The Washington State Cougars found themselves on the outside looking in when the final Associated Press Top 25 Poll was released following Alabama's win over Clemson in the national championship game late Monday evening.
After the program's first nine-win campaign and bowl game victory since the 2003 season, there was some hope the Cougars would climb their way back into the poll after dropping from No. 20 following a loss in the Apple Cup.
However, Washington State fell just short, finishing with 51 points in the final rankings, second-most behind Georgia (10-3) among teams outside the top 25.