AP Top 25 College Football Rankings: USC, BYU Fall; Miami Rises; Auburn Snubbed

Washington Huskies: 16, USC Trojans: 13. The story of the week in AP Top 25 college football, of course, is the major upset pulled off by the unranked Washington Huskies, a program that made PAC-10 history last year by going 0-12, and their first victory over the highly touted and #3 ranked USC Trojans in 15 tries. Not only did the Washington Huskies succeed in beating the USC Trojans for the first time since 2001, but they also knocked the Trojans out of the Top 10 of the AP Top 25 college football rankings poll. Washington entered the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2005.

USC fell nine positions to land at #12. Washington entered the AP Top 25 college football rankings at # 24.

The other big story in the AP Top 25 was the loss of the previously undefeated and #7 ranked BYU Cougars. The overrated Cougars, catapulted into the Top 10 (to #9) the first week of college football rankings due to their defeat of then #3 Oklahoma, who were demoralized with the loss of Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford. Florida State, out to prove that they are still contenders, literally embarrassed BYU in their home stadium, 54-28. BYU fell the farthest in the rankings, twelve places to #19.

The Miami Hurricanes, after a win over Florida State and this week's win over Georgia Tech, entered the Top 10 for the first time since 2005, jumping the most positions of any team in the AP Top 25. Miami moved up 11 spots to #9. Miami will play #11Virginia Tech September 26 to see if they are worthy of staying in the Top 10. Virginia Tech proved their mettle Saturday as well, rallying to defeat Nebraska in a battle of Top 20 teams.

Florida remained on top, taking out a tough Tennessee team. Texas struggled as well against Texas Tech but prevailed to hold onto the #2 position. Alabama rolled over North Texas State and took USC's position at the #3 spot. Mississippi, Penn St., California, LSU, and Boise State remained undefeated and take positions 4 - 8, respectively. As mentioned, the Miami Hurricanes own #9. The Oklahoma Sooners destroyed Tulsa 45-0 and reenter the Top 10 in the tenth slot.

Another game of note in college football Saturday was West Virginia at Auburn. Both teams went into the game undefeated, hoping to get an AP Top 25 berth. Before the first five minutes were played, the two teams had put 24 points on the scoreboard. West Virginia scored three quick touchdowns, but Auburn, aided with a WVU turnover, pulled the game to a one-point margin by halftime (21-20).

A touchdown and missed extra point by WVU was followed quickly by Auburn tying the game at 27 each. Then WVU kicked a field goal. Auburn would score a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to take the lead. The Tigers would also keep it. The Mountaineers, who moved the ball well against Auburn but were prone to turnovers throughout the game, gave up an interception late and Auburn took an 11-point lead. And that was the way it would end.

But those who vote snubbed Auburn's undefeated team, even though they knocked off the team with the 33rd ranked defense in the country. Of course, five takeaways for scores may have something to do with the decision as well.

The AP Top 25 College Football Rankngs (September 20):

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Alabama
4. Mississippi
5. Penn State
6. California
7. LSU
8. Boise State
9. Miami
10. Oklahoma
11. Virginia Tech
12. USC
13. Ohio State
14. Cincinnati
15. TCU
16. Oklahoma State
17. Houston
18. Florida State
19. Brigham Young
20. Kansas
21. Georgia
22. North Carolina
23. Michigan
24. Washington
25. Nebraska

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Sources:

Associated Press
CBSSports.com