AP Top 25: Washington drops out of top 10, Washington State enters poll

Washington (5-2, 3-1 Pac-12) drops from No. 7 to No. 15 in this week’s poll after its overtime loss to archrival Oregon, 30-27, Saturday in Eugene. There was no shortage of drama in this one as the Huskies and Ducks traded the lead all game long and kept the scoring margin within one possession the entire time. After a wide-right UW field goal attempt sent the game into overtime, the Huskies missed out on a touchdown in their OT possession, instead settling for a field goal. That would not be enough to stave off the Ducks, who managed to punch it in for the win on the next possession. Now with two losses on the season, Washington’s hopes for a College Football Playoff appearance have dimmed — for now, at least. Up next for the Huskies: a homecoming matchup against Colorado (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) on Saturday.

Oregon (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) leapfrogs five teams, moving to No. 12 in this week’s poll with Saturday’s win over then-No. 7 Washington. C.J. Verdell was big-time for the Ducks, scoring in the third quarter and again in overtime for the game-winner. QB Justin Herbert completed 18 of 32 pass attempts for 202 yards and a pair of touchdowns — including this stunning second-quarter TD catch by Jaylon Redd that you need to see if you haven’t already. Oregon hits the road this week for a Saturday contest at Washington State (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12), where ESPN’s College GameDay will be visiting for the first time in the show’s history.

Washington State (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) was on its bye week but still enters the poll at No. 25. Now we can call the Cougars’ upcoming showdown with No. 12 Oregon (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) a top-25 Pac-12 North matchup, just in time for the bright lights of ESPN College GameDay.

Stanford, USC, Colorado and Utah all received votes in this week’s poll.

Here is the complete AP Top 25 poll for Week 8:

1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Clemson
4. Notre Dame
5. LSU
6. Michigan
7. Texas
8. Georgia
9. Oklahoma
10. UCF
11. Florida
12. Oregon
13. West Virginia
14. Kentucky
15. Washington
16. North Carolina State
17. Texas A&M
18. Penn State
19. Iowa
20. Cincinnati
21. South Florida
22. Mississippi State
23. Wisconsin
24. Michigan State
25. Washington State