[needle]

Stanford got blown out twice this year. The best win came over a team that has since gotten much better play from the QB position (as has Stanford, but the leap has been greater for USC). The next best win is over K-State (No. 33 in Sagarin ratings).

For AP voters, all this is a consideration. I think Stanford should be ranked more highly than LSU, for sure; much less sure about the other three-loss teams.

[needle]

Stanford got blown out twice this year. The best win came over a team that has since gotten much better play from the QB position (as has Stanford, but the leap has been greater for USC). The next best win is over K-State (No. 33 in Sagarin ratings).

For AP voters, all this is a consideration. I think Stanford should be ranked more highly than LSU, for sure; much less sure about the other three-loss teams.