UH Cougars move up to No. 6 in AP poll

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Cougars moved up the rankings in the Associated Press poll.

“It makes waking up at five in the morning that much better when the Cougars beat Oklahoma,” said Student Colby Kitterman.

The Coogs jumped up to No. 6, after opening up the season at No. 15. UH opened up their 2016 season with a statement victory Saturday over No. 3 Oklahoma at NRG Stadium. Houston beat the Sooners 33-23.

“I think it’s awesome, I’m excited!” said Student Shantia Cheatham. “They deserve it because they work so hard and so many people underestimate the Cougars.”

No. 6 Houston has its highest ranking since Nov. 4, 1990 (No. 3).

Texas is ranked for the first time under coach Charlie Strong, coming in at No. 11 in the latest Associated Press college football rankings after a rousing opening victory against Notre Dame.

The last time the Longhorns were ranked was November 2013, Mack Brown's last as coach.

Texas A&M is in at No. 20 after beating UCLA, then No. 16, in overtime.

Regardless of whether Houston (1-0) ends up in the Big 12 if the conference expands, coach Tom Herman's Cougars made an opening statement that could have season-long ramifications on the College Football Playoff.

"It's an exciting day for the University of Houston and today's rankings are the reflection of all the hard work our football program has put in over the offseason. Coach (Tom) Herman pushes our players to compete for championships and the rankings are a byproduct of it. Our goal is to remain in the upper echelon of the rankings throughout the season as we strive to reach our goal of winning The American Championship," UH Vice President for Athletics Hunter Yurachek said.

PHOTOS: Coogs' Upset Win Over Sooners

UH also moved up in the Amway Coaches Poll, jumping six spots to No. 7.

The Cougars face FCS Lamar on Saturday at home, but they might get a little work done for Cincinnati at practice this week, too.

The Cougars have a Thursday night road game on short rest against the Bearcats on Sept. 15.

Here's the list of the AP Top 25:

                                              Record    Pts      Pv
  1.  Alabama  (54)                    1-0      1,518      1
  2.  Clemson  (2)                      1-0      1,416      2
  3.  Florida  St.  (4)              1-0      1,413      4
  4.  Ohio  St.                            1-0      1,324      6
  5.  Michigan  (1)                    1-0      1,261      7
  6.  Houston                              1-0      1,243    15
  7.  Stanford                            1-0      1,140      8
  8.  Washington                        1-0          884    14
  9.  Georgia                              1-0          877    18
10.  Wisconsin                          1-0          759    NR
11.  Texas                                  1-0          743    NR
12.  Michigan  St.                    1-0          722    12
13.  Louisville                        1-0          686    19
14.  Oklahoma                            0-1          664      3
15.  TCU                                      1-0          635    13
16.  Iowa                                    1-0          588    17
17.  Tennessee                          1-0          573      9
18.  Notre  Dame                        0-1          528    10
19.  Mississippi                      0-1          493    11
20.  Texas  A&M                          1-0          477    NR
21.  LSU                                      0-1          423      5
22.  Oklahoma  St.                    1-0          409    21
23.  Baylor                                1-0          296    23
24.  Oregon                                1-0          242    24
25.  Miami                                  1-0          137    NR
   Others receiving votes: Florida 117, UCLA 62, Boise St. 50, Utah 43, San Diego St. 37, North Carolina 23, Auburn 13, Nebraska 13, Pittsburgh 7, BYU 5, Navy 2, Colorado 1, West Virginia 1.