College Football AP Poll Case Study: Miami and Oklahoma

Is Bob Stoops, head coach of the Oklahoma Sooner football team, paying those who vote in the AP Poll? Is he sending them charming fruit baskets? He must be. This is the only possible explanation for the Oklahoma Sooners sitting at number 8 in the Poll.

This week, the Sooners travel to South Florida to take on the Miami Hurricanes. Like Oklahoma, Miami is 2-1. Unlike Oklahoma, Miami is ranked 17.

Let's take a closer look at these two teams. The Sooners opened their season with a loss to Bringham Young University, currently ranked number 20 in the AP Poll. The Sooners' two wins came over Idaho State University (Division 1-AA) and the University of Tulsa, member of the all-powerful Conference USA.

Meanwhile, Miami's two wins came over Florida State and Georgia Tech, two teams that were ranked until Miami rocked them like hurricanes. Miami's one loss occurred this past Saturday at the hands of the Virginia Tech Hokies in an extremely hostile environment and rainy weather in Blacksburg, Virginia. For a team that passes as much as the Hurricanes, those two factors are basically the kiss of death.

True, Oklahoma lost its starting quarterback and Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford during the loss to Bringham Young in the first game of the season. Bradford sprained his AC joint in his right shoulder. However, the potential for Bradford to return in his usual form after an injury to his throwing shoulder does not warrant a top 10 ranking. Moreover, Oklahoma’s backup Landry Jones has been more than serviceable at the quarterback position, completing over 60% of his passes for 673 yards.

Those that are lucky enough to have a say in these polls should investigate the teams further before declaring a team like Oklahoma to be at least nine spots better than a team like the Miami. If the Canes can stay focused after the disappointing loss to Virginia Tech, the Canes have the talent to beat Oklahoma. Then Miami will finally take its rightful place on top of Oklahoma in the polls.