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Zef_Apollo Ballot for 2025 Week 9

Ballot Type: Human

Submitted: Oct. 20, 2025, 11:37 a.m.

Overall Rationale: I value resume, teams playing tough teams, eye test, and trends (I.e., teams progressing or worsening over time). I deconstruct and rebuild my entire poll each week.

Rank Team Reason
1 Indiana Hoosiers Second week in a row that the Indiana Hoosiers are my #1 team. They've not played the most difficult schedule, but they've played a top 10 team and another top 25 team and the avg MOV was 31.5 points. I really can't rationalize putting anyone else here. They may slip behind other teams as they have few, if any, remaining games to bolster their resume beyond going undefeated.
2 Alabama Crimson Tide Controversial probably to have them at #2, but I think they've done about as much as anyone can possibly do to erase an early season loss that is more clear every day due to weather, lack of effort, and perhaps Guz Malzahn selling his soul to beat only Bama teams. Alabama is one of only a few who have played 4 ranked opponents this year, and 1 of 3 to play all four in a row. Florida played 4 ranked teams in a row and went 1-3 (1-4 if you count that USF is now ranked). Auburn played 4 ranked teams in a row and went 0-4. Alabama has gone 4-0. They've played the leading rusher in the country and held him to season low 52 yards. They played the #1 offense in the country and held them to 20 points. They played the leading sack leader in the country and held them to 0 sacks. I'm at the point where I'm conflicted on record vs resume. 2 top 10 wins and 2 more top 17 wins has me acting differently. TBH I have 1 - 4 all very, very close. I think there are arguments for any of them to be anywhere in the top 4.
3 Texas A&M Aggies This is the Aggie defense that I've been worrying about. I wonder if it's a look ahead. Either way, they have a good win over ND that's aging better every day. Overally they have had a pretty tough schedule and it's impressive they've gotten here.
4 Ohio State Buckeyes I know, I know. But When I compare their wins to the 3 team ahead - I'm just not as impressed. I think we need to slow the roll on OSU. They've played one of the easiest schedules of the top 10 teams, even among the top 25 teams it's in the "easier" category. They've looked ruthless on defense, but I feel like they've yet to be really challenged. Sayin is great but what do they look like if they ask him to go win the game? Every team ahead of them is slightly more battle tested, has more accolades against better teams, or in Indiana's case has looked better against a slightly better schedule. I don't fault anyone for putting OSU higher but I think Indiana deserves the #1 spot.
5 Georgia Bulldogs UGA looked a little like UGA again. I am not confident that they win this if it's on the road, but Kirby unleashed the offense and Stockton looked great.
6 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets How did this happen? I don't think I'd bet on them beating many of the teams in the several spots behind them but they are 7-0 in a power conference.
7 Ole Miss Rebels I thought Lane was going to do it. I think Ole Miss might still be really, really good but will continue to have those Lane Kiffin sized holes in the strategy.
8 Miami Hurricanes I wanted to drop Miami farther but they have a good record. Considered placing higher actually but Beck looked...bad. I think Louisville played excellent but holy hell Beck threw 5 (i'm counting that one) of the worst interceptions I've ever seen (although that last one was a great defensive play).
9 Vanderbilt Commodores top 10 Vandy. Diego is right - if they are allowed to play their game then it won't really be close. I think the key here is stopping them and getting them out of sync but that's easier said than done
10 Oregon Ducks I'm still not sure what to make of Oregon, I feel bad for not having them higher but I'll never know how good or bad Penn State really was. I think they'll continue to slide up each week just by sheer record though so I'm not worried about it
11 BYU Cougars I keep seeing arguments that BYU is underrated but I've watched some of their games and they have some sloppy play often. If they played tougher comp then they'd have a few more losses. That being said, I have to respect that they keep winning. And this was a good win even if I think Utah is a little overrated
12 Missouri Tigers This was a trap game that Mizzou narrowly dodged. Good for them. Auburn quietly has one of the best teams in the country if you forget that the offense makes up the other half of a team. I am not worried about Missouri because of this. They'll bounce back to look good on offense again
13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish They'll keep sliding up but here is my highest 2 loss team. Good USC win
14 Oklahoma Sooners I had them pegged to lose, so I'm surprised they were able to look good on offense. Maybe says more about South Carolina. They moved up a little this week
15 Tennessee Volunteers Tennessee just isn't over that hump yet. I think they have a lot of good weapons but haven't developed all aspects of their game equally. They sell out for their wins and if that plan doesn't work they don't have much to recover on. That being said, better than the score suggests to be honest. Alabama just played that much better. I think they finish unbeaten moving forward.
16 Virginia Cavaliers I feel like they're still being carried by a win over a bad florida state but that Louisville win is even better now and it's a ranked win. They should win out honestly
17 Louisville Cardinals
18 Texas Tech Red Raiders
19 Cincinnati Bearcats
20 Arizona State Sun Devils
21 USF Bulls
22 Illinois Fighting Illini
23 LSU Tigers
24 USC Trojans
25 Navy Midshipmen

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