Levitation and the AP

[VFL-82-JP]

Consider this photo:



That _seems_ to be two people holding each other off the ground. Why's he up there? Because she's holding him up. But why is she up there? Because he has her hand, of course.

Circular logic.

The AP poll voters are making hay on this concept in 2025.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit A: Indiana and Illinois

Illinois enters the season ranked the #12 team in the land. Why? Who knows? Probably Heather Dinch talking in fellow media types' ears all off-season, joined by a pinkie promise from the Illini coach that, "yah, we're gonna be really good this year, you betcha."

They then beat the Western Illinois Leathernecks of the Ohio Valley Conference (FCS or Division III, something like that), and RISE a spot to #11! It's magic, folks.

The following week, they whup Duke (at least that's an FBS team), followed by a G5 directional-Michigan team, and rise TWO MORE SPOTS, to #9. Astounding.

But things aren't to last. Illinois comes crashing to earth (well, not quite, we will get back to that) after suffering a loss to the mighty Hoosiers of Indiana.

Pay attention, this is where it gets truly magical.

Indiana, ranked #19 before meeting the Illini, SHOOTS up into the sky to the #11 spot themselves. All based on beating the magically-floating Illinois team.

You might think Indiana is there for something more than just beating Illinois, but consider their other victories: Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and Indiana State.

Oh, and the bit about Illinois falling to earth? Not quite--they're still ranked in the top 25. No one knows why. No strings are visible. Just them holding hands with the Hoosiers who beat them.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit B: Utah and Texas Tech

Utah starts the season unranked and Texas Tech is #23 in the pre-season polls. But worry not; this levitation stuff is about to get real.

Utah beats mighty UCLA in week 1, and joins the polls at #25. They beat something called Cal Poly in week 2, and mystically rise five spots to #20 (overtaking Texas Tech, btw). The Utes clobber Wyoming in week 3, and shoot skyward to #16. And the stage is set....

Meanwhile, Texas Tech has been impressing the voters in their own right: wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State, and Oregon State have seen them likewise levitate their way up to just behind Utah, at #17.

Now comes the energy transference miracle, as the two meet on the gridiron, and Texas Tech beats Utah!

While Utah drops out of the polls entirely, Texas Tech absorbs all their magic and flies upward to the #12 position. Having not only beaten Kent State themselves but also beaten the Utes who beat UCLA and Cal Poly, the Red Raiders' resume is impeccable. They are ready to take their place in the College Football Playoffs.

~ ~ ~

Heh, I don't know how some of these poll voters take themselves seriously. This year is the worst I've seen for ridiculous inflation of certain teams.


~ ~ ~

None of this would be more than mild bemusement for most of us, if it were not for the fact that Illinois and Texas Tech are taking space and breathing air in spots where the Vols ought to be instead. We'd whup both those teams handily. We are ranked #15 today, but probably belong somewhere in the #10 to #12 range.

Oh, and 1-2 Notre Dame is still ranked. Reminds me a bit of the Saturday Night Live gag, this just in: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.

Go Vols!

 

[Wezcoast]

Consider this photo:

View attachment 775517

That _seems_ to be two people holding each other off the ground. Why's he up there? Because she's holding him up. But why is she up there? Because he has her hand, of course.

Circular logic.

The AP poll voters are making hay on this concept in 2025.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit A: Indiana and Illinois

Illinois entered the season ranked the #12 team in the land. Why? Who knows? Probably Heather Dinch talking in fellow media types' ears all off-season, joined by a pinkie promise from the Illini coach that, "yah, we're gonna be really good this year, you betcha."

They then beat the Western Illinois Leathernecks of the Ohio Valley Conference (FCS or Division III, something like that), and ROSE a spot to #11! It's magic, folks.

The following week, they whupped Duke (at least that's an FBS team), followed by a G5 directional-Michigan team, and rose TWO MORE SPOTS, to #9. Astounding.

But things weren't to last. Illinois came crashing to earth (well, not quite, we will come back to that) after getting beat by the mighty Hoosiers of Indiana.

Pay attention, this is where it gets truly magical.

Indiana, ranked #19 before meeting the Illini, SHOOTS up into the sky to the #11 spot themselves. All based on beating the magically-floating Illinois team.

You might think Indiana is there for something more than just beating Illinois, but consider their other victories: Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and Indiana State.

Oh, and the bit about Illinois falling to earth? Not quite--they're still ranked in the top 25. No one knows why. No strings are visible. Just them holding hands with the Hoosiers who beat them.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit B: Utah and Texas Tech

Utah starts the season unranked and Texas Tech is #23 in the pre-season polls. But worry not; this levitation stuff is about to get real.

Utah beats mighty UCLA in week 1, and joins the polls at #25. They beat something called Cal Poly in week 2, and mystically rise five spots to #20 (overtaking Texas Tech, btw). The Utes clobber Wyoming in week 3, and shoot skyward to #16. And the stage is set....

Meanwhile, Texas Tech has been impressing the voters in their own right: wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State, and Oregon State have seen them likewise levitate their way up to just behind Utah, at #17.

Now comes the energy transference miracle, as the two meet on the gridiron, and Texas Tech beats Utah!

While Utah drops out of the polls entirely, Texas Tech absorbs all their magic and flies upward to the #12 position. Having not only beaten Kent State themselves but also beaten the Utes who beat UCLA and Cal Poly, the Red Raiders' resume is impeccable. They are ready to take their place in the College Football Playoffs.

~ ~ ~

Heh, I don't know how some of these poll voters take themselves seriously. This year is the worst I've seen for ridiculous inflation of certain teams.


~ ~ ~

None of this would be more than mild bemusement for most of us, if it were not for the fact that Illinois and Texas Tech are taking space and breathing air in spots where the Vols ought to be instead. We'd whup both those teams handily. We are ranked #15 today, but probably belong somewhere in the #10 to #12 range.

Oh, and 1-2 Notre Dame is still ranked. Reminds me a bit of the Saturday Night Live gag, this just in: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.

Go Vols!

I'm convinced they use the same formula Uncle Lou uses now.

 

[hillsborovol]

How is LSU ranked ahead of Georgia? Oh yeah, they beat 1-3 Clemson (Syracuse beat them worse), and 1-3 Florida.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

How is LSU ranked ahead of Georgia? Oh yeah, they beat 1-3 Clemson (Syracuse beat them worse), and 1-3 Florida.

And consider this: You could make a pretty compelling argument that wherever UGa is ranked, Tennessee should be tucked in the very next spot after them.

There's a lotta logic to that thought, though, so it will never be used by most AP poll voters.

Go Vols!

 

[njvols]

I'm convinced they use the same formula Uncle Lou uses now.

Josh Pare has been railing on them this season. In reality until a few more game play out it’s all conjecture…but it’s not really. Oregon is there because they were there preseason…with a loss they fall at worst to 13ish. Vandy or Miz lose and they get booted out. It gets real and 2-3 weeks from now things will start to shape up.

 

[GoVols64]

Consider this photo:

View attachment 775517

That _seems_ to be two people holding each other off the ground. Why's he up there? Because she's holding him up. But why is she up there? Because he has her hand, of course.

Circular logic.

The AP poll voters are making hay on this concept in 2025.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit A: Indiana and Illinois

Illinois enters the season ranked the #12 team in the land. Why? Who knows? Probably Heather Dinch talking in fellow media types' ears all off-season, joined by a pinkie promise from the Illini coach that, "yah, we're gonna be really good this year, you betcha."

They then beat the Western Illinois Leathernecks of the Ohio Valley Conference (FCS or Division III, something like that), and RISE a spot to #11! It's magic, folks.

The following week, they whup Duke (at least that's an FBS team), followed by a G5 directional-Michigan team, and rise TWO MORE SPOTS, to #9. Astounding.

But things aren't to last. Illinois comes crashing to earth (well, not quite, we will get back to that) after suffering a loss to the mighty Hoosiers of Indiana.

Pay attention, this is where it gets truly magical.

Indiana, ranked #19 before meeting the Illini, SHOOTS up into the sky to the #11 spot themselves. All based on beating the magically-floating Illinois team.

You might think Indiana is there for something more than just beating Illinois, but consider their other victories: Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and Indiana State.

Oh, and the bit about Illinois falling to earth? Not quite--they're still ranked in the top 25. No one knows why. No strings are visible. Just them holding hands with the Hoosiers who beat them.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit B: Utah and Texas Tech

Utah starts the season unranked and Texas Tech is #23 in the pre-season polls. But worry not; this levitation stuff is about to get real.

Utah beats mighty UCLA in week 1, and joins the polls at #25. They beat something called Cal Poly in week 2, and mystically rise five spots to #20 (overtaking Texas Tech, btw). The Utes clobber Wyoming in week 3, and shoot skyward to #16. And the stage is set....

Meanwhile, Texas Tech has been impressing the voters in their own right: wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State, and Oregon State have seen them likewise levitate their way up to just behind Utah, at #17.

Now comes the energy transference miracle, as the two meet on the gridiron, and Texas Tech beats Utah!

While Utah drops out of the polls entirely, Texas Tech absorbs all their magic and flies upward to the #12 position. Having not only beaten Kent State themselves but also beaten the Utes who beat UCLA and Cal Poly, the Red Raiders' resume is impeccable. They are ready to take their place in the College Football Playoffs.

~ ~ ~

Heh, I don't know how some of these poll voters take themselves seriously. This year is the worst I've seen for ridiculous inflation of certain teams.


~ ~ ~

None of this would be more than mild bemusement for most of us, if it were not for the fact that Illinois and Texas Tech are taking space and breathing air in spots where the Vols ought to be instead. We'd whup both those teams handily. We are ranked #15 today, but probably belong somewhere in the #10 to #12 range.

Oh, and 1-2 Notre Dame is still ranked. Reminds me a bit of the Saturday Night Live gag, this just in: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.

Go Vols!

JP nailed this one early on his show. The AP are out of their depth and vote on brand name and have both familiarity bias and are anchored to early rankings.

I know this team so they are good. Oh, they lost, must be a fluke, drop slightly..... Oh TT clobbered UT, they must be as good as I thought UT was..... it is insane.

At this point, we have a good idea who teams are. Beating OR State should no longer be a hige boost because they are not a good team..... It makes no sense and the AP should no longer have influence over the rankings. Coaches polls are at least based in knowledge although not immune from bias.

Bottom line... They don't and this is why their rankings make no sense.

 

[CAVPUT]

Consider this photo:

View attachment 775517

That _seems_ to be two people holding each other off the ground. Why's he up there? Because she's holding him up. But why is she up there? Because he has her hand, of course.

Circular logic.

The AP poll voters are making hay on this concept in 2025.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit A: Indiana and Illinois

Illinois enters the season ranked the #12 team in the land. Why? Who knows? Probably Heather Dinch talking in fellow media types' ears all off-season, joined by a pinkie promise from the Illini coach that, "yah, we're gonna be really good this year, you betcha."

They then beat the Western Illinois Leathernecks of the Ohio Valley Conference (FCS or Division III, something like that), and RISE a spot to #11! It's magic, folks.

The following week, they whup Duke (at least that's an FBS team), followed by a G5 directional-Michigan team, and rise TWO MORE SPOTS, to #9. Astounding.

But things aren't to last. Illinois comes crashing to earth (well, not quite, we will get back to that) after suffering a loss to the mighty Hoosiers of Indiana.

Pay attention, this is where it gets truly magical.

Indiana, ranked #19 before meeting the Illini, SHOOTS up into the sky to the #11 spot themselves. All based on beating the magically-floating Illinois team.

You might think Indiana is there for something more than just beating Illinois, but consider their other victories: Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and Indiana State.

Oh, and the bit about Illinois falling to earth? Not quite--they're still ranked in the top 25. No one knows why. No strings are visible. Just them holding hands with the Hoosiers who beat them.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit B: Utah and Texas Tech

Utah starts the season unranked and Texas Tech is #23 in the pre-season polls. But worry not; this levitation stuff is about to get real.

Utah beats mighty UCLA in week 1, and joins the polls at #25. They beat something called Cal Poly in week 2, and mystically rise five spots to #20 (overtaking Texas Tech, btw). The Utes clobber Wyoming in week 3, and shoot skyward to #16. And the stage is set....

Meanwhile, Texas Tech has been impressing the voters in their own right: wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State, and Oregon State have seen them likewise levitate their way up to just behind Utah, at #17.

Now comes the energy transference miracle, as the two meet on the gridiron, and Texas Tech beats Utah!

While Utah drops out of the polls entirely, Texas Tech absorbs all their magic and flies upward to the #12 position. Having not only beaten Kent State themselves but also beaten the Utes who beat UCLA and Cal Poly, the Red Raiders' resume is impeccable. They are ready to take their place in the College Football Playoffs.

~ ~ ~

Heh, I don't know how some of these poll voters take themselves seriously. This year is the worst I've seen for ridiculous inflation of certain teams.


~ ~ ~

None of this would be more than mild bemusement for most of us, if it were not for the fact that Illinois and Texas Tech are taking space and breathing air in spots where the Vols ought to be instead. We'd whup both those teams handily. We are ranked #15 today, but probably belong somewhere in the #10 to #12 range.

Oh, and 1-2 Notre Dame is still ranked. Reminds me a bit of the Saturday Night Live gag, this just in: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.

Go Vols!

 

[Wezcoast]

Josh Pare has been railing on them this season. In reality until a few more game play out it’s all conjecture…but it’s not really. Oregon is there because they were there preseason…with a loss they fall at worst to 13ish. Vandy or Miz lose and they get booted out. It gets real and 2-3 weeks from now things will start to shape up.

These social media podcasters with their own agendas have a lot of influence on the desk jockey AP voters . They're easily manipulated .

 

[Tman44]

Consider this photo:

View attachment 775517

That _seems_ to be two people holding each other off the ground. Why's he up there? Because she's holding him up. But why is she up there? Because he has her hand, of course.

Circular logic.

The AP poll voters are making hay on this concept in 2025.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit A: Indiana and Illinois

Illinois enters the season ranked the #12 team in the land. Why? Who knows? Probably Heather Dinch talking in fellow media types' ears all off-season, joined by a pinkie promise from the Illini coach that, "yah, we're gonna be really good this year, you betcha."

They then beat the Western Illinois Leathernecks of the Ohio Valley Conference (FCS or Division III, something like that), and RISE a spot to #11! It's magic, folks.

The following week, they whup Duke (at least that's an FBS team), followed by a G5 directional-Michigan team, and rise TWO MORE SPOTS, to #9. Astounding.

But things aren't to last. Illinois comes crashing to earth (well, not quite, we will get back to that) after suffering a loss to the mighty Hoosiers of Indiana.

Pay attention, this is where it gets truly magical.

Indiana, ranked #19 before meeting the Illini, SHOOTS up into the sky to the #11 spot themselves. All based on beating the magically-floating Illinois team.

You might think Indiana is there for something more than just beating Illinois, but consider their other victories: Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and Indiana State.

Oh, and the bit about Illinois falling to earth? Not quite--they're still ranked in the top 25. No one knows why. No strings are visible. Just them holding hands with the Hoosiers who beat them.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit B: Utah and Texas Tech

Utah starts the season unranked and Texas Tech is #23 in the pre-season polls. But worry not; this levitation stuff is about to get real.

Utah beats mighty UCLA in week 1, and joins the polls at #25. They beat something called Cal Poly in week 2, and mystically rise five spots to #20 (overtaking Texas Tech, btw). The Utes clobber Wyoming in week 3, and shoot skyward to #16. And the stage is set....

Meanwhile, Texas Tech has been impressing the voters in their own right: wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State, and Oregon State have seen them likewise levitate their way up to just behind Utah, at #17.

Now comes the energy transference miracle, as the two meet on the gridiron, and Texas Tech beats Utah!

While Utah drops out of the polls entirely, Texas Tech absorbs all their magic and flies upward to the #12 position. Having not only beaten Kent State themselves but also beaten the Utes who beat UCLA and Cal Poly, the Red Raiders' resume is impeccable. They are ready to take their place in the College Football Playoffs.

~ ~ ~

Heh, I don't know how some of these poll voters take themselves seriously. This year is the worst I've seen for ridiculous inflation of certain teams.


~ ~ ~

None of this would be more than mild bemusement for most of us, if it were not for the fact that Illinois and Texas Tech are taking space and breathing air in spots where the Vols ought to be instead. We'd whup both those teams handily. We are ranked #15 today, but probably belong somewhere in the #10 to #12 range.

Oh, and 1-2 Notre Dame is still ranked. Reminds me a bit of the Saturday Night Live gag, this just in: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.

Go Vols!

Come on man. You are applying logic and reason to the AP poll. Stop it.

 

[wrangler]

Idiocy, and egos trying to maintain that their preseason rankings weren't meritless, while anyone could see that they were.

 

[Rocky Top T]

Consider this photo:

View attachment 775517

That _seems_ to be two people holding each other off the ground. Why's he up there? Because she's holding him up. But why is she up there? Because he has her hand, of course.

Circular logic.

The AP poll voters are making hay on this concept in 2025.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit A: Indiana and Illinois

Illinois enters the season ranked the #12 team in the land. Why? Who knows? Probably Heather Dinch talking in fellow media types' ears all off-season, joined by a pinkie promise from the Illini coach that, "yah, we're gonna be really good this year, you betcha."

They then beat the Western Illinois Leathernecks of the Ohio Valley Conference (FCS or Division III, something like that), and RISE a spot to #11! It's magic, folks.

The following week, they whup Duke (at least that's an FBS team), followed by a G5 directional-Michigan team, and rise TWO MORE SPOTS, to #9. Astounding.

But things aren't to last. Illinois comes crashing to earth (well, not quite, we will get back to that) after suffering a loss to the mighty Hoosiers of Indiana.

Pay attention, this is where it gets truly magical.

Indiana, ranked #19 before meeting the Illini, SHOOTS up into the sky to the #11 spot themselves. All based on beating the magically-floating Illinois team.

You might think Indiana is there for something more than just beating Illinois, but consider their other victories: Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and Indiana State.

Oh, and the bit about Illinois falling to earth? Not quite--they're still ranked in the top 25. No one knows why. No strings are visible. Just them holding hands with the Hoosiers who beat them.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit B: Utah and Texas Tech

Utah starts the season unranked and Texas Tech is #23 in the pre-season polls. But worry not; this levitation stuff is about to get real.

Utah beats mighty UCLA in week 1, and joins the polls at #25. They beat something called Cal Poly in week 2, and mystically rise five spots to #20 (overtaking Texas Tech, btw). The Utes clobber Wyoming in week 3, and shoot skyward to #16. And the stage is set....

Meanwhile, Texas Tech has been impressing the voters in their own right: wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State, and Oregon State have seen them likewise levitate their way up to just behind Utah, at #17.

Now comes the energy transference miracle, as the two meet on the gridiron, and Texas Tech beats Utah!

While Utah drops out of the polls entirely, Texas Tech absorbs all their magic and flies upward to the #12 position. Having not only beaten Kent State themselves but also beaten the Utes who beat UCLA and Cal Poly, the Red Raiders' resume is impeccable. They are ready to take their place in the College Football Playoffs.

~ ~ ~

Heh, I don't know how some of these poll voters take themselves seriously. This year is the worst I've seen for ridiculous inflation of certain teams.


~ ~ ~

None of this would be more than mild bemusement for most of us, if it were not for the fact that Illinois and Texas Tech are taking space and breathing air in spots where the Vols ought to be instead. We'd whup both those teams handily. We are ranked #15 today, but probably belong somewhere in the #10 to #12 range.

Oh, and 1-2 Notre Dame is still ranked. Reminds me a bit of the Saturday Night Live gag, this just in: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.

Go Vols!

Don't pay attention to the poll until November . Means nothing right now. As a matter of fact, the playoff committee poll will be the only one that matters

 

[njvols]

These social media podcasters with their own agendas have a lot of influence on the desk jockey AP voters . They're easily manipulated .

Definitely. Pate more informed than most but clearly angling for voting power in CFB playoffs. Self serving but I like listening to him

 

[swampfoxfan]

Definitely. Pate more informed than most but clearly angling for voting power in CFB playoffs. Self serving but I like listening to him

I enjoy pate, besides,I think he's a closet Tennessee fan.

 

[barrylee]

While I subscribe to the thought that if we keep winning, the rankings will come, I agree with VFL-82-JP, this year’s rankings have been mind blowing!

Along with the Illinois and Indiana nonsense, we had S Carolina number 9 to start the season. I mean who believed they were top ten?

Without a doubt the worst rankings I can remember! Oklahoma shouldn’t have won yesterday without the ref help and now they’re number 7!

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

Just wait until Memphis makes the playoffs because their best win is Arky.

 

[B81]

Win the next two and we will be in the top 10. There are enough real games the next two weeks that there will be a ton of movement.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Don't pay attention to the poll until November . Means nothing right now. As a matter of fact, the playoff committee poll will be the only one that matters

That's precisely why it bugs me when the voters do patently stupid things with their votes. What the AP and Coaches polls say DO matter, because they're the ones who start the "national conversation." And when the CFP committee gets going, it kinda starts from the position of that ongoing conversation. Sure, they can deviate from it, but it's built into how they're all thinking of the season already.

So 'means nothing' isn't really right. SHOULD mean nothing, that I would agree with.

Go Vols!

 

[ALLVOL 4LIFE]

Just wait until Memphis makes the playoffs because their best win is Arky.

I’d say the winner of their game with USF stands a good chance of getting that bid.

 

[adam.vol]

Consider this photo:

View attachment 775517

That _seems_ to be two people holding each other off the ground. Why's he up there? Because she's holding him up. But why is she up there? Because he has her hand, of course.

Circular logic.

The AP poll voters are making hay on this concept in 2025.

This appears to be a fantastic write-up, but I already know that we agree at this point. Smart analogy.

 

[tbh]

I'm convinced they use the same formula Uncle Lou uses now.

Fireball shots, and car keys?

 

[Special Ed]

If you're expecting the AP poll to ever be logical and unbiased, then you picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue:

 

[A-RodWiLks]

Let's not forget #14 Iowa State... who beat preseason #17 Kansas State (1-3) and just defeated the prestigious Arkansas State by 8 points.

 

[A-RodWiLks]

Oh the B10 somehow gets another top 25 matchup this week with USC v Illinois. Such a joke

 

[olemtnboy]

Idiocy, and egos trying to maintain that their preseason rankings weren't meritless, while anyone could see that they were.

South Carolina ranked #11 to start season has lost 2 consecutive games
1 was home game to Vandy....
Clemson was #4 ....we know how that's worked out ..... writers vote for coaches they like .....Go Vols!!!

 

[vol94]

Consider this photo:

View attachment 775517

That _seems_ to be two people holding each other off the ground. Why's he up there? Because she's holding him up. But why is she up there? Because he has her hand, of course.

Circular logic.

The AP poll voters are making hay on this concept in 2025.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit A: Indiana and Illinois

Illinois enters the season ranked the #12 team in the land. Why? Who knows? Probably Heather Dinch talking in fellow media types' ears all off-season, joined by a pinkie promise from the Illini coach that, "yah, we're gonna be really good this year, you betcha."

They then beat the Western Illinois Leathernecks of the Ohio Valley Conference (FCS or Division III, something like that), and RISE a spot to #11! It's magic, folks.

The following week, they whup Duke (at least that's an FBS team), followed by a G5 directional-Michigan team, and rise TWO MORE SPOTS, to #9. Astounding.

But things aren't to last. Illinois comes crashing to earth (well, not quite, we will get back to that) after suffering a loss to the mighty Hoosiers of Indiana.

Pay attention, this is where it gets truly magical.

Indiana, ranked #19 before meeting the Illini, SHOOTS up into the sky to the #11 spot themselves. All based on beating the magically-floating Illinois team.

You might think Indiana is there for something more than just beating Illinois, but consider their other victories: Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and Indiana State.

Oh, and the bit about Illinois falling to earth? Not quite--they're still ranked in the top 25. No one knows why. No strings are visible. Just them holding hands with the Hoosiers who beat them.

~ ~ ~

Exhibit B: Utah and Texas Tech

Utah starts the season unranked and Texas Tech is #23 in the pre-season polls. But worry not; this levitation stuff is about to get real.

Utah beats mighty UCLA in week 1, and joins the polls at #25. They beat something called Cal Poly in week 2, and mystically rise five spots to #20 (overtaking Texas Tech, btw). The Utes clobber Wyoming in week 3, and shoot skyward to #16. And the stage is set....

Meanwhile, Texas Tech has been impressing the voters in their own right: wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State, and Oregon State have seen them likewise levitate their way up to just behind Utah, at #17.

Now comes the energy transference miracle, as the two meet on the gridiron, and Texas Tech beats Utah!

While Utah drops out of the polls entirely, Texas Tech absorbs all their magic and flies upward to the #12 position. Having not only beaten Kent State themselves but also beaten the Utes who beat UCLA and Cal Poly, the Red Raiders' resume is impeccable. They are ready to take their place in the College Football Playoffs.

~ ~ ~

Heh, I don't know how some of these poll voters take themselves seriously. This year is the worst I've seen for ridiculous inflation of certain teams.


~ ~ ~

None of this would be more than mild bemusement for most of us, if it were not for the fact that Illinois and Texas Tech are taking space and breathing air in spots where the Vols ought to be instead. We'd whup both those teams handily. We are ranked #15 today, but probably belong somewhere in the #10 to #12 range.

Oh, and 1-2 Notre Dame is still ranked. Reminds me a bit of the Saturday Night Live gag, this just in: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.

Go Vols!

Good Post.

Back in the day TN teams were ranked with a 1-2 record. I think it was 2005 and possibly 2008 - maybe prior 2005.

Notre Dame is the most popular school in the country, though I despise them, so they get the benefit of the doubt. It will be interesting how their season progresses.

Go Vols!