Michigan Declared No. 1 in Final Associated Press College Football Poll

Michigan was declared No. 1 in the final Associated Press college football poll after voting late Friday night, easily beating Nebraska despite the Cornhuskers' 42-17 victory over Tennessee in the Orange Bowl. In winning its first AP national title since 1948, Michigan received 51 1/2 first-place votes and 1,731 1/2 points from a national panel of 70 sports writers and broadcasters. The Cornhuskers closed the gap considerably from the final regular-season poll, but still fell well short, collecting 18 1/2 first-place votes and 1,698 1/2 points.

Key Takeaways:

• Michigan received 51 1/2 first-place votes and 1,731 1/2 points from a national panel of 70 sports writers and broadcasters to win its first AP national title since 1948.
• Nebraska collected 18 1/2 first-place votes and 1,698 1/2 points, falling short in the final Associated Press poll.
• Michigan's lead over Nebraska grew from 68 first-place votes and 68 points before the bowl games to 33 first-place votes and 33 points in the final poll.
• Seven voters split their ballot in the final AP poll.
• Nebraska's 42-17 victory over Tennessee in the Orange Bowl did not convince enough AP voters to move the Cornhuskers to No. 1.
• Michigan's quarterback Brian Griese asked, "Is there anything else you want us to do?" indicating the team's confidence in their performance.
• The biggest day of the season occurred on Nov. 9, when Michigan jumped over Nebraska and into the top spot.
• This is the third time a No. 1 team has won and was voted out of the top spot, mirroring Penn State's instance four years ago.
• Nebraska completed its third perfect season in the past four years, but the Huskers can understand how Penn State felt four years ago when both teams finished undefeated and the Huskers were voted No. 1.

Statistics:

• 51 1/2 first-place votes and 1,731 1/2 points from a national panel of 70 sports writers and broadcasters was Michigan's total in the final AP poll.
• 18 1/2 first-place votes and 1,698 1/2 points from a national panel of 70 sports writers and broadcasters was Nebraska's total in the final AP poll.
• 68 first-place votes and 68 points was Michigan's lead over Nebraska before the bowl games.
• 33 first-place votes and 33 points was Michigan's lead over Nebraska in the final poll.
• 7 voters split their ballot in the final AP poll.
• 42-17 was the score of Nebraska's victory over Tennessee in the Orange Bowl.
• 25 was the point margin of Michigan's victory over Peyton Manning and the Volunteers.

Sources:

• Associated Press college football poll
• Associated Press
• Orange Bowl report