CFP Rankings Predictions: Week 13 Edition
Every team ranked in the top four won this weekend. However, one top-four team did not leave it unscathed. Florida State lost their star quarterback Jordan Travis to what is believed as a season-ending leg injury. Is this the event that is going to cause the committee to jump Washington over FSU? Let's get into the predictions.
Top 25 For Week 13
1. Georgia (11-0, 8-0 SEC)
The back-to-back champions have looked the part of what we have come to expect under a Kirby Smart-led team. Carson Beck has been elite all year leading one of the top-scoring offenses in the country. Don't look now but they also have the Unicorn that is Brock Bowers back. It's hard to repeat as a national champion and it's even harder to three-peat but this team has the talent and coaching to make that a reality.
2. Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten)
It seems like this team is peaking at the right time. The defense has been exceptional all season, and quarterback Kyle McCord has been performing impressively in his recent games, living up to the high standard of Ohio State quarterbacks. In addition, Marvin Harrison Jr. is a powerful weapon that can change the outcome of any game. Keep an eye on the Buckeyes in January.
3. Michigan (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten)
Michigan managed to avoid an upset at Maryland and secured a 31-24 win. It appeared as though the Wolverines were not giving their full attention to this game, with "The Game" against their rivals looming next weekend. J.J. McCarthy had a tough time, completing just 52% of his passes and throwing an interception. Despite the shaky performance, Michigan is still an elite team with high hopes of winning the national championship.
4. Washington (11-0, 8-0 Pac-12)
Washington went into a tough environment in Corvallis, Oregon, and came out with a 22-20 victory over the #11 Oregon State team. Quarterback Penix Jr. struggled due to the weather but came up big in moments when his team needed it most.
5. Florida State (11-0, 8-0 ACC)
To clarify if I was on the committee I'm not taking the Seminoles out of the top four. That's unfortunately not what I think will happen with the loss of star quarterback Jordan Travis and Washington's road win against a ranked team.
6. Oregon (10-1, 7-1 Pac-12)
Coach Dan Lanning has this Ducks team flying. Since their lone loss to Washington, they've beat #13 Utah on the road, 35-6, handled California 63-19, and gave a Caleb Williams-led Trojans team their fourth loss. Bo Nix has looked the part of a Heisman winner and if the Ducks can close out the season with a win over Oregon State and win the Pac-12 title. The Ducks could be flying to the College Football Playoff come January.
7. Texas (10-1, 7-1 Big 12)
The Longhorns are coming off a 26-16 win over Iowa State and have one remaining game in the regular season vs Texas Tech in Austin. Texas has already locked in a spot in the Big 12 Championship game but the opponent is still unknown.
8. Alabama (10-1, 7-0 SEC)
Alabama's head coach Nick Saban has led his team to impressive performances, making them one of the best in the country. However, it's not a sure thing that they will win against Auburn in the Iron Bowl, considering the unpredictable nature of this rivalry. Assuming that they do, they will need to beat Georgia in the SEC Championship to solidify their position for the playoffs.
9. Missouri (9-2, 5-2 SEC)
The Tigers escaped with a slim victory over Florida thanks to the heroics of Brady Cook and Luther Burden. This is a Missouri under Eli Drinkwitz that continues to find ways to win and looks to lock in an NY6 Bowl with a win over the Arkansas Razorbacks.
10. Louisville (10-1, 7-1 ACC)
The game between Miami and Louisville was one of the ACC's best this year. Louisville won with a score of 38-31. Miami attempted a last-second Hail Mary, which was completed, but the receiver was tackled on the five-yard line as the clock hit 0:00. Coach Jeff Brohm led his alma mater to the ACC Championship, where they will face Florida State.
11. Ole Miss (9-2, 6-2 SEC)
This Rebels team still has a lot to play for with the Egg Bowl waiting for them on Black Friday. If they can take care of business versus the Bulldogs a NY6 Bowl is still on the table.
12. Penn State (9-2, 6-2 Big 10)
The Nittany Lions responded after its close loss to the Wolverines by handling business against Rutgers. Penn State has one game remaining in the regular season on Black Friday against the Michigan State Spartans.
13. LSU (8-3, 6-3 SEC)
It's time for everyone to recognize how dominant Jayden Daniels has been this year. In LSU's 56-14 victory over Georgia State, Daniels scored eight touchdowns and recorded 509 total yards. If I had the opportunity to vote for the Heisman, he would be my first pick and I would not doubt it for a second.
14. Oklahoma (9-2, 6-2 Big 12)
Oklahoma defeated BYU 31-24 to keep their Big 12 title hopes alive. To secure a spot in the championship game, they must defeat TCU and hope for a BYU upset over Oklahoma State.
15. Notre Dame (8-3, Independent)
The Fighting Irish are coming off a 45-7 over Wake Forest. Quarterback Sam Hartman flexed his muscles against his former team going for 21/29, 277 yards, and four touchdowns. Notre Dame faces a Stanford team that's lost its last two games by a combined score of 89-32. A win here would give Marcus Freeman back-to-back nine-win seasons.
16. Arizona (8-3, 6-2 Pac-12)
This Wildcat team may be the hottest in the country. The job Jedd Fisch has done turning around this program isn't being talked about enough. They have won five games in a row with four of those opponents being ranked. They end the season against Arizona State which gives the Wildcats an opportunity for their first nine-win season since 2014.
17. Iowa (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten)
The Hawkeyes have been on a roll as of late and have guaranteed a spot in the Big Ten Championship game with their win over Illinois. They are waiting to see who their opponent is in the Championship game. Which will be decided this Saturday in one of college football's best rivalries aka "The Game" - Michigan vs Ohio State.
18. Oregon State (8-3, 5-3 Pac-12)
This Beaver team was in a prime position to pull off a huge upset versus Washington but couldn't come through down the stretch. DJ Uiagalelei had two costly turnovers that cost them a shot to win. All that's left is a chance to play spoiler against rival Oregon.
19. Kansas State (7-3, 5-3 Big 12)
The Wildcats are coming off their 15th straight win against Kansas. KSU still has an outside shot to make the Big 12 Championship Game. They would need a lot to go in their favor but let's see what needs to happen for KSU. Kansas State needs to handle business on its end and beat Iowa State, they need Texas to win and needs Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to lose. It isn't very likely but college football is a wacky sport so never say never.
20. Tulane (10-1, 7-1 AAC)
Tulane is on a nine-game win streak and is one game away from making the AAC Championship. They finish the season against UTSA who they could meet in the AAC championship game but it isn't likely.
21. Oklahoma State (8-3, 6-2 Big 12)
The Cowboys are coming off a 43-30 over Houston where Ollie Gordon led the way rushing for 25 carries, 164 yards, and three touchdowns. OSU is one of those few teams that are left in the Big 12 title game race. All they need is Texas to beat Texas Tech and the Pokes need to beat BYU and their in.
22. Liberty (11-0, 7-0 C-USA)
The Flames beat Umass, 49-25, and have one more regular season game against UTEP before they play the New Mexico State Aggies in the C-USA Championship Game. The committee finally rewards the Flames for their undefeated season.
23. SMU (9-2, 7-0 AAC)
SMU is undefeated in conference play with its only losses coming out of conference against Oklahoma and TCU. If the Rhett Lashlee-led Mustangs can handle business this Saturday against Navy they are set to face Tulane on the road for the AAC title. Which wouldn't just have conference title ramifications but also potential NY6 bowl stakes.
24. Toledo (10-1, 7-0 MAC)
Toldeo has been perfect since their season opener loss against Illinois. The Rockets finish their regular season vs Central Michigan on Friday. They have the opportunity to earn back-to-back MAC championships against Miami (Ohio) in the championship game.
25. NC State (8-3, 5-2 ACC)
I'm going to place NC State here over Clemson strictly due to the head-to-head win over the Tigers. The Wolf Pack ends their regular season vs North Carolina and gives coach Dave Doeran the opportunity to win nine games on the season.
Top 25 Recap
Georgia
Ohio State
Michigan
Washington
Florida State
Oregon
Texas
Alabama
Missouri
Louisville
Ole Miss
Penn State
LSU
Oklahoma
Notre Dame
Arizona
Iowa
Oregon State
Kansas State
Tulane
Oklahoma State
Liberty
SMU
Toledo
NC State
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