AP Top 25 poll: BYU football stays, Utah falls in week 14 rankings

SALT LAKE CITY — BYU football stayed put and Utah football dropped one spot in the week 14 AP Top 25 poll, which was released on Sunday.

Both the Cougars and the Utes picked up a big win on Saturday, but the results might have sent different messages to the committee. BYU stayed at No. 11 and Utah fell to No. 14.

BYU football took care of business on the road in week 13, defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats 26-14.

The first half was too close for comfort for the Cougars, as they led by just three going into the break. They made up for lost time after the break and outscored Cincy 16-7 to cruise to a double-digit victory.

The Bearcats did a great job of slowing BYU’s passing attack. Bear Bachmeier had just 127 yards through the air. However, they had no answer for running back LJ Martin, who finished with 222 yards and two touchdowns.

BYU looks all but guaranteed to end the regular season with one loss as they close out their schedule at home against the 5-6 UCF Knights next weekend.

Earlier in the day, Utah football avoided disaster with a 51-47 win over the Kansas State Wildcats on senior night.

The Utes trailed for most of the game. Even facing multiple double-digit deficits. But led by its dynamic quarterback duo of Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin, they were able to squeak out the victory.

Ficklin and Dampier accounted for all seven of Utah’s scores on Saturday. After a late rushing score to take the lead, senior linebacker Lander Barton sealed the win with an interception in the final minute.

Utah football will end its regular season on the road against the Kansas Jayhawks next weekend.

The Rest of The Big 12 Rankings

Unlike the last few weeks, there were just three Big 12 schools in the week 14 rankings.

Still, Texas Tech leads the pack at No. 7. BYU follows up at No. 11, and Utah rounds out the conference pack at No. 14.

However, multiple schools received some love without officially making the top 25. Arizona State unofficially comes in at No. 26 and Arizona at No. 29.

Week 14 AP Top 25 Poll

1. Ohio State
2. Indiana
3. Texas A&M
4. Georgia
5. Oregon
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas Tech
8. Oklahoma
9. Notre Dame
10. Alabama
11. BYU
12. Vanderbilt
13. Miami
14. Utah
15. Michigan
16. Texas
17. Virginia
18. Tennessee
19. USC
20. James Madison
21. North Texas
22. Tulane
23. Georgia Tech
24. Pittsburgh
25. SMU

 

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