This article provides a detailed analysis of the final AP Top 25 rankings, delving into the reasoning behind each team's position. The author discusses the rise and fall of various programs, highlighting key performances, losses, and the impact of bowl games. Topics like CFP contention, unforeseen upsets, and the overall strength of different conferences are also explored.
Penn State running back Kaytron Allen runs during the second quarter of the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9, 2025. As the final Associated Press top 25 poll approaches, I'm revealing my ballot and the reasoning behind my rankings. Several teams fell out of the rankings, including Colorado, Duke, and Marshall. Colorado, despite a strong season led by Deion Sanders, lacked convincing wins, and their Alamo Bowl loss to BYU highlighted inconsistencies.
Duke's backup quarterback struggled against Ole Miss, while Marshall opted out of their bowl game, making their performance underwhelming. Conversely, teams like Army, UNLV, and Syracuse exceeded expectations, earning impressive victories and double-digit win totals. Army clinched the AAC title, while Syracuse, under first-year coach Fran Brown, secured its second 10-win season in two decades. Alabama, despite constant calls for CFP inclusion, suffered a humiliating defeat to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, raising questions about their true strength. Illinois' victory over South Carolina in the Gator Bowl on the same day added insult to injury for Alabama supporters. BYU finished with an impressive 11-win season, but their late-season losses to Arizona State and Kansas proved costly. Miami's thrilling shootout loss to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl was a tough pill to swallow, especially considering Cam Ward's absence in the second half. Ole Miss, despite early CFP hopes, fell short of expectations and failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Clemson's ACC championship victory over SMU earned them a higher ranking, while Indiana's impressive regular season performances, including losses only to the national championship contenders, secured a notable position. Boise State and Arizona State, despite lacking first-round byes, showcased their resilience and talent in the CFP, particularly Arizona State's courageous performance against Texas. While ranking the CFP semifinalists as the top four might seem obvious, a comprehensive evaluation of the entire season is essential. Oregon's victory over Penn State in the Big Ten championship and Georgia's dominance over Texas in both the SEC championship and regular season cannot be ignored. Despite Oregon's strong regular season wins, Notre Dame's impressive performance in the CFP, navigating three consecutive victories, ultimately earned them a higher position. Ohio State, with its financial backing and roster of talented players, proved too formidable for Notre Dame in the national title game
AP Top 25 College Football Rankings Bowl Games CFP National Championship Oregon Ducks Notre Dame Fighting Irish Ohio State Buckeyes Alabama Crimson Tide Georgia Bulldogs
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