 team at the time, and we really haven't played anyone outside of the two games I just mentioned.
October 3rd, 2022 at 10:26 AM ^
I would tell him that Michigan needs to lose for Clemson to pass. The ACC is fraudulent as usual.
October 3rd, 2022 at 1:19 PM ^
The ACC is the Big Ten west plus Clemson.
OSU would smoke the entire conference.
UM would smoke the entire conference.
Penn State would probably do exactly what Clemson is doing.
The ACC is trash. You either have shit defense or a wonky offense. Nobody is solid on both sides of the ball.
October 3rd, 2022 at 10:10 AM ^
Michigan has a slim margin over Clemson in total points. It's a little surprising but let's just keep winning.
It's OK Penn State in up to #10 as it will be a quality win in less than two weeks for the Maize and Blue.
October 3rd, 2022 at 1:20 PM ^
Hope so. That's a good PSU team that makes me a little nervous.
October 3rd, 2022 at 1:30 PM ^
Wish it was a night game. Missed opportunity.
October 3rd, 2022 at 11:18 AM ^
Oklahoma recruits well, results lacking on the field.
October 3rd, 2022 at 11:23 AM ^
OSU should have jumped Georgia, or even up to 1, based on performances, but I know SEC and recency bias.
Also, I hate that I’m saying this.
October 3rd, 2022 at 12:20 PM ^
Why is everyone sold on OSU defense being an actual defense?
October 3rd, 2022 at 1:24 PM ^
They're decent this year - not like the train wrecks of 2020 and 2021. Seems like they're in the backfield and putting a lot more pressure on the QB and RBs. The one real flaw might be at CB but I realize they've had injuries and people out back there. What is it about their defense that you seem not to like?
October 3rd, 2022 at 5:36 PM ^
Only 3 scholly cbs right now, maybe the weakness and the fact they haven’t really played anyone tough as we reanalyze ND and Wisky… Georgia and Bama have better wins for sure.
October 4th, 2022 at 11:17 AM ^
I'd hold off on ND not being a good team as I've read that their lines (combined) are top 5 in the country. Their problem has been at QB and depth at WR and if they get those positions playing well-OK, they could end up being a very good team.
October 3rd, 2022 at 1:27 PM ^
You didn’t get the memo? They focused on being tough and physical ALL off season.
The yare now the biggest, toughest, most physicalist, most agressivist team ever. It’s what I’m hearing, All the best people are saying it.
You know it, I know it, everybody knows it - bigly toughest, physicalist.
October 3rd, 2022 at 7:17 PM ^
Linebackers aren’t hiding behind linemen so they don’t have to get bulldozed by RBs.
October 3rd, 2022 at 12:56 PM ^
Thought experiment…
If Hutch and Ojabo were on this year’s team, would we be the best team in the country right now?
I think we have a ton of upside there with Morris and Okie emerging, but it’s still an unknown.
Also unleashing the McCarrthy could really take us to another level imo. Hopefully we start to open things up this week.