Coaches poll consistent after Week 1, Alabama loses 1st-place votes

A big Week 1 win didn’t do much to change Alabama football’s perception among college football voters.

The Crimson Tide remained at No. 3 in the first in-season edition of the AFCA coaches poll. It was behind Georgia, who remained at No. 1 and No. 2 Michigan.

Georgia dominated UT-Martin, 48-7. Michigan held East Carolina to 3 points while scoring 30. Alabama smashed Middle Tennessee State, 56-7. Ohio State struggled early but was never frightened as it beat Indiana 23-3. The big shakeup was put in motion Sunday night when Florida State surged past formerly No. 5 LSU, 45-25.

In the first edition of the coaches poll, released on Aug. 7, the Tide had earned four first-place votes. Alabama garnered none in the AP. But in Tuesday’s update, UA was placed No. 1 by two total voters in the coaches poll.

Alabama’s next opponent, Texas, jumped two in the coaches poll, setting up a top-10 matchup on Saturday night in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

AFCA coaches poll rankings

Georgia (63 first-place votes)
Michigan (1)
Alabama (2)
Ohio State
Florida State
Southern California
Penn State
Washington
Tennessee
Texas
Notre Dame
Utah
Oregon
LSU
Kansas State
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Oregon State
Wisconsin
Ole Miss
Clemson
Tulane
Texas A&M
Duke
Colorado

Received votes: Iowa 111; Pittsburgh 53; Kentucky 50; UCLA 44; Texas Christian 40; Fresno State 30; Miami 22; Auburn 22; Arkansas 18; Maryland 14; Missouri 13; Troy 11; Oklahoma State 11; NC State 10; Illinois 9; Wyoming 8; Washington State 7; Wake Forest 7; Air Force 7; Minnesota 6; Mississippi State 5; South Carolina 4; Kansas 4; Texas Tech 3; Southern Methodist 3; Central Florida 3; Houston 2; Texas-San Antonio 1; Michigan State 1; Memphis 1; Louisville 1; James Madison 1; Arizona 1.

LANK: Alabama football has a message for skeptics this season. Here’s what it means.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].