COLUMBUS, Ohio — Both Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati rode the momentum of Week 1 victories up the polls released Tuesday by the Associated Press.

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio State moved up to No. 3

  • Cincinnati moved up to No. 7

  • Alabama and Georgia claimed top two spots

Ohio State continued its contention for the College Football Playoff by rising to No. 3 in the poll from the Buckeyes’ No. 4 preseason ranking.

The Buckeyes defeated Minnesota in a primetime Big Ten Conference and season opener, 45-31.

Despite trailing the Golden Gophers at halftime, 14-10, Ohio State saw freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud bounce back from a shaky first half to get the win.

The Buckeyes also were the beneficiaries of Clemson’s loss to Georgia, which saw the Tigers drop from No. 3 to No. 6 in the rankings. With the Bulldogs’ win, Georgia jumped Ohio State in the rankings to No. 2.

Cincinnati was able to sneak past Iowa State in the rankings to No. 7, as the Cyclones dropped two spots despite defeating Northern Iowa. But ISU’s 16-10 win against the FCS opponent was less than impressive to some voters.

Cincinnati convincingly defeated rival Miami (OH), 49-14, to claim the Bearcats’ 15th-consecutive win in the Battle for the Victory Bell.

Alabama claimed the top spot in the poll after its win against No. 14 Miami (FL). Oklahoma dropped from No. 2 to No. 4 after having to fend off a late surge by unranked Tulane to win, 40-35.

Rankings by Conference:

  • SEC — 6
  • Pac-12 — 5
  • ACC — 4
  • Big Ten — 4
  • Big 12 — 3
  • American — 1
  • Sun Belt — 1
  • Independent — 1

Ohio State next has a Top-25 matchup versus No. 12 Oregon on Saturday at noon. Cincinnati next plays FCS-level Murray State University on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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