With conference championships now decided, the voters in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll have weighed in before teams enter the bowl season.
Playoff-bound Georgia and Michigan wrapped up perfect regular seasons and easily retain the top two spots. The SEC champion Bulldogs picked up 59 of 61 first-place votes submitted this week, while the Wolverines claimed the other two.
Ohio State moves up to No. 3 ahead of fourth-ranked TCU following the Horned Frogs’ overtime loss to Kansas State in the Big 12 title game. The Wildcats move up just one spot to No. 9 with that win, however. Alabama climbs to No. 5, and Tennessee leapfrogs Penn State for the No. 6 spot.
Southern California slips a vital four places to No. 8 after losing the Pac-12 title to Utah, which moves into the top 10.
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Clemson was impressive in winning the ACC championship but stays put in the rankings at No. 11. Washington, despite not playing, falls three places to No. 12.
Sun Belt champion Troy is the lone newcomer to the poll, entering the bowl season at No. 24. Central Florida, which lost the American Athletic Conference title game to No. 17 Tulane, drops out.
