By : Colton Towns
(Photo/Rodney Cofield- The Mojo Network)
Oregon and Oklahoma delivered statement wins that helped both programs secure stronger footing in the newest AP Top 25 poll for Week 14. The Ducks moved up one spot after an impressive victory over USC, while the Sooners held steady thanks to a dominant defensive showing against Missouri. With the College Football Playoff bracket set to be revealed in two weeks, both teams positioned themselves well for the stretch run.
The top of the poll remained unchanged. Ohio State continued to look the part of a title contender with a comfortable win over Rutgers. Indiana did not play but kept its grip on the second spot. Texas A and M and Georgia cruised through non-conference matchups as they set their focus on a rivalry week that could influence postseason seeding.
Notre Dame authored one of the most overwhelming performances of the season with a 70–7 dismantling of Syracuse, the second-largest margin of victory by any team against a Power Four opponent this year. The Fighting Irish controlled every phase as they continue to make their case to the playoff committee. Miami, which holds a head-to-head win over the Irish from Week One, kept its faint ACC title hopes alive with a road win at Virginia Tech but still trails Notre Dame by four spots in the rankings.
The Group of Six race remains crowded. James Madison mounted a late surge to beat Washington State, while North Texas and Tulane posted convincing wins to secure their Top 25 placements entering the final week of the regular season.
Week 14 AP Top 25
Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A and M, Georgia, Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Alabama, BYU, Vanderbilt, Miami, Utah, Michigan, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, USC, James Madison, North Texas, Tulane, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, SMU.
Others receiving votes included Arizona State with 77, Navy with 44, Missouri with 23, Arizona with 20, San Diego State with 19, Washington with 16, Iowa with 10, UNLV with 7, South Florida with 4, UConn with 3, Wake Forest with 2 and Illinois with 1.