AP Top 25: Oregon is the biggest winner in Week 14 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Oregon emerged as one of the biggest winners in Sunday’s Associated Press Top 25 poll, climbing one spot to No. 5. It's the highest ranking for the Ducks since reaching No. 3 in early October before the loss to Indiana.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOregon vaulted past idle Ole Miss after strengthening their College Football Playoff standing with a 42-27 win over then-No. 15 USC, their fifth straight victory and tenth of the season.
Coach Dan Lanning didn’t shy away from playoff messaging after the win, pointing out Oregon’s nine-game conference schedule. “We didn’t play Chattanooga State today, right? Like some other places,” Lanning said, taking a swipe at SEC programs’ late-season scheduling.
Despite missing star receivers Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. and losing their starting center mid-game, the Ducks outgained USC 436-382 and held the Trojans to 52 rushing yards.
Ohio State, Indiana and Texas A&M remained the top three teams, with Georgia at No. 4. Miami led five ranked ACC teams at No. 13, while Pittsburgh and SMU reentered the poll. No. 20 James Madison stayed the highest-ranked Group of Five team. Missouri and Houston fell out after weekend losses to Oklahoma and TCU, respectively.
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