Impressive victory puts Miami over 'Bama in Top 25
Nov. 6, 2005
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
Miami jumped over unbeaten Alabama, though just barely, and into the No. 3 spot in the Associated Press Top 25.
The Hurricanes (7-1) moved up two spots Sunday in the media poll behind No. 1 Southern California and No. 2 Texas, a day after their 27-7 victory at previously unbeaten Virginia Tech.
Alabama improved to 9-0 with a 17-0 win at Mississippi State, but stayed put in the Top 25. Only two points separate Miami (1,452) and Alabama (1,450).
USC and Texas have been at the top of the rankings since the preseason -- making 2005 similar to 2004 when USC and Oklahoma were Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, all season.
USC extended its record stay at No. 1 to 29 straight polls. The Trojans, who have won 31 straight games, received 57 first-place votes and the Longhorns got the remaining eight.
The Hurricanes have won seven straight games since losing their season opener, 10-7, at Florida State.
Tim Griffin of the San Antonio Express-News had Miami ahead of Alabama on his ballot after watching the Hurricanes manhandle Virginia Tech.
"I got a chance to watch most of the second half, and the way they went up and played Virginia Tech made me believe they deserve mention as one of the top three teams in the country," he said. "They are playing better than Alabama right now."
Michael Pointer of the Indianapolis Star had Alabama No. 3 and Miami fourth.
"I kind of wrestled with that to tell the truth but I came down to my rule if you're undefeated and play in the SEC you have to be ahead of the team with one loss," he said.
Pointer said he even considered putting Penn State ahead of Alabama.
"You have to give (Alabama) credit for winning the games," he said. "You can spin it however you want, they might not be as impressive at times, but they are unbeaten."
After Miami and Alabama, LSU is No 5. The Tigers play the Crimson Tide on Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
Reply With Quote
