My AP top-25 ballot: Georgia is No. 1, followed by FSU, as Washington State jumps USC

Ballot submitted to the Associated Press on Saturday night …

Let’s cut to the issue that’s sure to elicit significant reaction: Yes, I ranked Washington State above USC. The Cougars are No. 11 on the ballot, one spot above the Trojans.

And honestly, it took about a nanosecond to reach that conclusion.

Before we compare and contrast, note that their current positions represent significant changes from the ballot submitted a week ago, when USC was No. 7, nine spots ahead of the Cougars.

I jumped Penn State, Utah, Oregon and WSU over the Trojans after all four beat ranked teams and USC struggled with Arizona State. (Notre Dame also jumped USC after losing on the final play to Ohio State.)

In the two-team ballot showdown, the Cougars (4-0) have been more impressive against a far stronger schedule.

In fact, the only reason to rank USC (4-0) ahead of WSU at this point is preseason hype and/or brand bias. Because the resumes aren’t comparable.

USC’s opponents (Nevada, San Jose State, Stanford and Arizona State) have a combined record of 3-14.

Meanwhile, Washington State has beaten two ranked teams (Wisconsin and Oregon State), which are undefeated against all other opponents.

The Trojans struggled to beat Arizona State, which is winless against FBS competition and was just shut out at home by Fresno State.

The Cougars led for the vast majority of both games against ranked foes and blew out Colorado State, which proceeded to take Colorado to overtime.

Put another way: Switch the uniforms and keep everything else the same, and there would be zero doubt as to which team deserved a higher ranking.

To the ballot …

1. Georgia
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Texas
5. Washington
6. Michigan
7. Penn State
8. Utah
9. Oregon
10. Notre Dame
11. Washington State
12. USC
13. Alabama
14. LSU
15. Oklahoma
16. Miami
17. Mississippi
18. Missouri
19. Oregon State
20. North Carolina
21. Fresno State
22. Colorado
23. Wisconsin
24. Duke
25. Florida

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