3 overrated teams that don't deserve a spot in AP Top 25 Poll rankings ft. Washington State

The AP Top 25 poll proves that college football remains something nearer a beauty contest than an exact science. While some top programs are undervalued, some lucky teams have managed to hang in the rankings despite resumes that are poor or awful.

Here are three teams that shouldn't be in the top 25.

Top 25 teams that don't deserve to be ranked

Missouri and coach Eli Drinkwitz are in the Top 25, but might not be deserving. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#1, Washington State

The Cougars lost their conference after the Pac-12 was looted. But while playing a Mountain West schedule, they've run up an 8-1 record that has earned them the No. 19 spot in the latest AP poll. But here's the thing: WSU hasn't earned much of anything.

Yes, they're 8-1. The Cougars have played exactly one ranked team this season. They lost by 21 points to Boise State (currently ranked No. 13). Their best wins are over a 5-5 Washington team and a 6-4 Texas Tech squad. Washington State is ranked 53rd in ESPN's latest FPI. That's below teams like 4-5 Utah and 3-6 Kentucky.

Yes, they're winning games. But eking out one-score victories over Fresno State and San Diego State shouldn't be bolstering a Top 25 resume. The Cougars are overrated.

#2, Louisville

The 6-3 Cardinals, ranked No. 22, have worked their way back into competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but sitting at fourth best in a one-bid CFP league really shouldn't count for a Top 25 season. Louisville is getting way too much mileage out of beating bad teams while doing little else.

The Cardinals have a win over Clemson (currently No. 17), but that's about the only thing to say about them. The three best teams on their schedule all beat them: Notre Dame, Miami and SMU. After the Clemson game, the only other quality win on Louisville's slate is probably Georgia Tech.

A couple of solid 7-2 teams in Iowa State and Pittsburgh were left out of the Top 25 so that the Cardinals could make the field. That seems like a mistake.

#3, Missouri

The Tigers are tied for seventh in the Southeastern Conference, but that gets them the No. 24 spot in the AP poll. While the SEC is an outstanding league, that feels more than a little excessive. Lest the voters' judgment seems shaky, ESPN's FPI also has the Tigers as the ninth-best team in the SEC.

To give a little perspective, the FPI has Missouri ranked just ahead of 5-5 Oklahoma and three spots above a 4-5 Florida team that will probably miss a bowl game. The Tigers just aren't that good.

Missouri lost its two games by 31 and 34 points. Meanwhile, four of the Tigers' seven wins have come by one score: wins over 3-6 Auburn, 6-4 Vandy, 5-4 Boston College and 5-5 Oklahoma. Missouri hasn't earned its lofty ranking, even despite its SEC status.

What do you think of the undeserving Top 25 teams? Share your take below in our comments section!