[Charles Martel]

I don't think its so much that they loathe LSU. It's more that they aren't a "glamor" team...like Notre Dame or USC which always got more press than they deserved in bad years.

I agree. AP is in full "I Feel Yore Pain" mode, sucking-up to the big California audience. If the situation were reversed and it was LSU that wasn't invited to the dance, there is precious little chance that the AP polling would favor LSU.

[staytrue]

AP is in full "I Feel Yore Pain" mode, sucking-up to the big California audience

Actually, the coaches in their final free will vote, also voted USC #1. The coaches "voted" for LSU only because of the were obligated to.