OHIO — With Ohio State’s 42-27 loss to Michigan on Saturday, the Wolverines jumped over Cincinnati, Alabama and Notre Dame on Sunday to reach No. 2 in the AP Top 25 Poll.

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio State’s loss dropped the Buckeyes to No. 7 in the AP Poll

  • Michigan replaced the Buckeyes at No. 2 in this week’s AP Poll

  • Cincinnati climbed a spot to No. 3

  • Georgia maintained its spot as No. 1 heading into conference championship week

The Bearcats, previously ranked No. 4, climbed a spot to No. 3 despite being jumped by Michigan. Cincinnati swapped places with Alabama, who fell to No. 4 after a quadruple overtime victory over Auburn on Saturday. 

Cincinnati defeated East Carolina on Friday by a 35-13 margin. 

The Bearcats have been ranked as high as No. 2 in the polls this year, but lost ground as Alabama and Ohio State had perceived stronger schedules. Cincinnati is hoping to finish in the top four in next week’s College Football Playoff poll, which would give the program its first ever appearance in the playoff. 

In order for Cincinnati to reach the playoffs, the Bearcats will likely need to defeat Houston in the American Athletic Conference championship game next week. 

The Buckeyes, previously ranked No. 2, fell to No. 7. Ohio State is unlikely to be a factor in the College Football Playoff top four and likely will be invited to the Rose Bowl. 

Leading the AP Poll was No. 1 Georgia, the unanimous choice for the top spot, followed by Michigan, Cincinnati, Alabama, Oklahoma State and Notre Dame. 

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