Pitt’s dramatic, come-from-behind victory against West Virginia on Thursday night didn’t impress the Associated Press Top 25 voters enough to move the Panthers off their preseason ranking. Pitt (1-0) remained 17th in the nation in the poll released Tuesday afternoon, the first this season that reflects outcomes on the field.
Meanwhile, Tennessee moved from unranked to No. 24, setting up a Johnny Majors Classic showdown Saturday at Acrisure Stadium, featuring two ranked teams — the Panthers and Volunteers.
Pitt is one of five ACC teams ranked in the Top 25 this week and one of two schools from that conference whose ranking did not drop. Miami moved from No. 16 to No. 15.
Clemson dropped from No. 4 to No. 5, N.C. State from No. 13 to No. 18 after escaping with a 21-20 victory against East Carolina and Wake Forest fell from No. 22 to No. 23. Clemson, Miami and Wake Forest claimed dominant victories against Georgia Tech, Bethune-Cookman and VMI.
Pitt moved from No. 16 to No. 14 in the American Football Coaches Association poll, also released Tuesday.
Georgia moved up to No. 2, passing Ohio State, after the defending national champion dominated its opener.
Alabama remained No. 1, receiving 44 of 63 first-place votes from the media panel and 1,552 points.
The Bulldogs narrowed the gap on the Crimson Tide after beating Oregon, 49-3, on Saturday. Georgia received 17 first-place votes.
Ohio State slipped to No. 3 and received two first-place votes. Michigan moved up four spots to No. 4.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
