UF jumps ahead of UCF in AP top 25 poll

The Florida Gators jumped ahead of UCF in the AP top 25 poll despite the Knights extending the nation’s longest win streak and UF staying idle during a bye week.

It was part of another disappointing poll release Sunday for UCF fans.

The Knights (7-0) stayed at No. 10 in the latest AP poll and dropped back one spot from No. 9 to No. 10 in the coaches’ top 25 poll. There were six one-loss teams ranked ahead of UCF in both polls.

The Gators (6-1) moved into the No. 9 spot in the AP poll despite being idle during the weekend. Ohio State (7-1) fell from No. 2 to No. 9 in the coaches’ poll. The Gators had been right behind UCF at No. 11.

UCF relied on backup quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. during a 37-10 win at East Carolina Saturday, extending the Knights’ win streak to 20 games despite the absence of Heisman candidate quarterback McKenzie Milton due to injury.

Elsewhere, fellow American Athletic Conference team USF was No. 21 in the AP poll and No. 20 in the coaches’ poll.

The AAC’s Cincinnati tumbled out of both polls after a loss to Temple Saturday, leaving the league with two ranked teams.

Appalachian State was the only other Group of 5 team ranked in the polls, claiming the No. 25 spot in the AP poll.

The highest ranked Group of 5 teams in the College Football Playoff rankings will earn a spot in an Access Bowl. Last year UCF claimed that bid and defeated Auburn in the Peach Bowl.

The state of Florida has three teams listed in this week’s coaches’ poll, with Miami checking in at No. 25. The Hurricanes were not ranked in the AP poll.

The top four teams in both polls were identical: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Notre Dame and No. 4 LSU. See the latest college football polls.