New Mexico Lobos cracked the AP Top 25 for the first time in program history, debuting at No. 22 in the Week 10 poll released Sunday. The ranking comes after five consecutive victories following a 14-6 loss at Oklahoma on Sept. 19, placing the Lobos three spots behind Group of Six frontrunner Boise State.
The AP poll appears to reflect a close watch on Saturday's action and may closely resemble the initial College Football Playoff rankings set to be revealed Tuesday. Among the notable movements, Ohio State fell nine places to No. 11 after a 30-18 loss at USC, marking its second loss and fourth in the last 10 games under coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes also lost quarterback Julian Sayin to a season-ending arm injury, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith's Heisman Trophy hopes have taken a hit.
South Carolina entered the rankings as the highest-placed three-loss team after winning three straight since an 0-3 start in SEC play under Shane Beamer. The Gamecocks own top-25 wins over Florida and Tennessee and feature an offense led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers that has drawn voter attention.
Missouri climbed four spots to No. 19 following a 34-10 victory at Arkansas, a bounce-back from a 28-point loss at Ole Miss. The Tigers benefited from the return of running back Ahmad Hardy and hold one ranked win over Florida. Quarterback Austin Simmons ranks among the SEC passing leaders with 1,952 yards, 16 touchdowns and two interceptions, while the defense ranks fifth in the conference in scoring despite offseason losses such as edge rusher Damon Wilson II to Miami. Missouri faces three consecutive top-10 opponents beginning with Texas this Saturday.
