Florida Passes Michigan in AP Poll

By The Associated Press

Florida passed Michigan and returned to No. 2 in The Associated Press Top 25 and the coaches' poll on Sunday.

While the Gators had a slim lead of three points over Michigan in the AP poll, they were 26 points ahead of the Wolverines in the USA Today poll — a margin that could help get Florida into the national title game.

The coaches' poll is one of three components used in the Bowl Championship Series standings, along with the Harris poll and a compilation of six computer ratings.

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel has a vote in the coaches' poll, but abstained this week.

"We are excited to play in the BCS title game against a tremendous opponent," he said in a statement. "After consultation with my director of athletics, Gene Smith, and based upon our unique position in the BCS standings, I believe it is only fair that we not participate the final poll."

The BCS pairings were to be announced later Sunday.

The Gators and Wolverines are vying for a spot in the BCS national championship game opposite No. 1 Ohio State.

Florida, which defeated Arkansas 38-28 on Saturday night to win the Southeastern Conference title, jumped two spots from No. 4 and passed idle Michigan. The Wolverines haven't played since losing 42-39 to the Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio, on Nov. 18.

Southern California's 13-9 loss to UCLA caused the shake-up at the top of the rankings. The Trojans became the sixth team ranked No. 2 to lose this season, joining Texas, Notre Dame, Auburn, Florida and Michigan. USC fell six spot to No. 8.

No. 4 LSU was followed by Big East champ Louisville, Wisconsin and Big 12 champion Oklahoma.

After USC, Boise State was No. 9 and Auburn was 10th, giving the SEC three top-10 teams.

Notre Dame was 11th and Arkansas slipped four spots to No. 12 after its loss to Florida.

No. 13 West Virginia was followed by Virginia Tech, Atlantic Coast Conference champ Wake Forest and Rutgers. Tennessee, Texas, BYU and California round out the first 20.

Texas A&M, Nebraska and Boston College are next and the final two teams are new to the rankings.

No. 24 Oregon State beat Hawaii 35-32 Saturday night to knock the Warriors out of the rankings and put the Beavers in for the first time since 2002.

TCU, which began the season ranked but fell out in September, is back in at No. 25.

Also falling out of the rankings was Georgia Tech, which lost the ACC championship game Saturday to Wake Forest.


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