As expected, Virginia Tech’s humiliating and embarrassing loss to Div. 1-AA (FCS) James Madison is very much affecting the way voters view Boise State.
Like in the coaches’ poll, the Broncos remained No. 3 in the Associated Press poll. However, and like in USA Today’s version, they’ve seen themselves lose ground on the No. 2 spot while simultaneously seeing the No. team get closer in the rear view.
A week after climbing to within 13 points of No. 2 Ohio State, Boise State now finds themselves 104 behind the Buckeyes. They were 143 points ahead of No. 4 TCU last week; this week, they’re only 71 ahead of their future Mountain West foes.
Additionally, Boise State lost all but one of their eight first-place votes from last week -- Pete DiPrimio of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel.
Alabama and Ohio State picked up those lost votes, further solidifying their spots atop the AP poll. The Buckeyes did gain some ground on th Tide, moving from 72 points behind to 56.
While not quite as many as their coaching voter brethren, the AP did place four new teams this week in their Top 25. Heading that list was Michigan, which comes in at No. 20. Others making their first AP appearance of the year are Houston (No. 23), Arizona (No. 24) and Oregon State (No. 25). Dropping by the AP wayside were Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Florida State and BYU.
Much like the coaches’ poll, South Carolina was the biggest mover of the week, climbing from No. 24 to No. 13. Utah climbed six spots to No. 14, LSU five to No. 15.
Following yet another unimpressive win, Florida dropped from No. 8 to No. 10.