My AP top 25 ballot: Washington State soars, Ohio State falls and Texas crashes top 4

Ohio State’s resounding loss against Purdue means there is a new member in my top four this morning.

The newcomer: Texas.

Can’t say I expected the Longhorns to be in the playoff mix when they opened the season with a loss against Maryland, but here we are. I ranked them fourth this week, behind the three major undefeated teams -- Alabama, Notre Dame and Clemson.

Here’s a complete look at how I voted:

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Washington State.

I thought long and hard about ranking the Cougars last week. They were my first team out. Then they hosted “College Gameday” and trounced Oregon. Now I’m a believer. Mike Leach has a good team. Washington State makes its debut on my top 25 ballot this week in style, coming in at No. 12.

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Cincinnati and North Carolina State.

You know you have a team ranked too high when its own fans call you out on Twitter for showing them too much respect. Sorry Cincinnati. I won’t make that mistake again. I had the Bearcats at No. 14 last week, based entirely on their undefeated record. Then they went out and lost to Temple. They are no longer on my ballot.

North Carolina State also dropped out of my top 25 after it got body slammed by Clemson.

Say hello to ...

Iowa, Utah and Texas Tech.

They all join Washington State as newcomers this week. The Hawkeyes lead the way at No. 19 now that they are 6-1. The Utes join the party after beating Southern California. The Red Raiders are back in at 5-2.

Say goodbye to ...

Cincinnati, USC, Mississippi State and North Carolina State.

I want to personally bid farewell to the Bulldogs, who have looked the opposite of good since clobbering Kansas State in Week 2.

My AP top 25 ballot:

1. Alabama

2. Notre Dame

3. Clemson

4. Texas

5. Florida

6. LSU

7. Georgia

8. Oklahoma

9. Michigan

10. Central Florida

11. Ohio State

12. Washington State

13. West Virginia

14. Texas A&M

15. Kentucky

16. Penn State

17. Washington

18. Miami (Fla.)

19. Iowa

20. Oregon

21. Utah

22. Texas Tech

23. Appalachian State

24. Utah State

25. South Florida

This story was originally published October 21, 2018 at 9:47 AM.