AP Top 25 poll preview: Ole Miss, Memphis on the rise; Oklahoma, South Florida could fall

What the Big Ten might be missing this weekend with lopsided matchups and bye weeks, the SEC makes up for with three ranked-vs.-ranked games carrying playoff implications.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t potential trap games on the schedule and the Big 12 is full of intrigue: Oddsmakers expect BYU to lose for the first time this season while Houston has a chance for a marquee win and a 7-1 record.

Look for them to move up

— No. 8 Ole Miss did its job on Saturday, delivering a 34-26 road win against No. 13 Oklahoma as 5.5-point underdogs. Oklahoma climbed back from a 22-10 halftime deficit and pulled ahead in the third quarter thanks to a pair of touchdowns from Xavier Robinson, including a 65-yard rushing score. The Rebels bounced back with a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter, solidifying the win.

Look for them to drop

— No. 18 South Florida gave up a 31-17 lead in the fourth quarter, allowing Memphis to charge downfield for a field goal, two touchdowns and a 2-point conversion to take a late 34-31 lead. The Bulls had a chance to send the teams to overtime in the final seconds, but the 52-yard field-goal attempt went wide, and South Florida suffered its first loss since Week 3.

Wild card

— No. 16 Virginia narrowly beat UNC. The Cavaliers were outplayed in several areas. UNC had the edge in first downs (20-16) and total yards (353-259).

On the bubble

— The chances of Memphis breaking the AP Top 25 again appear promising after a 34-31 win against No. 18 South Florida. The Tigers improved to 7-1, possibly helping voters forget about a 31-24 loss to UAB last week.

___