Michigan Men Stay on Top of CSCAA Poll; Indiana, Ohio State Enter Top 10

PHOENIX, Arizona, January 22. THE University of Michigan’s men’s swimming and diving team kicks off 2014 in the top spot in the new poll of Division I swimming and diving men’s teams from the College Swim Coaches Association of America. As has been the case all season, the battle continues to wage among three teams ranked just behind the Wolverines.

The goal of the CSCAA rankings committee is to produce an in-season poll of the 25 best-performing teams in rank order at the time of each poll. The poll is not designed to predict the results of the NCAA Championship, but rather which teams would win head-to-head against other teams in the country.

Specifically, the poll committee does not differentiate between the types of meets, or the status of a specific team in terms of rested versus unrested, when considering votes. Further, rankings are only based on performances that have taken place up to that point in the season, with an emphasis on action from the previous poll.

Swimming World has been invited as a media member to participate in the polling process, and has a vote in each poll. Jeff Commings serves as Swimming World’s representative on these weekly conference calls.

1. Michigan (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten)
Last poll rank: 1

Results
W vs. Iowa (9/27), 182-110
W at Dennis Stark Relays, (10/11), First out of five teams
W at Notre Dame and Auburn (10/12); 195-103 vs. Auburn, 201-99 vs. Notre Dame
W at Indiana (10/25), 203-97
W vs. Texas (at Indiana) (10/25), 166-134
Michigan Open (11/22-24)
USA Swimming natioinals (12/5-7)

Since last poll:
Orange Bowl Classic (1/3)
W at Purdue (1/10), 176-124
W at Northwestern (1/11), 177-115
SMU Classic (1/17-18)

Next competition: February 1 at Ohio State

Michigan continues to impress across multiple events, winning the SMU Classic and dual meets against two Big Ten foes. Richard Funk’s season-best in the 100 breast and Dylan Bosch’s performances in the butterfly and individual medleys were highlights of the past two weeks.

2. Florida (7-0, 3-0 SEC)
Last poll rank: 3 (tie)

Results
W at All-Florida Invitational (9/27) (First place)
W at Minnesota (10/12), 172-124
W at Missouri (10/17), 169-130
W vs. Georgia (11-1), 179-119
W vs. Alabama (11/7), 169-123
Buckeye Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
W vs. Florida State (1/4), 180-118
SMU Classic (1/17-18)
W at Florida Atlantic (1/18), 166-123

Next competition: January 25 vs. Auburn

Like Michigan, Florida has talent in nearly every event, but lacks the relay strength to challenge the Wolverines for the top spot.

3. Texas (7-1 1-0 Big 12)
Last poll rank: 2

Results
W vs. North Carolina (10/17), 171.5-126.5
W at Indiana (10/25), 204-96
L vs. Michigan (at Indiana) (10/25), 166-134
W vs. Virginia (11/8-9), 225-128
W vs. Penn State (at Virginia), 185-168
W vs. West Virginia (at Virginia), 259-93
Texas Invitational (12/5-7)

Since last poll:
W vs. Auburn (1/9), 162.5-132.5
W vs. Georgia (1/11), 169-126

Next competition: January 24 vs. TCU

Texas’ diving depth is going a long way to helping the Longhorns in the coaches poll, and could also help at the NCAA championships. Michael Hixon, Cory Bowersox and Will Chandler continue to dominate in the springboard events, helping to provide a big cushion in nearly every meet this season.

4. California (3-0, 0-0 Pac 12)
Last poll rank: 3 (tie)

Results
Cal Poly King of the Pool (9/20-21), unscored
W vs. Pacific (10/3), 149-104
W vs. Indiana (10/11), 173-122
W vs. Wisconsin (11/1), 151-131
USA Swimming nationals (12/5-7)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: Friday vs. Arizona State

The swims by Ryan Murphy, Jacob Pebley and Josh Prenot at the Arena Grand Prix in Austin last weekend were considered for this poll, though the entire team has not raced in six weeks.

5. Arizona (1-2, 0-2 Pac 12)
Last poll rank: 5

Results
L at Utah (10/19), 152-148
W vs. UNLV (10/25), 208-91
L vs. Southern California (11/9), 172-128
Texas Invitational (12/5-7)

Since last poll:
Idle

Next competition: January 24 at Stanford

6. Southern California (3-0, 2-0 Pac 12)
Last poll rank: 6

Results
W at Arizona State (11/8), 171-119
W at Arizona (11/9), 172-128
Texas Invitational (12/5-7)

Since last poll:
W vs. Wisconsin (1/11), 151-124
SMU Classic (1/17-18)

Next competition: February 7 vs. California

Freestyle continues to be the strongest stroke for the Trojans, as evidenced primarily by Cristian Quintero at the SMU Classic.

7. Louisville (4-1, 1-0 American)
Last poll rank: 8

Results
W vs. Xavier (10/11), 189-70
W vs. Tennessee (10/24), 167-132
L at North Carolina (11/1-2), 186-161
Michigan Open (11/22-24)
USA Swimming nationals (12/5-7)

Since last poll:
W at Georgia Tech (1/4), 191.5-70.5
W vs. Cincinnati (1/11), 234-65
SMU Classic (1/17-18)

Next competition: Friday vs. Notre Dame

After a big move into the top 10 thanks to impressive swims at the USA Swimming nationals, Louisville moves up one spot in the rankings after a strong showing at the SMU Classic and strong post-holiday training swims against Georgia Tech.

8. Indiana (4-4, 2-1 Big Ten)
Last poll rank: 16 (tie)

Results
L at California (10/11), 173-122
L at Stanford (10/12), 183-111
L vs. Michigan (10/25), 203-97
L vs. Texas (10/25), 204-96
W vs. Kentucky (11/1), 208-92
W vs. Tennessee (11/1), 179-121
USA Swimming nationals (12/5-7)

Since last poll:
W at Iowa (1/18), 195-102
W vs. Missouri (at Iowa) (1/18), 173-124

Next competition: January 31 vs. Louisville

Indiana makes their way into the top 10 this week, highlighted by some impressive swims by Eric Ress and dominant diving by Darian Schmidt in two conference dual meets.

9. Ohio State (8-0, 3-0 Big Ten)
Last poll rank: 11

Results
W at Kentucky (10/11), 176-122
W vs. Kenyon (10/25), 186-101
W vs. Cleveland State (10/25), 201-91
W vs. Denison (10/25), 202-90
W vs. Virginia Tech (10/25), 165.5-135.5
W at Purdue (11/8), 169-131
W vs. Iowa (at Purdue) (11/8), 195-105
W vs. Northwestern (at Purdue) (11/8), 231-69
Buckeye Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
Kenyon Winter Invitational (1/17-18)

Next competition: Saturday vs. Eastern Michigan and Ball State

Ohio State finds its way into the top 10 after dominating the Kenyon Invite against a couple of mid-major Division I teams, as well as a Division II team and Division III squad.

10. Auburn (2-1, 1-0 SEC)
Last poll rank: 9

Results
Dennis Stark Relays (10/11), second place
W at Notre Dame (10/ 12), 201-99
L vs. Michigan (10/12), 195-103
At Royals Invite (10/25), unscored
W at LSU (11/2), 151-87
Auburn Invite (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
L at Texas (1/9), 162.5-132.5

Next competition: Saturday at Florida

Auburn barely stays in the top 10 after losing to Texas last week.

11. Stanford (3-0, 0-0 Pac 12)
Last poll rank: 12

Results
W vs. Indiana (10/12), 183-111
W vs. Wisconsin (11/2), 175-116
UNLV Invitational (11/21-23)

Since last poll:
W vs. Pacific (1/11), 145-101

Next competition: Friday vs. Arizona

A lack of prime competition against Pacific kept Stanford out of the top 10, but this weekend’s matchup against Arizona might change that for the next poll.

12. Georgia (7-2, 3-1 SEC)
Last poll rank: 10

Results
W vs. Kentucky (9/25),162-110
W vs. Wisconsin (10/4-5), 179-139
W vs. Georgia Tech (10/15), 184-109
W at LSU (10/18), 180-112
L at Florida (11/1), 179-119
W vs. Emory (11/15), 137-73
Auburn Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
W vs. North Carolina State (1/4), 156-142
W at Texas A&M (1/10), 173-127
L at Texas (1/11), 169-126

Next competition: Saturday vs. Tennessee

Two wins to start 2014 didn’t help to offset Georgia’s loss to Texas on January 11, especially considering the team was without Chase Kalisz, who was serving an academic suspension.

13. Virginia Tech (10-2, 4-0 ACC)
Last poll rank: 15

Results
Virginia Tech Swimming Challenge (10/11), first place
W vs. North Carolina State (10/19), 185-113
L at Ohio State (11/1), 156.5-135.5
W vs. Denison (at Ohio State) (11/1), 251-49
W vs. Cleveland State (at Ohio State) (11/1), 252-48
W at Cincinnati (11/2), 139-93
W at Pittsburgh (11/9), 204-106
W vs. Notre Dame (at Pittsburgh) (11/9), 181-119
Virginia Tech Invitational (11/21-23)

Since last poll:
L at Tennessee (1/11), 169-131
W vs. Missouri (at Tennessee) (1/11), 175-125
W vs. Virginia (1/18), 217-153
W vs. Wisconsin (1/18), 264-105
W vs. Harvard (1/18), 232.5-137.5

Next competition: Saturday at UNC-Wilmington

Five meets across two weekends beefed up the Hokies’ winning season, including an important victory against in-state rival Virginia.

14. Minnesota (6-2, 3-1 Big Ten)
Last poll rank: 13

Results
W vs. Arizona State (10/5), 190-95
L vs. Florida (10/12), 172-124
W at Wisconsin (10/18-19), 220-150
W at Iowa (11/1), 174-126
W at North Dakota (11/9), 179-113
Arena Grand Prix (11/14-16)
Jean Freeman Invite (12-6-7)

Since last poll:
W at Hawaii (1/4), 134-103
L vs. Michigan (1/11), 176-124
W vs. Michigan State (1/11), 187.5-112.5
SMU Classic (1/17-18)

Next competition: January 31 and February 1 vs. Wisconsin and Minnesota

A Swimmer of the Meet honor from Guillermo Blanco, buoyed by a school record and other top five performances at the SMU Classic, was the key to Purdue’s ranking this week.

15. Florida State (4-1, 2-0 ACC)
Last poll rank: 16 (tie)

Results
All-Florida Invite (9/27-29), second place
W at Alabama (10/12), 179-121
W vs. North Carolina State (10/25), 162-136
W vs. Georgia Tech (10/25), 213-65
Auburn Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
L at Florida (1/4), 180-118
W vs. Florida Atlantic (1/17), 176-113

Next competition: January 31 vs. Miami

Florida State sneaks into the top 15 despite a loss earlier this month to Florida.

16. North Carolina (3-2, 0-0 ACC)
Last poll rank: 14

Results
Virginia Tech Swimming Challenge (10/11), second place
L at Texas (10/17), 171-126
W at Texas Christian, 188-109
W vs. Louisville (11/1-2), 186-161
Nike Cup (11/21-23)

Since last poll:
Unscored relay meet vs. Penn State (1/3)
W vs. Navy (1/11), 177-118

Next competition: Saturday vs. Virginia

North Carolina holds steady in the top 15, with some tough conference matchups on the horizon.

17. Purdue (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten)
Last poll rank: Not ranked

Results
Indiana Intercollegiates (10/26), first place
W vs. Notre Dame (11/1), 208-92
W vs. Iowa (11/8), 173-127
W vs. Northwestern (11/8), 209.5-90.5
L vs. Ohio State (11/8), 169-131
Arena Grand Prix (11/14-16)
W vs. Miami (Ohio), (11/22), 151.5-145.5
W at Hawaii (1/4), 134-103
L vs. Michigan (1/10), 176-124
W vs. Michigan State (1/11), 187.5-112.5
SMU Classic (1/17-18)

Next competition: January 31 vs. Wisconsin and Minnesota

Purdue returns to the poll after a strong series of meets against conference rivals, as well as a few notable swims at the SMU Classic.

18. Tennessee (5-2, 3-0 SEC)
Last poll rank: Not ranked

Results
W vs. UNC-Wilmington (9/27), 167-133
W vs. South Carolina (10/18), 172-128
L at Louisville (10/24), 167.5-132.5
L at Indiana (11/1), 179-121
W vs. Kentucky (at Indiana) (11/1), 177-123
Georgia Tech Invitational (11/22-24)
USA Swimming nationals (12-5-7)
W vs. Virginia Tech (1/11), 169-131
W vs. Missouri (1/11), 192-108

Next competition: Sunday at Georgia

Tennessee also makes a big return to the top 25, thanks to two dual meet wins at home that featured swimmers posting decent in-season times.

19. Missouri (5-4, 2-2 SEC)
Last poll rank: 7

Results
Show-Me-Showdown (10/4), first place
L vs. Florida (10/17), 169-130
W at Southern Illinois (10/24-25), 333-106
W vs. Kentucky (at Southern Illinois) (10/24-25), 267.5-177.5
W vs. Texas A&M (11/1), 186-114
W at Missouri State (11/8), 155-88
Mizzou Invitational (11/21-23)

Since last poll:
L at Tennessee (1/11), 175-125
L vs. Virginia Tech (at Tennessee), 164-136
W vs. Iowa (1/18), 168-131
L vs. Indiana (at Iowa), (1/18), 173-124

Next competition: Saturday at Drury

After making a big move up the rankings into the top 10 last month, the Tigers plummet after losing three dual meets in a span of a week.

20. Virginia (4-2, 0-1 ACC)
Last poll rank: 18

Results
W at Navy (10/25), 212-88
L vs. Penn State (11/8-9), 191-162
L vs. Texas (11/8-9), 225-128
W vs. West Virginia (11/8-9), 241-111
Buckeye Invitational (11/22-24)

Since last poll:
L at Virginia Tech (1/18), 217-153
W vs. Wisconsin (at Virginia Tech) (1/18), 240-127
W vs. Harvard (at Virginia Tech) (1/18), 225.5-137.5

Next competition: Friday at Duke

A tough loss to Virginia Tech was a major cause for Virginia’s slip in the rankings.

21. North Carolina State (3-2, 2-2 ACC)
Last poll rank: Not ranked

Results
All-North Carolina Invitational (10/4-5), first place
L at Virginia Tech (10/19), 185-113
W vs. Georgia Tech (10/25), 193-95
L vs. Florida State (10/25), 162-136
W vs. Duke (11/8), 177-115
W vs. UNC-Wilmington (11/9), 193-97
Dowd Nike Cup (11/21-23)
L at Georgia (1/4), 156-142
W vs. Villanova (1/10), 166-101

Next competition: Friday and Saturday at Minnesota

North Carolina State nearly beat Georgia on the road, giving notice to the coaches in the poll rankings and putting the Wolfpack back in the top 25.

22. Louisiana State (2-3, 1-3 SEC)
Last poll rank: Not ranked

Results
L vs. Georgia (10/18), 180-112
L vs. Auburn (11/2), 151-87
L at South Carolina (11/9), 166-134
Art Adamson Invitational (11/21-23)
W vs. Southern Methodist (1/9), 185-112
W vs. Texas A&M (1/18), 157.5-142.5

Next competition: January 31 vs. Rice and Tulane at Houston

The Tigers find their way into the top 25 after a close win over conference rival Texas A&M.

23. Penn State (4-1, 0-0 Big Ten)
Last poll rank: 19

Results
W vs. West Virginia (10/18), 153-129
W at Buffalo (11/2), 155-137
W at Virginia (11/8-9), 191-162
L vs. Texas (at Virginia) (11/8-9), 185-168
Texas Invitational (12/5-7)

Since last poll:
Unscored relay meet vs. North Carolina (1/3)
W at Villanova (1/17), 191-96

Next competition: Saturday at Navy

Penn State’s first meets of 2014 allowed the Nittany Lions to find their footing before setting off for a couple of road trips before the Big Ten championships.

24. Navy (5-3, 3-1 Patriot League)
Last poll rank: Not ranked

Results
W at UMBC (10/18), 154.5-145.5
L vs. Virginia (10/25), 212-88
L at Bucknell (11/9), 152-148
W vs. American (at Bucknell) (11/9), 249-49
W vs. Lafayette (at Bucknell) (11/9), 249-49
Dowd Nike Cup (11/21-23)
W vs. Army (12/12), 196-104
W vs. Princeton (1/4), 157-143
L at North Carolina (1/11), 177-118

Next competition: Saturday vs. Penn State

The Patriot League gets their first school into the top 25 this week, as Navy barely beat out a strong Princeton team and put up a fight against North Carolina.

25. Iowa (1-4, 1-4 Big Ten)
Last poll rank: 21

Results
L at Michigan (9/27), 182-110
W vs. Michigan State (10/18), 182-113
L vs. Minnesota (11/1), 176-121
L at Purdue (11/8), 195-105
L vs. Ohio State (at Purdue) (11/8), 173-127
Hawkeye Invitational (12/6-8)

Since last poll:
L vs. Missouri (1/18), 168-131
L vs. Indiana (1/18), 195-102

Next competition: Saturday at Northwestern

Another home meet for Iowa produced a couple of losses against two stronger teams, but performances impressed coaches in the poll to keep the Hawkeyes in the top 25.

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