NCAA Football Rankings 2014: Week 3 Standings and Analysis for Latest Polls
Another batch of NCAA football results means a new set of rankings heading into Week 3.
An eventful early schedule has produced premier matchups over the first two weeks, which causes casualties in the Associated Press poll. This week, it's Michigan State and Stanford paying the price for falling to frightful foes.
The winners basked in the glory of triumph, as Oregon, USC and Virginia Tech all enjoyed sizable gains in the rankings. Hot off the presses, here's a look at the updated AP Top 25 after two awesome weeks of college football.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
| 1 | Florida State (38) | 2-0 | 1,463 | 1 |
| 2 | Oregon (16) | 2-0 | 1,415 | 3 |
| 3 | Alabama (1) | 2-0 | 1,334 | 2 |
| 4 | Oklahoma (2) | 2-0 | 1,303 | 4 |
| 5 | Auburn | 2-0 | 1,236 | 5 |
| 6 | Georgia (1) | 1-0 | 1,201 | 6 |
| 7 | Texas A&M (2) | 2-0 | 1,101 | 9 |
| 8 | Baylor | 2-0 | 1,043 | 10 |
| 9 | USC | 2-0 | 1,039 | 14 |
| 10 | LSU | 2-0 | 1,029 | 12 |
| 11 | Notre Dame | 2-0 | 815 | 16 |
| 12 | UCLA | 2-0 | 779 | 11 |
| 13 | Michigan State | 1-1 | 751 | 7 |
| 14 | Mississippi | 2-0 | 703 | 15 |
| 15 | Stanford | 1-1 | 592 | 13 |
| 16 | Arizona State | 2-0 | 570 | 17 |
| 17 | Virginia Tech | 2-0 | 532 | 38 |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 1-1 | 391 | 18 |
| 19 | Kansas State | 2-0 | 285 | 20 |
| 20 | Missouri | 2-0 | 237 | 24 |
| 21 | Louisville | 2-0 | 234 | 25 |
| 22 | Ohio State | 1-1 | 222 | 8 |
| 23 | Clemson | 1-1 | 206 | 23 |
| 24 | South Carolina | 1-1 | 199 | 21 |
| 25 | Brigham Young | 2-0 | 179 | 35 |
Week 3 Rankings Analysis
Heading into halftime down 24-18 to Michigan State, Oregon turned on the engines with four second-half touchdowns, two through the air and another pair on the ground. Tasked with combating a stout defense, the Ducks masterfully answered the call with a 46-27 victory over the previously No. 7-ranked Spartans.
For that comeback victory, the AP rewarded Oregon by springing the school up a spot from No. 3 to No. 2.
Considering No. 1 Florida State has won its two games by a combined 31 points, one could argue Mark Helfrich's squad deserved a steeper ascension to No. 1.
The Spartans, on the other hand, were punished for their defeat, sinking outside the top 10 to No. 13. Yet they didn't fall nearly as far as Big Ten rival Ohio State, who torpedoed down to No. 22 after losing 35-21 to Virginia Tech.
Filling in for the injured Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett completed nine passes in 29 attempts while surrendering three interceptions. He can't burden all the blame either, as the offensive line allowed seven sacks during the ugly defeat.
A title hopeful with Miller, the Buckeyes are another loss from vanishing from the AP Top 25 altogether. They won't face a ranked opponent until traveling to Michigan State in November, so they have an opportunity to rebound, starting this Saturday against 0-2 Kent State.
On a brighter note, Virginia Tech went from unranked to perched above Ohio State at No. 17. Per ESPN Stats & Info, this represents the school's most prominent victory over a ranked squad.
Head coach Frank Beamer understands the significance of the win, telling the AP (via USA Today) that this upset will put his club on the map.
"I think this is a big, big win for this program, for the status of this program," coach Frank Beamer said.
Even though it was a big win, rising all the way to No. 17 is an overreaction after one week. Despite the crooked numbers on the scoreboard, Virginia Tech gained three total yards fewer than Ohio State, benefiting from the freshman quarterback's inexperience.
After playing South Carolina tough in a 32-23 loss, East Carolina poses a threat to the Hokies' newfound respect on Saturday. Don't be shocked if the Pirates turn the tables on them with an upset of their own.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
