Some unexpected results in Week 6 shook up the Amway Coaches Poll, though the tremors didn’t reach all the way to the top.
All the ballots had Alabama and Clemson first and second in some order as both teams, though challenged a bit on Saturday, moved a step closer to a third consecutive meeting in the national championship game. The Crimson Tide staved off a rally at Texas A&M to retain the No. 1 ranking with 57 of 65 first-place votes. The Tigers, who took charge early at home and held off Wake Forest, pick up the remaining firsts.
The changes begin after that as Penn State moves up to claim the No. 3 spot. Washington climbs to No. 4 with Georgia rounding out the top five.
TOP 25 | The complete Amway Coaches Poll
Stock up: TCU. The Horned Frogs survived a tough battle with then-No. 23 West Virginia and continue their steady climb up the rankings. Now the last unbeaten team in the Big 12, they move up three places to No. 7.
Stock down: Oklahoma. The Sooners weren’t nearly as fortunate, dropping a home contest to unranked Iowa State for their first loss. They tumble nine places to No. 12.
Stock up: Miami (Fla.). The Hurricanes gain two positions to crack the top 10 on the heels of their thrilling win against archrival Florida State.
Stock down: Michigan. The Wolverines suffered their first loss at home, a mistake-filled outing against Michigan State, and also take a nine-spot plunge to No. 16.
Stock up: North Carolina State. The Wolfpack climb four notches to enter the top 20 following their Thursday triumph over Louisville.
Stock down: Utah. The Utes were ushered out of the unbeaten club by Stanford and fall five places to No. 23.
New kids on the block: No. 22 Michigan State, No. 24 Navy, No. 25 Stanford.
College dropouts: Louisville, Florida, West Virginia.
