Highlights from the ballot …
— No change at the very top, but Baylor took over the No. 2 spot after Texas lost to Texas Tech.
— The Big Ten’s highest ranked teams beat up on themselves last week as Minnesota handled Michigan and the Wolverines thumped Wisconsin.
As a result, the Gophers climbed four spots, to No. 7.
— Virginia jumped to No. 8 after suffocating Clemson — that’s a rise of six places for the Cavaliers, who have won five in a row.
— Alabama made its first appearance of the season following wins over Kentucky and Arkansas.
The Tide has won seven in a row and is the only undefeated team in SEC play. It faces second-place LSU on Tuesday.
— Florida State returned to the ballot after a lengthy absence and wins over North Carolina and N.C. State.
— UCLA and Oregon remained on the ballot as the Pac-12’s only representatives (although we gave serious consideration to Colorado).
The Bruins swept the Washington schools and haven’t lost since a mid-December duel with Ohio State.
The Ducks are on COVID pause.
To the ballot …
1. Gonzaga
2. Baylor
3. Iowa
4. Texas
5. Villanova
6. Kansas
7. Minnesota
8. Virginia
9. Houston
10. Michigan
11. Wisconsin
12. Texas Tech
13. Creighton
14. Virginia Tech
15. West Virginia
16. Tennessee
17. Clemson
18. Ohio State
19. Alabama
20. Duke
21. Florida State
22. UCLA
23. Michigan State
24. Illinois
25. Oregon
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