Which Power 5 teams have the longest active winning streak vs. ranked teams?
Alabama’s loss to Georgia in the National Championship Game was notable for numerous obvious reasons.
One you might not have known was that it ended the Tide’s 13-game winning streak against ranked teams.
That was, by far, the longest active streak in the country. Which means, there is a new leader heading into 2022. And the answer will surprise you — and quite likely win a few bar bets.
Who is it? Let’s dive into the 13 Power 65 teams that carry an active winning streak vs. ranked teams into 2022.
9 teams — 1 game
Arizona State, Clemson, Kentucky, LSU, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State all won their most recent game against a ranked team. They’ll try to extend those active streaks in 2022.
Georgia — 2 games
The Bulldogs’ streak would be longer, of course, except they lost the SEC Championship to Alabama. Bygones. They started their 2-game streak by mauling Michigan in a Playoff semifinal and then gained sweet redemption against the Tide in the national title game.
Miami — 2 games
The Canes had issues in 2021, but they won their final 2 games against ranked teams. Even stranger, they were 2-4 when they knocked off No. 18 NC State and No. 17 Pitt in back-to-back weeks.
Wisconsin — 2 games
The Badgers opened the season by losing to 3 consecutive ranked teams, then rebounded to knock off No. 25 Purdue and No. 9 Iowa in back-to-back weeks.
Baylor — 4 games
Baylor’s streak is the longest in the country. To put in perspective what Dave Aranda accomplished in Year 2 at Baylor, consider:
- Robert Griffin III won the Heisman in 2011, but his Bears only went 2-2 vs. ranked teams.
- Matt Rhule’s 11-3 team in 2019 went 0-3 vs. ranked teams.
- Aranda’s first team went 0-2 vs. ranked teams in 2020.
- Baylor’s 5 wins vs. ranked teams in 2021 are a program record — as are the 4 wins in a row.
The Bears’ streak will be tested immediately in 2022. Baylor opens the season at BYU, which is appearing in just about every way-too-early Top 25 ranking.