In Defense of the AP Poll, feat. Ralph Russo
Summary
Host Richard Hirsch interviews former AP poll coordinator Ralph Russo to explore the history, mechanics, and relevance of the AP College Football Poll. They discuss its origins in the 1930s, the evolution from manual tabulation to automated voting, and how voter behavior has shifted through the BCS and playoff eras. Russo defends the poll’s enduring value as a historical record and cultural touchstone, despite its imperfections and the rise of the playoff system.
Topics discussed
Intro and Ralph Russo's role in the AP Poll
History of the AP Poll: Alan Gould and early controversies
Evolution of voting rules and the 'toy factory' concept
AP as a news co-op and voter eligibility requirements
Voting trends: BCS era, playoff influence, and early rankings
The Sunday morning routine: compiling and verifying votes
Voter selection process and personal ranking methodology
The existential value of ranking 25 teams
AP Poll vs. Basketball Poll and historical significance
Conclusion: The AP Poll as a historical document
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