As most teams wait for bowl assignments, this week is BIG for ‘Bama-UGA, Ohio State-N’Western, OU-UT, Washington-Utah, Boise-Fresno, Clemson, and UCF.
1. Alabama [12-0]: The Tide beat down Auburn just like they have everyone else. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for UGA, it’s that ‘Bama showed cracks in its defense.
2. Clemson [12-0]: It’s official: Clemson is a CFP lock. And, with Michigan’s blunder, the Tigers can win an argument about having the best defense in the country–top-5 in points allowed, rushing defense, and sacks.
3. Georgia [11-1] (+1): The Bulldogs are absolutely on fire. With increased production from Swift and Holyfield and the 10th-best scoring defense, UGA has as good a chance as anybody to beat the Tide.
4. Notre Dame [12-0] (-1): ND is a lock for the playoff, too. But a sloppy performance against lowly ‘SC–not the first time ND has been that way–just raises more questions about this team.
5. Ohio State [11-1] (+3): The rout of UM is one of the most impressive offensive performances I’ve ever seen. Against what was the best passing defense in the country, Dwayne Haskins threw for 6 TDs and almost 400 yards.
6. Oklahoma [11-1]: The Sooners won the shootout in Morgantown in a defense-optional game. Now they get a chance at redemption, UT style. Kyler Murray is the key; He leads the nation in yards per completion.
7. Central Florida [11-0] (+2): Even though the Knights put themselves in position for a major bowl, the season-ending injury to Milton is troubling. Without him, can UCF finish with yet another season undefeated?
8. Michigan [10-2] (-4): Ol’ Khaki Pants can’t beat Urban Meyer even when he has the better team on paper. But, wait! Unless NU pulls off a massive upset (against OSU), the Wolverines will be ‘smelling roses.’
9. Washington [9-3] (+5): Now that’s the Washington team I’ve waited to see! A healthy Gaskin showed just how good he is by running all over Wazzou–the 8th-best scoring defense. Jake Browning looks like Jake Browning again.
10. Texas [9-3] (+2): The ‘Horns beat KU to get to the Big 12 Championship game. But geez! UT outgained the Jayhawks by ONE YARD! Let’s hope they muster more against OU. Otherwise…
11. West Virginia [8-3]: Heartbreak! Again! But with the loss to OU, Will Grier is still top-5 in passing efficiency, points responsible for, and passing yards.
12. Penn State [9-3] (+3): The Lions dominated a Maryland team that’s better than its record indicates. After a lull in the middle of the season, Miles Sanders seems to have gotten back his mojo.
13. Washington State [10-2] (-6): Mike Leach can’t get within 12 points of Chris Peterson. WSU lost to UW again. No matter, I still think that Gardner Minshew deserves a seat in New York.
14. Kentucky [9-3] (+2): Reality: Kentucky trashed rival Louisville on the road. Memory: The ‘Cats took out Florida in Gainesville. Are you kidding me? The pollsters rank UF higher than Kentucky!
15. Florida [9-3] (+2): UF snapped a 5-game losing streak to FSU, ending the Seminoles’ 36-year bowl streak. UF’s running game has opened up recently. The Gators now average a respectable 209.5 y.p.g. on the ground.
16. LSU [9-3] (-6): After coming inches away from ending the game about five times, the Tigers couldn’t keep Texas A&M from dealing a final blow in the 7th OT. Even with the loss, these Tigers are a good team.
17. Mississippi State [8-4] (+2): No upset! I’m talking about MSU thrashing ‘Ole Miss. The Bulldogs have the best defense in the SEC, that’s why. And they allowed fewer than 200 total yards last week.
18. Boise State [10-2] (+5): Boise continues to dominate the MWC! Brett Rypien is as good as advertised, but I’m even more impressed with how Alexander Mattison has played recently. He had a 200-yard performance v. USU.
19. Syracuse [9-3] (+1): Against BC, Eric Dungey showed no signs of being injured. You can’t get six total TDs when injured. With an offense in the top-20 in scoring and yards per game, nobody wants to play SU.
20. Utah [9-3] (+1): The Utes continue grinding out victories–and they’re doing that without Huntley and Moss. And even though QB Jason Shelley is only a backup freshman, he has led UU to three wins.
21. Northwestern [8-4] (-3): NU is tough to figure out. The B1G West champ let 4-8 Illinois outgain them, get more first downs, and win TOP. ‘Angry ‘Cats’ emerge against top teams. Will it happen again Saturday?
22. Texas A&M [8-4] (NR): A&M has improved notably from a year ago. The Aggies finished a best-ever 2nd in the SEC West. I love Kellen Mond and his elevated level of play, especially when games are on the line.
23. Army [9-2] (+1): Idle. The Knights play Navy in Philadelphia on December 8.
24. Fresno State [10-2] (+1): The Bulldogs have a chance to exact revenge v. BSU. FSU has a chance, too. That’s because Fresno has the 2nd-best scoring defense, and Marcus McMaryion and KeeSean Johnson playing well.
25. Missouri [8-4] (NR): The Tigers have looked dominant as of late–thrashing Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas. MU’s defense is now top-45 in points allowed.
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Others Receiving Votes: Utah State, Iowa, Iowa State, Cincinnati, NC State, Oregon, and Buffalo
