I just spent some time pondering the question: "Does bias exist in the AP poll?" I think we all feel that's true, so I decided to ask a more specific question:

What is the average drop in ranking after a loss? (It's tougher to gauge an increase after a win, because if you're at the top, it's hard to gain rank.)

Here are my findings: Note: this is only for this year-

Conference Average drop in rank after loss:

AAC: N/A
ACC: -1.6
Big 12: -3.3
Big Ten: -3.2
FBS Independents: -13.0
Mid-American: -1.0
Mountain West - .5
SEC - 5.1

After Bye Weeks:

AAC: +.5
ACC: +.4
Big 12: +1.1
Big Ten +.2
FBS Independents: +.08
Mid American: +2.0
Mountain West: -.5
SEC: +.8


Just for funsies, here's what happens after wins (again, this doesn't mean anything)

AAC: +.2
ACC: +1.3
Big 12: +1.4
Big 10: +1.3
FBS Independents: +.7
Mid-American: +.3
Mountain West: +1.2
SEC: +.8