Things are getting very, very interesting in the world of college football.
The College Football Playoff rankings are updated this week and there is a new face in the top four. This week’s top six updated rankings are as follows:
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Clemson Tigers
- Washington Huskies
- Michigan Wolverines
- Wisconsin Badgers
The results of rivalry week has done it’s job as it has shaken up the college football front as we know it. As a result, here are the key notes from the release of this week’s rankings.
- The #4 Washington Huskies re-enter the rankings after dropping out of the top four because of a week 10 loss to #11 USC Trojans. The Huskies went on the road to battle rival Washington State in the annual Apple Cup showdown between the two instate teams. A 45-17 beatdown by the Huskies as them in prime position to strengthen their chances with an appearance in the Pac-12 championship. Only thing standing in their way is the #9 Colorado Buffaloes. The Buffaloes are 10-2, averages 201.1 rushing yards per game and the 13th ranked defense in college football.
- The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is already established as an elite, historic rivalry. Yet, this season may have added on a little more spice between the two programs. The win by the Buckeyes knocked their bitter rival out of the top four of the rankings while also possibly solidifying their stronghold at #2 despite not participating in this year’s Big Ten championship. The Wolverines best opportunity to climb the rankings is for a Penn State win in the Big Ten title game (own the head to head over Nittany Lions) against Wisconsin while also having Clemson and/or Washington losing in their respective conference title games as well. In other words, the Wolverines need a large amount of help thanks to their hated rival.
- Either the #9 Oklahoma Sooners or the #10 Oklahoma State Cowboys appear to be one of the teams on the outside looking in regardless of the winner of the “Bedlam Game” between the two instate rivals this upcoming Saturday. The Big 12 conference is the only conference out of the Power 5 to not have a title game with this weekend’s matchup between OU/OSU being the “de-facto” conference title game. The resume for both teams lack standout wins.
- There is a very good chance that the winner of the Big Ten title game (Penn State/Wisconsin) will be on the outside looking in as well. If the scenario of Washington & Clemson having convincing wins and winding up conference champions plays out, it will be incredibly tough for the committee to slide a two-loss Big Ten champion over a one-loss ACC & Pac-12 champion.
- The tumble by the Louisville Cardinals over the last three weeks has been incredible. It was not long ago that the #13 Cardinals were making their case to be a top four team especially after Clemson’s upset loss to Pittsburgh over two weeks ago. After that, losses to Houston and rival Kentucky this past Saturday has truly impacted what seemed to be a promising season for the Cardinals at one point. You can not help but wonder if the Cardinals paid more attention to the rankings instead of their opponents.
