It's not saying we're not as good as those; it takes into account who we have to play as well. These polls are not just projecting the best teams, they are also projecting how well they expect each team to perform based on their schedule. A true ranking of the best teams would be based on a ratings index regardless of win-loss record whereby essentially a team with a 5-7 or 6-6 record could be ranked 15-20 based on who they have played...like NCAA basketball playoffs.