It didn’t turn out to be a top 10 finish for K-State, but the Cats achieved their highest final ranking in the Associated Press poll since 2002. After the Fiesta Bowl loss to Oregon, 11-2 K-State finishes at #12 in the AP and #11 in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll. The Cats checked in at #6 in the coaches’ and #7 in the media polls after their last bowl win 10 years ago, 34-27 over Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl.
Alabama takes over the all-time lead in AP national championships following their 42-14 rout of Oregon on Monday night in the BCS Championship. Oregon rose to #2, Ohio State remained #3, Notre Dame plummeted to #4, and SEC mates Georgia and Texas A&M tied for #5.