Written by Tyler Pastorius
With a week that didn’t see too many upsets, the Top 8 remain untouched. Although despite the lack of changes, there were some close games (or at least halves) over the weekend that could have altered the national rankings. It is stacking up to be Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Michigan in the playoffs unless one of those teams lose in the final week this week. Again, the big game of Michigan traveling to Columbus to take on Ohio State is probably the highlight of the week’s games coming up.
- Alabama (11-0) –
2. Clemson (11-0) –
3. Notre Dame (11-0) –
4. Michigan (10-1) –
5. Georgia (10-1) –
6. Oklahoma (10-1) –
7. LSU (9-2) –
8. Washington State (10-1) –
9. UCF (10-0) +2
10. Ohio State (10-1) –
11. Florida (8-3) +2
12. Penn State (8-3) +2
13. West Virginia (8-2) -4
14. Texas (8-3) +1
15. Kentucky (8-3) +2
16. Washington (8-3) +2
17. Utah (8-3) +2
18. Mississippi State (7-4) +3
19. Northwestern (7-4) +3
20. Syracuse (8-3) -8
21. Utah State (10-1) +2
22. Texas A&M (7-4) NR
23. Boise State (9-2) +2
24. Pitt (7-4) NR
25. Iowa State (6-4) -9
After going through multiple teams not only this season but as well as last season, UCF has finally clinched a top 10 spot sitting at No. 9. With this spot, they overtook Ohio State who struggled with a high scoring Maryland team that came down to a missed 2-point conversion in overtime. UCF will look to remain undefeated as they face USF this weekend and hopefully try to grab as many spots as they can before the Top 4 are announced.
The West Virginia Mountaineers dropped four spots this week following a 41-45 loss to Oklahoma State. WVU has put together a great season behind Will Grier leading the offense. But losing this game caused them to drop down to the No. 13 spot behind teams like Florida, Penn State, and Washington State.
Washington State did not move any spots but on the other side, The University of Washington is still making its push gaining two spots this week. In a battle that will most likely determine who is going to the Pac-12 championship, Washington and Washington State will play this weekend which also will play a part in a shakeup of the rankings next week if Washington State loses since they are ranked No.8. If Ohio State beats the Wolverines and the Huskies beat the Cougars this weekend, the last spot in the playoffs can be up for grabs by the like of Georgia, Oklahoma, and I’d even say Ohio State despite their lack of defense and close games.
With the top teams remaining at the top of the mountain, this week will play a vital role for those looking to get in. Even though Alabama is sitting at the top, they play Auburn this week and could be one of those games that may end a lot closer than most think and if that happens, the Committee will have some serious conversations about who should be there. I would say most think Georgia would be the outsider to slip inside if the top 4 changes especially with the strong sophomore QB Jake Fromm who has quietly had a great season. Jake Fromm can be that next “great thing” if he sees a nice playoff run this year and heads into his junior year with some momentum.
Again, only time will tell, but this weekend has some big implications and key matchups. What are some of your favorite matchups this week and do you take the Wolverines or the Buckeyes in one of the best rivalries in all of the sports?
