We are getting closer and closer to the end of the college football regular season, and with it, each CFP Rankings reveal takes on more and more meaning. The third release of the College Football Playoff Rankings was unveiled on Tuesday night, and as expected, Ohio State remained on top for the third-straight week.
The Buckeyes have been dominant so far, having not even trailed in the second half of a game yet this year, and boasting the nation’s best defense by a wide margin to go with an offense that has weapons galore. Heck, it’s quite likely Ohio State is already in the field, even if it were to somehow lose its next two games.
There are still three undefeated teams, but a couple of big games last week involving Oklahoma and Alabama, and Georgia and Texas, have stirred up the top 12 teams, and it’s our job to bring that to you. So, here are the top 12 teams of the 3rd release of the College Football Playoff rankings, and the full top 25 to follow.
As we always do, we count down to No. 1.
No. 12 – Utah Utes
Previous Ranking |
Next up |
Utah is very much alive, but barely. If the Utes can win out, they may very well be in the field of 12 with some mild chaos ahead of them, but they probably need to get up in the top ten. The head-to-head loss against BYU could come into play.
No. 11 – BYU Cougars
Previous Ranking | No. 12
Next up | at Cincinnati
The Cougars have everything in front of them, too, and have the advantage over Utah because of the head-to-head should a cutline scenario come into play. However, they might need to make the Big 12 Championship game and beat Texas Tech to get in.
No. 10 – Alabama Crimson Tide (8-2)
Previous Ranking | No. 4
Next up | vs. Eastern Illinois
Alabama has put itself in a precarious situation with the loss to Oklahoma, but it could still win out and qualify for the SEC Championship game, so there’s still plenty to play for with a very good chance to still make the field.
No. 9 – Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-2)
Previous Ranking | No. 9
Next up | vs. Syracuse
The Fighting Irish have rattled off eight straight wins after dropping their first two games of the year. There aren’t many opportunities for a statement win, but that hardly matters. Notre Dame sits in a pretty good spot to get an at-large bid if it wins its last two games.
No. 8 – Oklahoma Sooners (8-2)
Previous Ranking | No. 11
Next up | vs. Missouri
The Sooners would have been all but eliminated had they lost to Alabama, but instead are now in a prime position. Who knows which two teams are going to make the SEC Championship game at this point, but either way, as long as Oklahoma takes care of business in its last two games, it’ll be in great shape.
No. 7 – Oregon Ducks (9-1)
Previous Ranking | No. 8
Next up | vs. USC
The Ducks got a big win last week and have another big one on tap when they host USC, another team hoping to make its way into the field. There are still two tough games to finish the year. Win both, and Oregon is in. Win one of two and there’s still a decent chance.
No. 6 – Ole Miss Rebels (10-1)
Previous Ranking | No. 7
Next up | Off
The Rebels seem to be the forgotten team this high in the rankings, but folks need to take notice because Ole Miss is likely going to get into the CFP. The Rebels’ only loss is to Georgia, and that includes a win over Oklahoma. It might get interesting if Ole Miss loses against the Bulldogs, because there aren’t a lot of other statement wins, but we’ll wait to see.
No. 5 – Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-1)
Previous Ranking | No. 6
Next up | Off
Texas Tech is really, really good, and there’s little doubt the Red Raiders win at West Virginia next week to lock things in. This team could pose some real problems once in the field.
No. 4 – Georgia Bulldogs (9-1)
Previous Ranking | No. 5
Next up | vs. Charlotte
Georgia looks like it is getting better as the season goes on after annihilating Texas last week. The Bulldogs are trying to win the SEC and get the automatic qualification. Even if not, things look good here.
No. 3 – Texas A&M Aggies
Previous Ranking | No. 3
Next up | vs. Samford
The Aggies are undefeated despite some close calls, but all that matters is that this SEC squad is likely headed to Atlanta and is a virtual lock to get into the CFP.
No. 2 – Indiana Hoosiers (11-0)
Previous Ranking | No. 2
Next up | Off
With only one game left, Indiana is into the field already. Now, it’s just a matter of whether or not the Hoosiers can win the Big Ten and whether or not they get one of those four byes. Win the last game in a couple of weeks, and that’s likely secured.
No. 1 – Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0)
Previous Ranking | No. 1
Next up | vs. Rutgers
Ohio State is probably in already as well, no matter what happens, but this team wants to beat Michigan and win the Big Ten. There is star power and a historically great defense. The Buckeyes have a legitimate shot at going back-to-back.
Complete CFP Rankings
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football remains on top of third release of CFP Rankings
Reporting by Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire / Buckeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
