Columbus, Ohio – November 20, 2023
Following a weekend of college football that lacked major upsets, the latest US LBM Coaches Poll after Week 12 reflects subtle adjustments in the rankings, with Ohio State making a notable move to claim the No. 2 spot, just ahead of Michigan. The top five teams have undergone a slight shuffle, creating anticipation and debate among football enthusiasts.
Georgia maintains its stronghold on the No. 1 ranking, securing the top position on all but two of the 63 ballots submitted this week. The Bulldogs’ decisive victory at Tennessee further solidified their season-long dominance. In a surprising twist, Ohio State edges past Michigan by two poll points for the coveted No. 2 position.
Both the Buckeyes and Wolverines boast a single first-place vote each. Michigan faced its first close game of the season against Maryland, while Ohio State showcased dominance in a comprehensive win against Minnesota. The stage is set for an intense on-field showdown next week, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome and not shying away from expressing their opinions on this latest poll.
Florida State maintains its grip on the No. 4 spot, but No. 5 Washington closes the gap to just eight points after a hard-fought road win against Oregon State. Despite the loss, Oregon State only falls five places to No. 15 and looks to upset the rankings once again in the upcoming matchup against No. 6 Oregon.
The top 10 remains stable with Texas, Alabama, and Louisville maintaining positions seven through nine. Missouri climbs a spot to round out the top 10, marking a significant ascent for the Tigers, who last held a top-10 position at the end of the 2013 season.
Arizona emerges as the standout mover of the week, vaulting six places to claim the No. 16 spot after an impressive performance against Utah. Meanwhile, Tennessee retains its place in the poll at No. 23 despite suffering its fourth loss of the season and second consecutive defeat.
In a noteworthy development, unbeaten Liberty makes its debut in the rankings at No. 22. Joining them in entering the top 25 are No. 24 North Carolina State and No. 25 SMU. On the flip side, Utah, North Carolina, and James Madison dropped out of the rankings, making way for the newcomers in this dynamic college football landscape.