Pool Poll Top 25 Final Rankings: Clemson Tigers Reign Supreme

The end is finally here and the final rankings have been unveiled. Everyone across college football was soooooooo ecstatic that it all came down to Alabama and Clemson in the same way that anyone not a Notre Dame fan was excited they made the CFP. Speaking of the Irish, their hold on the number one spot was smashed and dashed by the Tigers. They weren't the only hopes dashed as UCF saw their 25 game win streak snapped by LSU.
Not a lot of movement in the final 2018 poll as only NCST and Penn State dropped out while Texas and Georgia Southern sneaked in at the last second. All 11 conferences finished with at least one school represented with the SEC dominating with five schools. The Mountain West and Sun Belt were no slouches as they placed three teams in.
In the end a shocking shellacking of the Crimson Tide handed Clemson a National Championship and a top spot in the final Pool Poll.

Here are the final conference Power Indexes:

AAC: 0
Top 50: UCF, Cincinnati, Temple, Houston
Bottom Tier (100-130): Tulsa, ECU, Navy, UConn

ACC: +3
Top 50: Clemson, Syracuse, NCST, Duke, Virginia
Bottom Tier: North Carolina, Louisville

Big Ten: +3
Top 50: Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa, Penn State, Northwestern, Wisconsin
Bottom Tier: Nebraska, Illinois, Rutgers

Big 12: +3
Top 50: Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia, Iowa State
Bottom Tier: Kansas

CUSA: +1
Top 50: UAB, Marshall, North Texas, FIU, Louisiana Tech
Bottom Tier: WKU, UTSA, Rice, UTEP

Independents: 0
Top 50: Notre Dame, Army
Bottom Tier: UMass, New Mexico State

MAC: -3
Top 50: Buffalo, Ohio
Bottom Tier:Ball State, Akron, Bowling Green, Kent State, Central Michigan

MWC: 0
Top 50: Fresno State, Utah State, Boise State, Nevada
Bottom Tier: UNLV, Colorado State, New Mexico, San Jose State

PAC-12: +3
Top 50: Washington State, Washington, Stanford, Oregon, Utah
Bottom Tier: UCLA, Oregon State
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SEC: +8
Top 50: Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Kentucky, Florida, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Auburn, Missouri
Bottom Tier:Arkansas

Sun Belt: +1
Top 50: Appalachian State, Troy, Georgia Southern, Arkansas State
Bottom Tier: South Alabama, Texas State, Georgia State

Here it is, the final Top 25 (rest of rankings here):

1.)Clemson (15-0, 50.5 WP, 0 LP)
It's clear that there was no more complete team than the Clemson Tigers in 2018. Not every team can overcome a quarterback change, but Trevor Lawrence played so well that Dabo Swinney couldn't put Kelly Bryant back in the starting lineup. They overcame an early test with a two point win over Texas A&M and when Lawrence went down in the Syracuse game, it was next man up and Chase Brice led two fourth quarter scoring drives to stave of the Orange. Lawrence returned and Bryant left the team to transfer to Missouri.
From that point Clemson scored at least 41 points in six wins including 77 against Louisville. They obliterated Pitt in the ACC Championship and conquered Notre Dame in the first round of the CFP even though stud defensive player, Dexter Lawrence, was suspended for the final two games.
That set up a third shot a the National Championship against Alabama and the fourth year in a row that the two teams met in the CFP.
2015 and 2016 were thrillers that each team split while the first round of last years CFP was all Alabama in a 24-6 smackdown. The Tigers returned the favor in 2018 overcoming a brief 16-14 hole to throttle the Tide for their second National Championship in three years.
The scary part is that a majority of the Clemson offense are underclassmen, so don't expect the ACC or the national picture to change any time soon.
Best Win: Alabama
Worst Loss: None
2017 Finish: 6
Previously Ranked: 3

2.)Alabama (14-1, 53.4 WP, 2 LP)
The Alabama Crimson Tide kept rolling into the 2018 season from their come from behind championship in 2017. Their non-conference was less than desirable, although the Citadel (FCS), Arkansas State, Louisiana, and Louisville all scored more than Mississippi State and LSU did. Tua Tagovailoa looked like the clear cut favorite to run away with the Heisman trophy as the Crimson Tide could not be stopped.
The first test for them came in the SEC Championship when once again Georgia had Alabama on the ropes and with Tagovailoa injured, the Tide looked to Jalen Hurts to lead the rally. That's just what he did and it likely cost Tua the Heisman.
Bama took the number one seed in the CFP and easily handled the actual Heisman trophy winner, Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, in the Orange Bowl to set up a match-up with Clemson for the fourth straight year and third title match-up.
The two teams traded blows early, but costly turnovers, including a pick six allowed Clemson to build a hefty lead. Clemson is now 2-1 against Alabama in a National Championship game since the start of the College Football Playoff.
No doubt Alabama will reload in 2019 and will be at the top of mountain once again.
Best Win: Oklahoma
Worst Loss: Clemson
2017 Finish: 2 (It's my poll. Deal with it.)
Previously Ranked: 2

3.)Ohio State (13-1, 52.2 WP, 68 LP)
Well this was a fun year for the Buckeyes. It began at Big Ten media day when Urban Meyer was asked about an assistant coach Zach Smith, who had issues with domestic violence dating back to their time in Florida together. To complicate things, Smith is the grandson of Meyer's mentor, the late OSU coach Earle Bruce, which may have been why Meyer gave him such a long leash.
Whatever the reason, his brazen attitude about the situation and some other murky details, like his not being able to remember things because of medication, didn't sit well with members of the university and he was suspended for the first three games of the season.
Ryan Day took over the day-to-day operations and didn't miss a beat. In the three games against Oregon State, Rutgers, and a then ranked TCU, Day's squad outscored their opponents 169-62. Meyer returned for the Tulane game, another rout, then watched his Buckeyes rally to knock off Penn State 27-26. The Indiana game was closer than expected until the fourth quarter, but most will remember the moment when Meyer grabbed his head in agonizing pain caused by a brain cyst that's been hanging around since 1998.
Two games later the nation watched as Purdue stunned the Buckeyes 49-20 in what would eventually sink Ohio State's chances at the CFP. Nebraska and Maryland also gave them their best shot with the Terrapins missing a wide open two-point conversion to win the game.
Then came The Game. For the the first time in his Ohio State career, Meyer was an underdog at home. The Wolverines boasted the number one defense in the country and the team up north was bursting with confidence. That balloon was quickly popped and the Buckeyes scored at will in a 62-39 manhandling that cost Michigan a shot at their first Big Ten Championship game.
Instead the Buckeyes went to Indianapolis where they easily dispatched of Northwestern to win the Big Ten. However, they found themselves on the outside looking in with no invite to the CFP, but a chance for Meyer to coach in the Rose Bowl for the first time. It was announced then that Meyer would step down and that Day would take over as the official head coach of the Buckeyes.
In the Rose Bowl, Ohio State held off a late Washington rally to knock off the PAC-12 Champs 28-23. Day will not have the luxury of Dwayne Haskins, who declared for the NFL Draft after throwing for over 4,800 yards and a Big Ten record 50 touchdowns in a single season.
Don't feel sorry for Ohio State as they have Tate Martell and Georgia transfer Justin Fields to battle it out for the QB role in 2019.
Best Win: Michigan
Worst Loss: Purdue
2017 Finish: 5
Previously Ranked: 5

4.)Notre Dame (12-1, 52.5 WP, 3 LP)
The Fighting Irish held down the number one spot on the Pool Poll for almost every week except the last. It helped that as an independent, they could schedule the likes of Michigan, Stanford, Northwestern, Syracuse and USC. Eight of their opponents went to a bowl game and they even overcame a quarterback change from Brandon Wimbush to Ian Book.
That set them up with a final four spot despite the protests of those who said they shouldn't be in there. Those voices got louder as Notre Dame was embarrassed once again in a big game setting with a 30-3 drubbing at the hands of Clemson. Since the turn of the century the Irish are just 5-9 in bowl games and have lost their BCS Championship and CFP Game by a total of 72-17.
Before the bowl game, Wimbush announced that he was going to transfer leaving the keys solely to Book.
Best Win: Michigan
Worst Loss: Clemson
2017 Finish: 16
Previously Ranked: 1

5.)UCF (12-1, 74.3 WP, 19 LP)
The self proclaimed defending National Champions saw their winning streak continue in 2018. Beginning the year at 13, the only real challenges came in a comeback win over Memphis and close victory over Temple. The Knights took care of business despite the loss of starting quarterback McKenzie Milton to a gruesome leg injury he suffered in the last regular season game against rival USF. UCF took care of Memphis easily in the AAC Championship game for the second straight season.
Like last year's match-up with Auburn, UCF drew another SEC school in their New Year's Six bowl game, this time the Fiesta Bowl against LSU to defend their 25-game win streak. It started great with a 14-3 lead after a pick six, but the Tigers offense recovered and snapped the streak with a 40-32 victory.
Milton has not ruled out being able to play in 2019.
Best Win: Cincinnati
Worst Loss: LSU
2017 Finish: 1
Previously Ranked: 4

6.)Oklahoma (12-2, 61.4 WP, 10.5 LP)
The Sooners definitely had the offense to beat anyone in 2018, but their defense let some things to be desired. The avoided some scares in Iowa State and Army before losing on a last second field goal in the Red River Shootout to Texas. They won their next six games by an average of 52-38 with Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia all losing by five points or fewer.
This offensive boom was led by potential baseball player and eventual Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray. He ran for over 1,000 yards and threw for over 4,300 with 54 total touchdowns. He would help Oklahoma avenge Texas in the Big 12 Championship and get the Sooners into the College Football Playoff.
Unfortunately they drew Alabama and while the offense did put up 34 points against the Crimson Tide's stingy defense, the Sooners D was picked apart by Heisman runner up Tua Tagovailoa who threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns to win 45-34.
The big decision now comes from Murray who will decide first whether or not to return for his senior season and then whether or not he will pursue his career in baseball. He currently has a contract with the Oakland Athletics organization.
Best Win: Texas
Worst Loss: Texas
2017 Finish: 7
Previously Ranked: 6

7.)Fresno State (12-2, 78.3 WP, 24 LP)
The Bulldogs dropped 79 in their home opener against recently demoted FCS Idaho before losing a tough game against Minnesota. Like a handful of other Group of 5 teams, they were able to knock off UCLA to win nine of their next ten contests. The lone blemish came against Boise State, who they would see again in the Mountain West Championship. This time Fresno State exacted their revenge in an overtime victory to win the MW for the first time since 2013 and their third since 2012.
With one PAC-12 win under their built, they looked for another in the Las Vegas Bowl against Arizona State. A back-and-forth affair finally saw the Bulldogs win 31-20. Fresno State has won 22 games in their last two seasons after compiling just ten in the three seasons prior.
Best Win: Boise State
Worst Loss: Minnesota
2017 Finish: 26
Previously Ranked: 8

8.)Washington State (11-2, 71.6 WP, 59 LP)
The Cougars were the talk of the PAC-12 after a 10-1 start and their lone blemish a three point loss to USC. ECU transfer Gardner Minshew drew a majority of that attention as he threw for almost 4,800 yards with 38 touchdowns. He set a school record for touchdowns in a game when he tossed seven against Arizona in a 69-28 romp.
That set up a must win in the Apple Cup against Washington for a trip to the PAC-12 title game, but the elements and a tough Huskies defense limited Minshew to just 152, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Washington State felt the cold chill of bowl suitors as they were given a solid opponent in a lower tier game. They took on the defensive minded Iowa State Cyclones in a battle of ranked schools in the Alamo Bowl. The Cougars would go on to win 28-26 after ISU failed to convert the game tying two-point conversion.
Mike Leach has guided the Cougs to four straight winning seasons, but will have to find a new quarterback to lead his air raid offense.
Best Win: Oregon
Worst Loss: USC
2017 Finish: 27
Previously Ranked: 9

9.)Army (11-2, 80.1 WP, 32 LP)
Nobody had the ball longer than Army did in 2018. The Black Knights held the ball for a total of 501 minutes for an average of 38 minutes per game. That game of keep away only had moderate success with losses to Duke and an overtime thriller with Oklahoma to begin 2-2. Then things began really clicking. Army handed Buffalo their first loss, survived a near two-point conversion from Miami, OH, and won their last nine regular season games. Two of the last four came against Air Force and Navy to win the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy for the second straight year.
They broke into the rankings for the first time since 1996 and earned a bowl bid when they faced Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl. Without D'eriq King and Ed Oliver, the Cougars were no match for Army, but no one could have predicted how bad it would go. The Black Knights won 70-14 in a record setting performance. The 70 points are tied for the most in bowl history with West Virginia's 2011 Orange Bowl while the 56 point margin of victory is tied with Tulsa's 56 point romp over Bowling Green in 2008.
After years of grueling seasons, the Black Knights have posted three straight winning seasons and back-to-back seasons with at least ten wins.
Best Win: Buffalo
Worst Loss: Duke
2017 Finish: 23
Previously Ranked: 11

10.)Appalachian State (11a-2, 87.3 WP, 14 LP)
The Mountaineers nearly claimed another Big Ten opponent as they took Penn State to overtime to open the season, but came up just short. Five wins later, Appalachian State made their first ever appearance in the Top 25. That was short lived because Georgia Southern's option attack bulldozed the Mountaineers 34-14. Even after that loss, they took care of business and defeated Louisiana in the first ever Sun Belt Championship.
In their bowl game, App State fell behind early before they took it to Middle Tennessee State, 45-13, to win the R+L Carriers Bowl. Since joining the FBS level, the Mountaineers have never finished with fewer than seven wins and have just sixteen losses in those five seasons.
That success lured Scott Satterfield from App State to Louisville and brings in NCST offensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz to keep the momentum going in 2019.
Best Win: Troy
Worst Loss: Georgia Southern
2017 Finish: 32
Previously Ranked: 12
11.)Cincinnati (11-2, 90.9 WP, 30.5 LP)
The Bearcats had posted back-to-back 4-8 seasons heading into 2018, but quickly surpassed that win total with a 6-0 start including a win against UCLA to start the year. A heartbreaking loss to Temple in overtime ruined their perfect season and they nearly lost again to SMU in OT. The winning continued until they ran into UCF, who easily handled UC 38-13.
The Bearcats headed to the Military Bowl looking for their first 11 win season since Brian Kelly did so in back-to-back seasons in 2008-09. UC trailed Virginia Tech, but rallied despite losing quarterback Desmond Ridder to give the Hokies their first losing season since 1992.
Best Win: UCLA
Worst Loss: Temple
2017 Finish: 108
Previously Ranked: 13

12.)Utah State (11-2, 91.7 WP, 11.5 LP)
The Aggies announced their presence right away in East Lansing as they narrowly defeated the Spartans to open the season. From their Utah State rattled off ten straight wins behind the arm of Jordan Love. Just a sophomore, he threw for over 3,500 yards and 32 touchdowns to spark a high powered offense that posted 42 points or more in nine games.
One of three they did not cost them a shot at the Mountain West Championship. In the last game of the regular season the Aggies lost 33-24 to Boise State who took their place in the title game. They settled for the bowl opener, the New Mexico Bowl, against equally strong quarterback Mason Fine and the North Texas Mean Green. Fine would be injured in the first quarter leaving Utah State as the only productive offense in a 52-13 win.
The Aggies did so without coach Matt Wells, who took the head coaching job at Texas Tech before the bowl game. Gary Andersen will return as the man in charge. Andersen previously coached at Utah State from 2009-2012 before taking jobs at Wisconsin and Oregon State. He was already on the staff as defensive assistant coach.
Best Win: North Texas
Worst Loss: Boise State
2017 Finish: 82
Previously Ranked: 14

13.) Georgia (11-3, 62.1 WP, 15 LP)
After choking away a National Championship to Alabama in 2017, the Bulldogs were looking for nothing less than a title in 2018. A 6-0 start had them on their way before LSU clobbered them 36-16. Still a one loss SEC school is better than most qualified and with a win over Kentucky, Georgia guaranteed a shot at Alabama in SEC Championship.
Tell me if you've heard this one before: Georgia has a lead against Alabama and then the Crimson Tide are forced to play their back-up quarterback who leads them to a comeback victory. It was deja vu for Georgia fans and this time it left them out of the CFP.
They settled for a Sugar Bowl appearance with Texas where the Longhorns looked like the team who was ranked fifth in the country. A late Georgia rally fell short in a 28-21 loss. The Bulldogs nearly lost more than the game as UGA was nearly run over by Bevo, the Longhorns live mascot.
Best Win: Florida
Worst Loss: Texas
2017 Finish: 4
Previously Ranked: 7

14.) UAB (11-3, 80.5 WP, 67.7 LP)
The Blazers made history in 2018 just four years after the program had been dropped. UAB began the season 9-1 which tied them for the most wins in program history, which happened at the Division II level in 1993.Then they dropped back-to-back games to Texas A&M and Middle Tennessee State, but still found their way into the Conference USA Championship for the first time ever.
The would win their rematch against the Blue Raiders to claim their first ever conference crown and looked to win their first bowl game. UAB did just that with an impressive win over MAC Champion Northern Illinois in the Boca Raton Bowl.
Best Win: North Texas
Worst Loss: Coastal Carolina
2017 Finish: 44
Previously Ranked: 17

15.)LSU (10-3, 52.8 WP, 22 LP)
The Tigers jumped out to a 5-0 start after big wins over Miami and Auburn, but hit a snag when they were knocked off by Florida. Not to be rattled, LSU handed Georgia their first loss of the season and then Mississippi State to set up a showdown with Alabama. Except it wasn't a very thrilling match-up as the Crimson Tide rolled to a 29-0 win.
The Tigers were poised to win three straight when they intercepted Kellen Mond to defeat Texas A&M. However, replayed showed that Mond, who fumbled the snap, had his knee touch the ground before he threw the ball. The Aggies would score and eventually beat LSU in a seven overtime thriller 74-72.
The Tigers were still awarded a New Year's Six bowl as they headed to the Fiesta Bowl with hopes of ending UCF's 25 game win streak. After falling in an early 14-3 hole, LSU took over and snapped the streak with a 40-32 win.
Best Win: Georgia
Worst Loss: Texas A&M
2017 Finish: 28
Previously Ranked: 19

16.)Boise State (10-3, 66.1 WP, 30.7 LP)
The Broncos couldn't play Power 5 spoiler as they dropped their big game against Oklahoma State early in the season. Boise State still had control of its destiny in the Mountain West until a 19-13 loss to San Diego State put their hopes in jeopardy with the great play of Utah State. The Broncos would get hot with seven straight wins, including victories over Fresno State and Utah State to snag a spot in the Mountain West Championship.
The Broncos met Fresno State where the Bulldogs would exact their revenge in an overtime victory. Boise State would head to face Boston College in the First Responder Bowl, but an hour and a half weather delay would end canceling the contest. The Broncos have now finished their last three seasons with at least ten wins.
Best Win: Fresno State
Worst Loss: San Diego State
2017 Finish: 13
Previously Ranked: 16

17.)Kentucky (10-3, 67.8 WP, 52.7 LP)
The Wildcats shook off a heartbreaking bowl loss to end their 2017 campaign by rattling off five straight wins to begin the year, including their first win over Florida since 1986. Kentucky had a tough overtime loss against Texas A&M, but after wins over Missouri and Vanderbilt the had a chance to win the SEC East with a victory over Georgia.
Instead the Bulldogs dashed their hopes and the Wildcats suffered a letdown against Tennessee to drop back-to-back games. Kentucky would easily win the Governor's Cup over a struggling Louisville to ensure their first nine win season since 1984.
They would hold on to win their bowl game this time as they edged Penn State 27-24 in the Citrus Bowl. That win gave Kentucky its first ten win season since 1977 and their first bowl win since 2008.
Best Win: Florida
Worst Loss: Tennessee
2017 Finish: 62
Previously Ranked: 20

18.)Florida (10-3, 69.9 WP, 38.7 LP)
The Gators looked much improved in 2018 under Dan Mullen after a disastrous 4-7 campaign in 2017. They did suffer an unexpected loss to Kentucky, but that did not prove to be a bad loss. Florida followed up the loss with impressive wins over Mississippi State and LSU. Then came back-to-back losses to Georgia and Missouri to eliminate the Gators from SEC contention. Florida went on to win their final three regular season games including a satisfying 41-14 win over Florida State.
The Gators faced Michigan in the Peach Bowl as they looked for their first win against the Wolverines in five tries including a 41-7 loss in their last meeting in 2016. Florida did just that as they exposed the Michigan defense for the second game in a row, on their way to a 41-15 victory.
Best Win: Michigan
Worst Loss: Missouri
2017 Finish: 97
Previously Ranked: 22

19.)Michigan (10-3, 76.9 WP, 13 LP)
The Wolverines suffered an early set back against the Fighting Irish as it looked like another year of Jim Harbaugh not winning big games. Then Michigan won their next ten games including wins over Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Penn State to go along with the number one defense in the country.
Rival Ohio State looked shaky with a blowout loss to Purdue and a near loss to Maryland had they converted a two-point conversion. Instead the Buckeyes took that number one defense and mopped the floor with it in an embarrassing 62-39 loss. That defeat kept the Wolverines out of the Big Ten title game and a shot at the CFP.
So instead they played in the Peach Bowl against a Florida team that Michigan had done well against historically and even if some of the top defensive players sat out, they were still pretty good. However, the Wolverines appeared to have their defense Freaky Friday with the UConn defense and watched as the Gators piled up 41 points in a 41-15 victory.
With Urban Meyer having left Ohio State, the pressure on Michigan to get it done in The Game has dramatically increased. No excuses now for the man in khakis.
Best Win: Penn State
Worst Loss: Florida
2017 Finish: 38
Previously Ranked: 10
20.)Troy (10-3, 77.1 WP, 40.3 LP)
The Trojans challenged themselves out of the gate with non-conference games against Boise State and Nebraska. While they lost to the Broncos, they did go to Lincoln and stun the Cornhuskers when an impressive defensive performance. At 5-1 things were looking good until an inexplicable speed bump popped up in the form of a loss to FBS newcomer Liberty.
Still they were primed to make an appearance in the first ever Sun Belt Championship game thanks to a victory over Georgia Southern, but they could not beat Appalachian State, who took the spot instead. They settled for a Dollar General Bowl appearance where they outgunned the Buffalo Bulls 42-32. The victory earned the Trojans their third straight season with at least ten wins and their second straight with a win over a Power 5 school (LSU in 2017).
After the season was over, Troy lost coach Neal Brown who took the same job vacated at West Virginia by Dana Holgorsen. As of this time, they have not announced his replacement.
Best Win: Nebraska
Worst Loss: Liberty
2017 Finish: 9
Previously Ranked: 24

21.)Syracuse (10-3, 80.7 WP, 36.7 LP)
The Orange made a statement against Florida State early in the season that they were n't going to be pushed around. Syracuse gave Clemson an early scare as they lost 27-23, but then they dropped focus the following week to Pitt. They regained it as they went on to win five of six including victories over NCST and Boston College.
Unlike Will Grier at West Virginia, senior quarterback Eric Dungey came out for his teams bowl appearance in the Camping World Bowl. Dungey and the Orange dominated the Mountaineers in a 34-18 victory. Dungey would finish the season with over 3,500 yards of total offense and 33 touchdowns. It will be interesting to see if Dino Babers can find an adequate replacement in 2019. Syracuse had not won more than four games in the last four seasons.
Best Win: NCST
Worst Loss: Pitt
2017 Finish: 100
Previously Ranked: 25
22.) Georgia Southern (10-3, 89.1 WP, 41.7 LP)
The Eagles brought their option attack from the basement of college football to a ten win season. Their eight win improvement was among the best in the sport thanks to the fact that they had just five turnovers for the whole season. Georgia Southern jumped out to a 7-1 record with their lone loss coming to Clemson and it also included a win over a ranked opponent when they beat then number 25 Appalachian State.
However, the Eagles shot at a Sun Belt Conference Championship was dashed when they dropped back-to-back games to Louisiana Monroe and Troy. They would win their last two to set up their first bowl appearance since 2015. They drew fellow Eagles, Eastern Michigan, in the Camellia Bowl and jumped out to a 17-7 halftime lead. A big play and a late touchdown put EMU up 21-20, but Georgia Southern had just enough time for Tyler Bass to kick a 40-yard field goal as time expired.
The Eagles hope to continue to be a part of the rise in the Sun Belt Conference to come.
Best Win: Appalachian State
Worst Loss: Louisiana Monroe
2017 Finish: 119
Previously Ranked: 26

23.)Texas (10-4, 55.9 WP, 42.8 LP)
The Longhorns did not appear to be who everyone thought when they lost to Maryland for the second straight season opener. Then they rattled off six straight wins including victories over USC and a nail biting finish against rival Oklahoma.Texas did not have any late heroics against Oklahoma State and watched as West Virginia converted on a game winning two-point conversion. Still they won their final three to earn a re-match against the Sooners in Big 12 Championship.
Lightning did not strike twice as the Oklahoma offense proved too much this time. The Longhorns did get a nice consolation prize with a Sugar Bowl appearance against Georgia, who many thought were wrongfully left out of the CFP. Instead Texas showed maybe they belonged as they held off a late Georgia rally to shock the Bulldogs (the second time in the day as Bevo nearly gored UGA before the game).
Many think this is a statement that Texas football is back after four straight seasons of subpar football in Austin.
Best Win: Georgia
Worst Loss: Maryland
2017 Finish: 63
Previously Ranked: 29

24.)Washington (10-4, 58 WP, 29.3 LP)
The Huskies shook off a season opening loss to Auburn by winning five straight before stumbling against Oregon in overtime. Another loss to Cal seemed to all, but sink their shot at a PAC-12 title, but they could also play spoiler to instate rival Washington State. The elements proved to be a big factor in that game as the Washington defense and a lot of snow grounded the Cougars high flying attack to earn a spot for a conference title.
The Huskies and Utah Utes slugged their way to a 10-3 outcome with Washington claiming their 17th PAC-12 Championship and second in three years. Those 17 titles tie them with UCLA for the second most in conference history, but well behind USC's 39.
With no playoff hopes in sight, they got the next best thing for a PAC-12 Champ, a Rose Bowl appearance where they faced Ohio State. The Buckeyes built a 28-3 lead, but Washington didn't give up scoring 20 in the fourth quarter before their comeback fell short.
Best Win: Washington State
Worst Loss: Cal
2017 Finish: 21
Previously Ranked: 15

25.)Buffalo (10-4, 100.1 WP, 52.5 LP)
The Bulls hung around near the top ten throughout the year after a 9-1 start. Then they hit a major snag when they were roughed by Ohio and nearly knocked out of their MAC East crown. A win over Bowling Green set up a trip to the MAC Championship for only the second time in school history. There they had a good lead on Northern Illinois, before the Huskies rallied to win their fourth MAC title.
Buffalo was paired with a power from the Sun Belt, Troy, for the Dollar General Bowl. While the Bulls put up 32, it was enough as the Trojans went on to win 42-32. Buffalo finished with a winning record for the first time since 2013 and had more wins this year than in the last two combined (8).
Best Win: Temple
Worst Loss: Northern Illinois
2017 Finish: 77
Previously Ranked: 18