Josh Furlong's AP Top 25 ballot: LSU moves up as Georgia falls; Utah back in Top 10


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SALT LAKE CITY — A total of eight Top 25 teams lost this last weekend, including No. 3 Georgia to unranked South Carolina. That helped teams like LSU move up in my ballot this week.

As the season progresses, it’s to be assumed there will be a lot more shakeups in the weekly rankings. Now midway through the season, we’re getting a better look at how each team fares against better competition.

Here’s a look at my ballot for Week 8:

Rising: Clemson, LSU, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin

The LSU Tigers are playing some great football right now and look like one of the best teams in the country. Of the Top 5 teams, the Tigers have certainly had the best test, and they’ve been solid. And both Oregon and Utah took care of business against lesser opponents. When they are playing within their game plans, it’s hard to stop either program.

Falling: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Memphis, Texas, Virginia, Wake Forest

Well, Georgia is the biggest disappointment this week. The Bulldogs had arguably one of the best programs in the country and I thought they’d finally challenge Alabama this year. They could still, but dropping a game to a bad South Carolina team is not promising. Jake Fromm looked rattled and there were a lot of poor coaching decisions late in the game, which puts in question their standing in the Top 10.

Added: Appalachian State, Cincinnati, Missouri, Tulane

Appalachian State and Tulane have been patiently waiting for their turn to get some Top 25 love. I still have my hesitations about Appalachian State, but now seems like as good a time as any to give the Mountaineers a spot in my ballot. The Mountaineers have one of the weaker schedules of the Top 25 teams, so I make no promise to keep them ranked.

Dropped out: Iowa, Memphis, Virginia, Wake Forest

This group of teams, particularly Iowa and Virginia, have shown they’re mediocre teams that can flirt with success, but they’re not quite there. Iowa played Penn State well and is the most likely to stay on the fringe of the Top 25, but two consecutive losses is hard to ignore.

Teams in consideration: Iowa State, Navy, Temple

As always, hit me up on Twitter (@JFurKSL) if you have any questions about my ballot.


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Josh is the Sports Director for KSL.com and beat writer covering University of Utah athletics — primarily football, men’s and women's basketball and gymnastics. He is also an Associated Press Top 25 voter for college football.

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