AP Top 25 poll reactions: Michigan overrated, Penn State underrated in college football rankings after Week 1

The Week 1 AP Top 25 poll features plenty of movement after some surprising early results. Most notably, preseason No. 10 Florida State fell all the way out of the rankings before the first in-season poll even dropped after an 0-2 start. 

The voters did the unexpected and actually punished Oregon for a brutal performance against Idaho, dropping them from No. 3 to No. 7. Miami and USC also deservedly moved up after wins over Florida and LSU, respectively. 

At the same time, voters often get caught up in their own preconceived notions. Why is Clemson still in the field? Why did LSU stay in the top 20? Most pressing, why is Michigan still a top 10 team? Here are some of the teams that stand out as overrated and underrated after Week 1. 

Underrated: Penn State

Penn State came into the season ranked No. 8, but with major questions about its offense and receivers. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki did everything in his power to fix it. Despite passing a major test on the road against West Virginia with a dominant 34-12 victory, Penn State didn’t move an inch in the Week 1 AP Top 25. 

Granted, the competition in the top 10 is tight, but the Nittany Lions answered their biggest concerns. Wide receiver Harrison Wallace III is a star in the making after posting 117 yards and two touchdowns. The running game cleared 222 yards and the defense won at the point of attack. 

If the offensive questions are answered, Penn State belongs in the breath as other top CFP contenders. Really, there’s not much more Penn State could…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ap-top-25-poll-reactions-michigan-overrated-penn-state-underrated-in-college-football-rankings-after-week-1/

Author : Shehan Jeyarajah

Publish date : 2024-09-03 19:28:51

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