On Wednesday the second batch of CSCAA Top 25 rankings were released. As usual, there was plenty of movement although the top-spot hasn’t changed since the October poll was released.

Each set of rankings produces its own unique storyline. Quite possibly the most interesting is looking at the teams that have dropped. Specifically, what was going on that led to a decline and what does it actually mean.

On the other hand, some teams have been on a rapid ascent since the initial preseason coaches poll was released. Four schools stuck out this week as ones that needed a bit of examination. Some are going up while others are on the way down.

Trending Upward

Michigan

The Wolverine men have clawed their way into the top-five after opening the year 12th. In the season’s early weeks, a massive climb from a perennial power shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Michigan’s rise isn’t without merit. They’ve opened with five wins, most of which come over comparable opponents. Beyond the season opener, Oakland University, the schedule has consisted of four power-five matchups.

A dismantling of then No. 7 Louisville on the road led to the first upward move. This past weekend Michigan traveled to Minneapolis and defeated conference opponents Penn State, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. None of those were ranked at the time but all were receiving votes in the coaches poll.

Although only one win is over a ranked opponent, rolling off five straight for Michigan is impressive enough to warrant a top-five ranking. 

The Wolverine distance group currently provides the backbone. Felix Auböck, PJ Ransford, and freshman Ricardo Vargas Jacobo are best positioned nationally. Sprinter Paul Powers also impacts the national image for the Wolverines.

Texas A&M

It’s no shocker that after snapping a 55-year losing streak to in-state rival Texas, the Aggies shot up the polls. Texas A&M made a five spot jump to No. 6 after the historic victory.

In addition to beating a then No. 5 Texas, the Aggies beat a hot Notre Dame squad on the road in a difficult environment in South Bend. The Fighting Irish, despite the loss have climbed to No. 13, making the win for Texas A&M look all the more impressive.

Breaststroker Mauro Castillo Luna highlights the Aggies roster. He sits atop the rankings in the 200 breaststroke with his 1:55.9 performance against the Longhorns.

A&M, although not the highest ranked one-loss team, did drop a meet to No. 10 Auburn earlier this year. That meet was one week removed from the trip to Notre Dame. Texas A&M also has a non-conference win against Michigan State.

Trending Downward

Texas

Texas opened the year losing three straight. Albeit to top 15 opponents on the road each time. For the three-time defending national champions, this wasn’t expected.

The Longhorns opened at No. 2, behind only California. They have since fallen nearly out of the top 10 altogether. In the year's third poll they are ranked ninth, three spots behind Texas A&M.

Texas faces another tough weekend ahead as they travel to North Carolina to face the No. 22 Tar Heels and the No. 5 NC State Wolfpack. It isn’t completely unimaginable to think they could return one-and-four.

On the bright side, trending downward early in the season doesn’t impact the Longhorns end of season goals. They will always be in contention for a championship when in matters.

Louisville

The Cardinals have opened with a group of losses as well. First to rising Michigan and then to a ranked Tennessee. Both losses came at home as well. It isn’t a good look for a team that opened No. 7 in the polls. 

Neither loss was very close either. The closer of the two, Tennessee, won the meet by 40 points.

They’ve since slid down to No. 17. It has been a quick decline for a team that sports two top 10 relay rankings. 

The road doesn’t get any easier for Louisville. They’ll travel to a ranked Virginia this Friday, followed by a senior day that features top-ranked Indiana.

What Does It Mean?

The reality is that while in-season polls are a nice tip of the cap to the teams associated, they don't hold a lot of water (pun intended) to a team's true value in a championship meet setting.

Teams that are ranked highly in November are in no way, shape, or form guaranteed to be favorites at NCAA's and teams that are sliding down the rankings ladder are in no way, shape, or form going off the deep end (pun also intended). Moral of the story? Take it all with a grain of salt.

By Ben Colin