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SALT LAKE CITY — What was Las Vegas thinking?
The professionals that make the betting lines for the various sportsbooks doubted BYU's ability to get a win on the road in Orlando. And though cross-country travel is never easy, BYU has been one of the hottest teams in the country.
UCF ... not so much. The Knights have done well running the ball this season, and BYU showed some vulnerabilities with its run defense against Oklahoma State, but to make UCF a 2.5-point favorite didn't go over well.
Kudos to those who ... believed in BYU to win.
The following is the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press that will be counted in the consensus rankings that will be released Sunday afternoon.
1. Oregon
Throw whatever you want at Oregon, but Dan Lanning's squad remains resilient and tough. The Ducks can win at home, on the road, against great teams, against bad teams. Illinois didn't stand a chance this week, and the remaining Big Ten slate is manageable for what could be an undefeated regular season slate.
2. Georgia
Georgia got the bye week treatment, but don't forget about them just yet.
3. Penn State
Penn State continues to be the team nobody is talking about, and yet here they are. The Nittany Lions are well-rounded, have good wins on the resume, but are still relatively untested against great competition. But wins are wins, and Penn State looks good doing it.
4. Texas
Texas was held to just two field goals in the second half to hold off a plucky Vanderbilt team. The Longhorns remain one of the best teams in the country, but it hasn't been as clean as the first few weeks of the season. Can Texas withstand the SEC gauntlet?
5. Miami
Cam Ward didn't need gaudy numbers under center for Miami to get the job done against a bad Florida State team. Let's not make too much of this, but the Hurricanes are definitely representing the ACC well.
6. Ohio State
For one of the most talented Ohio State teams, the Big Ten slate has become a bit of a tight battle. Sure, outside of a loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes have gotten the job done, but the games have been a bit close for comfort. And outside of Dylan Raiola connecting with a safety and not his receiver, there's a chance Ohio State has another loss.
7. Tennessee
Tennessee, too, was on a bye week, and I'm sure they looked good doing it.
8. BYU
Just don't doubt BYU. Don't do it! For a time, many questioned whether the Cougars could continue to get it done, but there's not much that can seemingly break the momentum BYU has built up for itself. The team is playing loose and having fun, and it's translating to on-field success. The bye week comes next, but there's a real opportunity for BYU to finish the regular season undefeated.
9. Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish didn't give Navy any chance. Notre Dame scored 31 first-half points and held a previously undefeated Navy team to 7 points. It was over before it began. Sure, Notre Dame has an unexplainable loss, but it's all been great since then.
10. Iowa State
The bye week came at a good time, but BYU continues to steal all the attention from the Big 12. But also, the Cougars have the better resume so far. Iowa State can sniff 10 wins for the first time in school history — and maybe more. There's a real playoff opportunity for Iowa State here.
Dropping out: Missouri, Syracuse
Checking in: Colorado, Washington State
In consideration (alphabetical): Arizona State, Duke, Memphis, Missouri, Syracuse, Tulane, UNLV
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
