Couple movers. Mostly minor differences w other polls. Uw at 12. Usc highest yet at 5. Trojans are over ranked by about 5-7 spots but the longer you win the more 1 loss teams pile up behind you so the higher you’ll be when you finally lose.
the longer you’re in the top 10 or whatever the longer you dan sell your story to donors. Recruits parents. Showing up in the top 10 and immediately losing is a flash in the pan. Being there for half a season imbeds in peoples memories. Even if your program is not quite there yet.
Your asessment is correct about the value of rankings and the peril of that 1st loss. SC has not been undefeated in September since 2010.