AP Rankings - Week 11
Week 10 sparked controversy across the college football landscape. College Gameday was held at Cincinnati for the first time in its history, many called the Bearcats’ #6 CFP ranking and #2 AP ranking to be a dichotomy, and there were some eyebrows raised at games with upsets or teams not playing their best, questioning their true rank.
The new AP poll was released today, so let’s see how the Top 25 shook out and what is next for each time.
1) Georgia Bulldogs (9-0)
After a dominant win over Mizzou, the Dawgs are looking to continue their dominance into the last leg of the season. Next Saturday, they are at Knoxville, as they take on the Tennessee Volunteers and their high-flyin’ offense, which could be a test for Georgia’s stout defense.
2) Cincinnati Bearcats (9-0)
Tulsa almost pulled off the upset, but the fourth-down goal line fumble within the last two minutes helped the Bearcats keep their perfect record. They head to South Florida on Friday night for another American Conference battle, and the Bulls look to play spoilers.
3) Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1)
Despite pulling the win, Alabama looked questionable against the Bayou Bengals of LSU, who were lacking nine defensive starters and had a coaching staff leaving at the end of the season. The O-Line continues to be a key issue, as multiple starters went down vs LSU. Luckily, the Tide have a should be cakewalk with New Mexico State coming into Tuscaloosa on Saturday.
4) Oklahoma Sooners (9-0)
The Sooners had a bye week, yet that did not come with controversy surrounding Spencer Rattler and his stance with the team. The Sooners head down to Waco on Saturday for a noon kick-off, with the winner being determined to who has the ball last.
5) Oregon Ducks (8-1)
The Ducks got the win in Seattle against the Huskies, despite a shaky start in the first quarter. They host the Washington State Cougars next Saturday night. The Ducks control their own destiny at this point, so no remaining game will be a guarantee going forward.
6) Ohio State Buckeyes (8-1)
The Buckeyes defeated the Cornhuskers with C.J. Stroud showing why he is the next upcoming star. Purdue comes into Columbus next week, looking to continue their “Spoilermaker” season by eliminating another Top 10 team.
7) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-1)
After a whopping 34-6 victory over Navy, Notre Dame continues its success after the loss to the Bearcats early in the season. In order to “WOW” the CFP Committee, the Irish need to win out against their remaining schedule and hopefully get some assistance. Notre Dame hosts the Virginia Cavaliers for a 7:30 PM EST kickoff on Saturday.
8) Michigan State Spartans (8-1)
After a signature win for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, Sparty soon saw themselves upset in West Lafayette, Pennsylvania. Despite the loss and dropping a few spots, the Spartans still have a chance for a Big 10 title. The Maryland Terrapins visit East Lansing next Saturday for a 4 PM EST kickoff.
9) Michigan Wolverines (8-1)
The Wolverines handled business beating the Hoosiers convincingly.However, the road ahead is rough as Harbaugh and company face Penn State in Happy Valley next week, and they still have to play the Buckeyes in the Horseshoe on Nov. 27. Hopefully Harbaugh can finally get his first victory against Ohio State in his time at Ann Arbor.
10) Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-1)
In a rare sighting of BIG 12 play, the Cowboys played fantastic defense, only allowing a total of 133 yards against West Virginia on the road. The Cowboys control their destiny, as they host TCU for a 8 PM EST kickoff. Circle Nov. 27 for the match up against the Sooners.
11) Texas A&M Aggies (7-2)
Despite having two losses, Jimbo Fisher and company still have life in the SEC and CFP if they can get some help. After a convincing 20-3 win over Auburn, the Aggies head down to Oxford, Mississippi, to face Matt Corral and Ole Miss, which will be the primetime game for the week.
12) Ole Miss Rebels (7-2)
The Rebs defeated their old coach Hugh Freeze in a 27-14 win against Liberty. College Gameday comes to Oxford, as the Rebs host Texas A&M for a top 12 showdown, which does hold CFP and SEC title implications.
13) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-1)
The magical season for the Deacons has been slowed after blowing a fourth quarter lead to the North Carolina Tar Heels, while almost making the comeback. Playoff hopes are slim, as the Deacons need to win out and have some assistance along the way. They host NC State for 7:30 PM EST kickoff, and the Deacons still have Boston College and Clemson down the line.
14) BYU Cougars (8-2)
The Cougars did their job by beating Idaho State. They have a bye next week, and their next game is at Georgia Southern, who recently hired Clay Helton as their head coach.
15) UTSA Roadrunners (9-0)
One of the last four undefeated, the Roadrunners are being ignored by the Committee, despite being America’s new Cinderella team. The Roadrunners host the Southern Miss Golden Eagles next week, yet circle your calendars for Nov. 20 against UAB, as that will determine the West division in Conference USA. #MeepMeep
16) Auburn Tigers (6-3)
The Tigers dropped a rough 20-3 loss against the Aggies of Texas A&M. The Tigers host a paradoxical Mississippi State team for a noon kickoff. However, Auburn will look to play spoiler for the one game that matters to them each year: the Iron Bowl.
17) Houston Cougars (8-1)
Houston beat South Florida 54-42 last week, as QB Tune continues his spectacular stretch. The Cougars travel up to Philly, playing the Temple Owls, with the game holding conference title implications.
18) Baylor Bears (7-2)
The Bears fell to TCU, 30-28, in the first game beyond the Gary Patterson era. The Horned Frogs’ Morris put over 531 yards, which is way above their 209 average. The Bears host Lincoln Riley and company, as the Sooners come into town for non kickoff.
19) Iowa Hawkeyes (7-2)
A much needed win against Northwestern slowed the Hawkeyes' fall from the top. The Minnesota Golden Gophers come into town for 3:30 PM EST kickoff, which would prove essential in the Hawkeyes’ view in restoring to their earlier season selves.
20) Wisconsin Badgers (6-3)
Badgers handled Rutgers with ease this past week. Despite early season woes, the Badgers have new sense of confidence, which could push them into Big Ten West Division title contention. They host the Northwestern Wildcats for a noon kickoff.
21) NC State Wolfpack (7-2)
The Pack won by two scores against a disheartening Florida State team. QB Leary has been playing amazing. He looks to continue his excellent play as the Pack travel Tobacco Road to Winston-Salem, and look to play upset against the Demon Deacons.
22) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (8-1)
America’s Cinderella from last year continues its success, with a 28-8 win against Georgia Southern. Despite being able to win out their remaining schedule, the “Chants” will need some help if they want to win the Sun Belt East.
23) Penn State Nittany Lions (6-3)
The Nittany Lions took care of business with a three score win against Maryland. The run game continues to lag behind the passing game, yet the defense keeps the Nittany Lions in contention. They play host to Michigan for a noon kickoff, which they hope to upset Harbaugh and company.
24) Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (8-1)
Levi Lewis and company continue to put on a show with a 21-17 win over Georgia State. They visit Troy next week for 3:30 PM EST kickoff and then Liberty the following week, which could provide fireworks.
25) Pittsburgh Panthers (7-2)
Pitt jumped into the ranks this week, after beating Duke 54-29. The Panthers enter into the key stretch of their ACC season, as the upcoming games could determine the ACC Coastal title. Their next game is on Thursday night with the North Carolina Tar Heels coming into town.