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Florida football: Sometimes I don’t understand polling

By Matthew Clark

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Feleipe Franks #13 of the Florida Gators congratulates teammate Freddie Swain #16 after scoring a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Feleipe Franks #13 of the Florida Gators congratulates teammate Freddie Swain #16 after scoring a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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Polls are great for fans and can make good locker room fodder. However, for Florida football, the latest polls present more questions.

First, I have to admit I have voted in college football polls before. I have a rationale for what team I vote in what place.

Most writers are the same.

But, this week, I have to question how Florida football — coming off a 24-20 win over Miami in Orlando two weeks ago, actually drop in the polls.

In the Associated Press poll following Week 1, Florida football actually dropped three spots to No. 11. In the Amway Coaches’ Poll, the Gators dropped to No. 10.

This is where I get a bit conflicted when it comes to polls.

It seems if you have a week off, you are actually punished for it.

In the AP poll, the Gators were leap-frogged by Notre Dame — who struggled late against Louisville — Texas — who slapped around Louisiana Tech, 45-14 and get LSU this weekend — and Auburn — who did beat a ranked Oregon team after being forced to come from behind.

Okay, I will set aside Auburn.

The Gators had to come from behind twice against Miami, but it was a rivalry game in a neutral site.

But, I don’t quite understand the rationale for winning, getting a week off and dropping two or three spots in the polls.

With the exception of Auburn, it isn’t like Texas or Notre Dame played a higher-quality opponent. As a point of reference, Miami actually received votes in the AP poll.

I know it is just the second poll of the year and, at the end of the day, it is pretty inconsequential, but it is still a little bothersome.

Here’s a look at the AP poll released Tuesday:

1. Clemson (1-0) – 1542

2. Alabama (1-0)- 1493

3. Georgia (1-0) – 1407

4. Oklahoma (1-0) – 1337

5. Ohio State (1-0) – 1270

6. LSU (1-0) – 1233

7. Michigan (1-0) – 1226

8. Notre Dame (1-0) – 1037

9. Texas (1-0) – 1032

10. Auburn (1-0) – 958

11. Florida (1-0) 940

12. Texas A&M (1-0) – 862

13. Utah (1-0) – 826

14. Washington (1-0) – 768

15. Penn State (0-0) – 688

16. Oregon (0-1) 568

17. Wisconsin (1-0) – 519

18. UCF (1-0) – 445

19. Michigan State (1-0) – 409

20. Iowa (1-0) – 351

21. Syracuse (1-0) – 246

22. Washington State (1-0) – 244

23. Stanford (1-0) – 198

24. Boise State (1-0) – 179

25. Nebraska (1-0) – 86

Others Receiving Votes: Iowa State 86, Virginia 73, TCU 61, Mississippi State 50, Cincinnati 48, Army 31, Miami (FL) 10, Oklahoma State 8, Memphis 6, Arizona State 4, Appalachian State 4, Minnesota 2, USC 1, Boston College 1, North Carolina 1.

I mean, if you look at it, Oregon got beat — albeit by a fellow ranked team — but there are other teams that should be ahead of them like every team ranked from No. 17 to No. 25.

But, that could just be me.

Next. Gators land 4-star DB recruit for 2021. dark

What do you think about the polls? Let us know in the comments below or message us on Twitter @hailfloridahail.

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