Despite shutout win, Badgers drop to No. 19 in AP poll

Sep 6, 2022 | 2:58 PM

The Badgers are one of seven teams, including Ohio State and Clemson, who fell in the poll despite winning. Wisconsin was the only one of the seven to not allow their opponent to score. In fact, the Badgers were the only Top 25 team besides No. 1 Alabama and No. 6 Texas A&M to shut out their opponent in Week 1.

The biggest fall from grace this week undoubtedly belongs to Oregon, who went from No. 11 to unranked after a heavy 49-3 defeat to then-No. 3 Georgia. The Bulldogs swapped spots with Ohio State because of that win, moving up to No. 2 despite the Buckeyes’ win over Notre Dame.

Florida, who started the season unranked, saw the greatest rise in the polls this week, surging up to No. 12 after upsetting Utah. The Utes fell from No. 7 to No. 13 due to the loss.

The Big Ten has four teams ranked this week: No. 3 Ohio State, No. 4 Michigan, No. 14 Michigan State and No. 19 Wisconsin. Future conference member USC rose to No. 10 after demolishing the Rice Owls.

As it stands, the College Football Playoff is a two-conference affair. SEC powerhouses Alabama and Georgia sit at No. 1 and No. 2 respectively, while Big Ten rivals Ohio State and Michigan round out the field. Clemson and Texas A&M are on the bubble at No. 5 and No. 6.

The Badger will look to add a more convincing win to their record on Saturday when they take on PAC-12 foe Washington State at 2:30 p.m. CT at Camp Randall Stadium. The Cougars are coming off of a win against Idaho that was a bit too close for comfort and will be looking for the upset.