Upsets Galore As We Enter Championship Week in This Week's Pool Poll

 

Rivalry Week could not have gone better in the Pool house as Eastern Michigan and Michigan dominated their rivals and the Ohio Bobcats clinched a spot in the MAC Championship. The Eagles earned a share of the MAC West title but lost the tiebreaker with Toledo. Meanwhile, the Wolverines planted the flag in Columbus where they dominated the Buckeyes for the first time on the road since 2000. They finally learned of their opponent when Purdue sheepishly won the Big Ten West.

More chaos ensued as Clemson and North Carolina limp into the ACC Championship with both teams losing their rivalry games to South Carolina and NCST respectively. Moose Muhammad single-handedly stunned LSU to knock them out of the playoff race. The Oregon Ducks were plucked after blowing a 34-10 lead to Oregon State. Georgia and TCU took care of business to ensure that three of the teams in the college football playoffs will remain the same. Here's a look at the conference championship lineup for this week:

AAC: Tulane (10-2) vs UCF (9-3)

ACC: Clemson (10-2) vs UNC (9-3)

Big Ten: Michigan (12-0) vs Purdue (8-4)

Big 12: TCU (12-0) vs. Kansas State (9-3)

CUSA: UTSA (10-2) vs North Texas (7-5)

MAC: Ohio (9-3) vs Toledo (7-5)

MWC: Boise State (9-3) vs Fresno State (8-4)

Pac 12: USC (11-1) vs Utah (9-3)

SEC: Georgia (12-0) vs LSU (9-3)

SBC: Coastal Carolina (9-2) vs Troy (10-2)

There is one spot that was clinched on Saturday when UMass (1-11) was waxed by Army 44-7 to ensure a last-place finish in the Pool Poll for the Minutemen. What's more interesting is that the bowl situation is slightly hectic. There is one spot left and three teams vying for that spot. Army is sitting at 5-6 and has a guarantee with a couple of bowl games if they become bowl eligible, but they don't play Navy until Dec. 10. Buffalo (5-6) is playing a make-up game with Akron (2-9) after they were snowed out. New Mexico State is looking for a 12th game after a tragedy at San Jose State caused the Spartans to cancel their matchup with the Aggies (5-6). If all three of these teams fail to reach six wins, then the spot will be filled with the best academic 5-7 team, which could be Michigan State. There are two teams guaranteed a spot as the Miami Redhawks (6-6) and UAB Blazers (6-6) won their way to Nassau for the Bahamas Bowl on Dec. 16.

Here's a look at this week's Pool Poll heading into Championship Week:

1. TCU (-) 12-0, 56.1 WP, 0 LP

Last Week: 62-14 over Iowa State

Up Next: Big 12 Championship (Kansas State)

2. Michigan (+2) 12-0, 60.8, 0

Last Week: 45-23 dismantling of Ohio State

Up Next: Big Ten Championship (Purdue)

3. Georgia (-1) 12-0 64.9, 0

Last Week: 37-14 over Georgia Tech

Up Next: SEC Championship (LSU)

4. Ohio State (-1) 11-1, 65.2, 4

Last Week: More worried about crossing out Ms than covering Cornelius Johnson

Up Next: Pray that USC and TCU lose

5. USC (+1) 11-1, 72.2, 47

Last Week: 38-27 over Notre Dame

Up Next: Pac 12 Championship (Utah)

6. Alabama (+3) 10-2, 54.1, 3

Last Week: 49-27 over Auburn

Up Next: Also in need of some help

7. Penn State (+3) 10-2, 58.3, 6.5

Last Week: 35-16 over Michigan State

Up Next: Maybe the Citrus Bowl?

8. Clemson (-3) 10-2, 58.6, 41.5

Last Week: Stunned by South Carolina 31-30

Up Next: ACC Championship (UNC)

9. Tennessee (+2) 10-2, 60, 31

Last Week: Blanked Vanderbilt 56-0

Up Next: A date with Penn State?

10. Washington (+3) 10-2, 68.6, 70

Last Week: Win over Washington State

Up Next: Holiday Bowl?

11. Tulane (+5) 10-2, 76.6, 69

Last Week: 27-24 over Cincinnati

Up Next: AAC Championship (UCF)

12. Troy (+2) 10-2, 80.7, 36

Last Week: 48-19 over Arkansas State

Up Next: Sun Belt Championship (Coastal Carolina)

13. UTSA (+4) 10-2, 85.2, 45.5

Last Week: 34-31 rally past UTEP

Up Next: CUSA Championship (North Texas)

14. South Alabama (+5) 10-2, 94.7, 41

Last Week: 27-20 over Old Dominion

Up Next: A rare bowl appearance

15. Coastal Carolina (-8) 9-2, 86.9, 62.5

Last Week: Dismantled by future of the Sun Belt, James Madison, 47-7

Up Next: SBC (Troy)

16. LSU (-8) 9-3, 48.1, 51.3

Last Week: 38-23 upset of the hands at Texas A&M

Up Next: SEC Championship (Georgia)

17. Kansas State (+4) 9-3, 52, 33

Last Week: 47-27 over Kansas

Up Next: Big 12 Championship (TCU)

18. Oregon (-6) 9-3, 65.2, 16.3

Last Week: 38-34 collapse against Oregon State

Up Next: Not the Pac 12 Championship

19. UNC (-4) 9-3, 77.7, 72.7

Last Week: Double Overtime loss to NCST

Up Next: ACC Championship (Clemson)

20. Florida State (+4) 9-3, 78.2, 20

Last Week: 45-38 edging of Florida

Up Next: A decent bowl game

21. UCF (+1) 9-3, 78.7, 93

Last Week: 46-39 over USF

Up Next: AAC Championship (Tulane)

22. Oregon State (+6) 9-3, 82, 34.3

Last Week: 38-34 rally past Oregon

Up Next: A nice bowl game

23. UCLA (+2) 9-3, 84.3, 46.7

Last Week: 35-28 over Cal

Up Next: A nice bowl game

24. Utah (+2) 9-3, 88.7, 27

Last Week: 63-21 over Colorado

Up Next: Pac 12 Championship (USC)

 

25. Boise State (+4) 9-3, 88.7, 81.7

Last Week: 43-23 over Utah State

Up Next: Mountain West Championship (Fresno State)

Dropped Out: Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Ole Miss

Waiting List: Cincinnati, Ohio, Air Force, James Madison, Notre Dame, Mississippi State, NCST, Texas, South Carolina, Purdue, Ole Miss, Pitt, Illinois, Duke, and Liberty

Gone But Certainly Forgotten (Teams That Lost Bowl Eligibility...For Now?):

Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Rice, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Florida Atlantic, UTEP, Miami (FL), and Ball State

The Top 4 Survive to Set Up An Epic Game Between Michigan and Those Poorly Dressed Poisonous Nuts With the Second Best Band in the State of Ohio

 

It's rivalry week and boy are there some really great matchups! Even though all four undefeated teams were lackluster in their wins over unranked opponents it doesn't diminish the fact that all eyes will be on Columbus, Ohio (Ohio's second capital, originally Chillicothe). Yes, Michigan and Ohio State will trade their annual barbs, but this year for the first time in a long time, it's the Wolverine fans that have been jawing the loudest after their massive win in 2021. The Buckeyes have certainly not forgotten and this year it's on their turf. Slightly concerning for Michigan fans is that Blake Corum was absent from the second half of their win over Illinois, while C.J. Stroud was noticeably limping in the Buckeyes' win over Maryland. 

The Game isn't the only rivalry with high stakes. Georgia rolls into Clean, Old Fashioned Hate with a Georgia Tech team that just upset North Carolina on the road. The Yellow Jackets are also playing for a bowl bid, while Georgia looks to remain undefeated and all but clinch a spot in the playoffs. The Iron Bowl will carry as much significance as Central vs Eastern considering that the Crimson Tide like the Eagles can only earn a share of the West title, but have lost the tiebreaker to LSU and Toledo respectively. The Palmetto Bowl just became a lot more interesting after South Carolina dismantled Tennessee and now has Clemson in its sights. Finally, who would've thought that Notre Dame would be playing a significant game after week 2? Well, they get a chance to play spoiler and retain the Jeweled Shillelagh against USC, who is hoping to sneak into the playoffs. 

This week saw a lot of crazy action with 8 ranked teams going down and several more who were on the ropes. This weekend was certainly a prime example of looking ahead and not paying attention to the lesser team on the other sideline. This tomfoolery allowed Kansas State and Florida State to join the rankings and also welcomes two new teams into the top ten. The ACC (Clemson/UNC), SEC (Georgia/LSU), and the Mountain West (Boise St/Fresno St) have their conference match-ups set, but that means there are still seven conferences that will be decided on Saturday or Tuesday if you're the MAC. There are so many tiebreakers to analyze a breakdown, especially in the Big Ten West where somehow 5 teams are still mathematically alive, while the East has just one scenario.

In bottom-tier news, the Charlotte 49ers (3-9) became the first team to officially finish their season but did end on a high note with a win over Louisiana Tech and hired a guy named Biff to be their new head coach. These teams are bottom-tier, so let's now take a look at the Top 25 for this week.

1. TCU (11-0, 52.1 WP, 0 LP)

Last Week (Rank-1): A heart-racing win that required the field goal unit to get set with a running clock to kick a game-winning field goal against Baylor.

Up Next: Iowa State (4-7)

Rivalry or No?: Not in the way that other games will be. The Horned Frogs are locked into the Big 12 title and await either Kansas State or Texas. Still the Cyclones could play the spoiler in the Frogs' dream season.

2. Georgia (11-0, 63.8, 0)

Last Week (2): A slog against Kentucky, but a 16-6 win.

Up Next: Clean, Old Fashioned Hate with Georgia Tech (5-6)

Rivalry?: Yes, although the Bulldogs own a 69-41-5 record in the series and haven't lost since 2017. The Yellow Jackets have something to fight for with a bowl bid on the line as they try to salvage a nightmare season that already saw them fire their head coach.

3. Ohio State (11-0, 65.2, 0)

Last Week (3): Trailed at the half to Maryland, but then Maryland played like Maryland and Ohio State looked better on the scoreboard than they actually played.

Up Next: The Wolverines of Michigan (11-0, 4)

Rivalry? I get it, Michigan has to win in Columbus if they want to really start barking. The Buckeyes Must hurdle the Wolverines once again in shades of 2006, which TOSU hopes goes exactly the same way as it did in the "Game of the Century." Both teams will have to find ways to win without key players lost due to injuries and it will likely come down to consistency in the offense and of course, turnovers. Maybe it'll snow so much they have to Move the game to Detroit.

4. Michigan (11-0, 66.1, 0)

Last Week (4): Raised my heart rate in a last-second victory over Illinois. Seriously, I can't have Philly and Michigan lose their undefeated status in the same week.

Up Next: Brutus, the guy in the cowboy hat, the other dumb-looking guy with the buckeye necklace, and the rest of the Scarlet and Gray (11-0, 3)

Rivalry? The Wolverines are still clinging to that 59-51-6 lead they built up in the early and late 1900s. The 21st Century has been awfully unkind to the sharpest-dressed team in college football. But right now there's a chance to start a winning streak, it has happened before.

5. Clemson (10-1, 58.6, 39)

Last Week(5): Dismantling of Miami (FL), 40-10

Up Next: South Carolina (7-4)

Rivalry? I wish these guys would go away because nobody wants them to be this close to the playoffs. Overall, the Palmetto Bowl favors Clemson overwhelmingly, but the Gamecocks did drop 63 on the No.5 Volunteers. The Tigers' playoff bid took a big blow when UNC was stunned, thus diminishing the ACC Championship.

6. USC (10-1, 77.4, 47)

Last Week(8): Rallied to win the Battle of L.A. with UCLA

Up Next: Notre Dame (8-3, 20)

Rivalry? The Jewelled Shillagleh will be up for grabs and the Trojans look to win it for the first time since 2016. USC already punched their ticket to the PAC-12 Championship and can add to their resume with a win in this game to try and make a surprise appearance in the playoffs.

7. Coastal Carolina (9-1, 86.9, 93)

Last Week: Did not play as they were scheduled to play Virginia, but the game was canceled after three Virginia players were murdered last Sunday by a former teammate.

Up Next: James Madison (7-3)

Rivalry? Not yet, but it could be very soon. James Madison has made the transition to FBS with ease and can disrupt a smooth finish for the Chanticleers. Coastal has already earned its spot in the Sun Belt Championship and awaits fellow Pool Poll members Troy or South Alabama.

8. LSU (9-2, 48.1, 28.5)

Last Week (11): 41-10 cake walk over UAB

Up Next: Texas A&M (4-7)

Rivalry? They've played 61 times and it favors the Tigers, but it's starting to bring out some of the best games of the year. Arguably the most exciting game was in 2018 when the two teams combined for 146 points in seven overtimes, a game the Tigers seemed to have won in regulation. At least that's what I thought when I turned it off and then checked back in overtime number 3. With all these losses piling up for teams that are ahead of them, a win against Georgia in the SEC Championship could get a two-loss LSU into the playoffs.

9. Alabama (9-2, 51, 3)

Last Week(10): Paycheck win over Austin Peay (FCS)

Up Next: Auburn (4-7)

Rivalry? Regionally, there are those that would claim this to be the greatest rivalry in sports. What it does have is that both teams have been competitive in this series despite Alabama being a juggernaut in college football. The Tide lead the series by nine games and should make it three-straight, but if they lose to a 4-7 Tigers team or it's respectable then don't be surprised.

10. Penn State (9-2, 56.1, 6.5)

Last Week (12): 55-10 beatdown of Rutgers

Up Next: Michigan State (5-6)

Rivalry? You know, there's a trophy for everything, and these two play for the Land Grant Trophy. The cool thing is that this trophy is evenly distributed with Green and Blue. Sparty leads by a razor-thin 18-17-1 margin, but this year has not been their year and the Nittany Lions have punished anyone that's not currently playing for a college football playoff spot.

The Rest of the Best:

11. Tennessee (9-2, 57.2, 31)

Last Week (6): 63-38 annihilation at the hands of South Carolina

Up Next: Vanderbilt (5-6)

Rivalry? A very lopsided one where the Vols have more than double the wins of their in-state conference mate, but Hendon Hooker is done for the year and Vanderbilt has dropped Kentucky and Florida in back-to-back weeks. 

12. Oregon (9-2, 65.2, 10.5)

Last Week (14): 20-17 win over Utah to inch closer to Pac-12 title game.

Up Next: Oregon State (8-3, 28)

Rivalry? Formerly, known as the Civil War, the Ducks own a comfortable lead in the series, but the Beavers are no pushovers like they have been in past seasons.

13. Washington (9-2, 71.1, 70)

Last Week (13): 54-7 roughing up of Colorado

Up Next: Washington State (7-4)

Rivalry? The Apple Cup is another one of those lopsided in-state matchups with the Huskies easily running away with the series. A win and some losses around them could bring the Huskies to a date with the Pac-12 Championship and maybe the Rose Bowl.

14. Troy (9-2, 76.3, 36)

Last Week (16): 34-16 clipping of the Warhawks

Up Next: Arkansas State (3-8)

Rivalry? No, but it is a must-win if they'd like to play Coastal Carolina in the Sun Belt Championship. They currently sit in a tie for first with South Alabama but own the tiebreaker over the Jags.

15. North Carolina (9-2, 77.7, 88.5)

Last Week (7): 21-17 stunning defeat by Georgia Tech

Up Next: NCST (7-4)

Rivalry? It's all Tar Heels in this matchup, but there is disappointment in the air as both teams were beaten last week. That knocked NCST out of the rankings and North Carolina out of the playoff picture.

16. Tulane (9-2, 83.1, 69)

Last Week (20): 59-24 rout of SMU

Up Next: Cincinnati (9-2, 18)

Rivalry? No, however, this is a defacto semi-final for the AAC Championship. The winner is in, but the loser needs UCF to lose as the Golden Knights handed losses to Cincinnati and Tulane. 

17. UTSA (9-2, 84.9, 45.5)

Last Week (21): 51-7 cooking of Rice

Up Next: UTEP (5-6)

Rivalry? No, but mostly because UTSA has only been around in the FBS since 2011. In fact, the only rival listed for them is Texas State. The Roadrunners have raced their way to the CUSA Championship and await either North Texas or Western Kentucky.

18. Cincinnati (9-2, 92.1, 28.5)

Last Week (22): 23-3 plucking of Temple

Up Next: Tulane (9-2, 16)

Rivalry? No, but see above. I had a Senior ask me if they should convince their parents to drive them down on Friday afternoon to go see this game. Of course, I'll only be glancing at this game because the Michigan MAC Trophy is up for grabs at the same time.

19. South Alabam (9-2, 92.8, 41)

Last Week (24): 27-20 upending of Southern Miss

Up Next: Old Dominion (3-8)

Rivalry? It is not. Both teams have just joined the FBS level in the last 8 years, while Old Dominion is in its first year in the Sun Belt. The Jaguars live on the edge and this game will be no exception.

20. Notre Dame (8-3, 44.5, 62.7)

Last Week (25): 44-0 Catholic on Catholic crime against Boston College

Up Next: The Men of Troy...no, not No. 14, No. 6 (USC, 10-1)

Rivalry? See USC, but the Irish are glad to be playing meaningful football. Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart are not welcome in South Bend.

21. Kansas State (8-3, 51.3, 33)

Last Week (26): 48-31 win over West Virginia

Up Next: Kansas (6-5)

Rivalry? Believe it or not, the Jayhawks actually own a 64-50-5 record over the Wildcats. KSU has been in control recently though, winning 13-straight heading into this one. The Wildcats can earn a date with TCU in the Big 12 Championship with a win and a Texas loss.

22. UCF (8-3, 72.3, 93)

Last Week (15): 17-14 sinking by Navy

Up Next: USF (1-10)

Rivalry? The War on I-4 might be on its last legs as UCF heads for the Big 12, but overall the series has been tight. The Knights lead the series 7-6 and need a win to earn a spot in the AAC Championship against the winner of Tulane and Cincinnati.

23. Ole Miss (8-3, 76.4, 36.3)

Last Week (17): 42-27 dismantling at the hands of Arkansas

Up Next: Mississippi State (7-4)

Rivalry? The Egg Bowl is becoming a Thanksgiving tradition and even though it has been dominated by the Rebels, it still should be entertaining. Ole Miss is falling fast after being in the Top 10 two weeks ago to nearly out of the rankings.

24. Florida State (8-3, 80, 20)

Last Week (30): 49-17 sizzling of the Ragin' Cajuns

Up Next: Florida (6-5)

Rivalry? If it was the late 90s this would be must-watch TV, but it's not so it's mid-tier TV. The Seminoles have rebounded from early season woes, but the Gators have continued to stumble and could be .500 after this game. Overall, the Gators lead the series 37-26-2.

25. UCLA (8-3, 82.1, 46.7)

Last Week (18): A heartbreaking 48-45 loss to USC

Up Next: Cal (4-7)

Rivalry? This is the 93rd meeting of the Bear Bowl that has been dominated by UCLA. They could be ripe for the picking as they have now lost three of their last five.

Dropped Out: Liberty, Utah

Waiting List: Utah, Liberty, Oregon State, Boise State, Ohio, Air Force, James Madison, Louisville, Oklahoma State, Texas, Mississippi State, Iowa, Purdue, Wake Forest, and Houston

Gone But Certainly Forgotten (Newest members of the no bowling club):

Georgia State, Arizona, West Virginia, Iowa State, Louisiana Monroe, UNLV, Rutgers, Kent State, Central Michigan, and FIU

The Pac-12 Implodes and No One Wants to Win the Big Ten West in This Week's Pool Poll

 

The Pac-12 is down to just USC as its lone hope for making the College Football Playoff after both Oregon and UCLA were dropped in late-night action on Saturday. Ole Miss is also uninvited to the party after losing to Alabama and Tulane can kiss their New Year's Six Bowl goodbye after a home loss to UCF. While Ohio State and Michigan were both big winners on the field, their path became even more apparent when Illinois choked again to drop out of the rankings and all but force the Wolverines and Buckeyes to go win out if they want to join the party.

After their wins, it is guaranteed that the winner of The Game will win the Big Ten East even if they both lose next Saturday because of their tie-breaker with Penn State. Clemson and UNC will meet in the ACC Championship, Georgia will face LSU in the SEC title game, and TCU punched its ticket to the Big 12 Championship. Coastal Carolina (Sun Belt), UTSA (CUSA), and Toledo (MAC) have also taken care of business in their group of 5 conferences.

This week's poll welcomes just two newcomers in South Alabama and Notre Dame, who replace NCST and Illinois, who both continue their freefall from the rankings. 64 teams have now earned a bowl bid for the 82 spots available, while 15 more teams, including Texas A&M, are guaranteed a losing season. 20 more teams will get a shot to clinch and that list includes surprises like Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and BYU. 17 teams will be on red alert as their bowl dreams could be dashed next week.

Here's a look at this week's rankings that saw a lot of internal movement throughout.

1. TCU (10-0, 52.9 WP, 0 LP)

Last Week (Rank-1): 17-10 win over Texas

Up Next: Baylor (6-4, No. 44)

The Word: TCU puts the horn in "horns down" as they knocked off yet another Top 25 team. I don't know who keeps saying Texas is back, but all roads lead through Fort Worth and not Austin for the Big 12 Championship.

2. Georgia (10-0, 65.4, 0)

LW(4): 45-19 Bulldog on Bulldog crime against Mississippi State

Up Next: Kentucky (6-4, 48)

The Word: Georgia keeps on rolling and finds itself in the fifth SEC Championship in six years. They'll get to demoralize a Kentucky team that is fading fast and is really down after being the first SEC team to lose to Vanderbilt in over three years.

3. Ohio State (10-0, 66, 0)

LW (2): 56-14 waltz in a winter wonderland over Indiana

Up Next: Maryland (6-4, 57)

The Word: The Buckeyes will get one more test run to get their offense in high gear for the Wolverines as they should not expect much resistance from Maryland who was blanked by Penn State last week. 

4. Michigan (10-0, 69.8, 0)

LW (3): 34-3 ragdolling of Nebraska

Up Next: Illinois (7-3, 29)

The Word: The score could have been much worse if the Wolverines could hit on big plays in the passing game, but somehow you could've told the Cornhuskers which way you were going to run and they still wouldn't have stopped Blake Corum, and Co. This Illinois game looked harder a few weeks ago, but the Illini are heading in the wrong direction and have blown a once secure lead in the West.

5. Clemson (9-1, 55.8, 39)

LW (6): 31-16 over Louisville

Up Next: Miami Hurricanes (5-5, 84)

The Word: Clemson failed to impress again but wins against an ACC that continues to collapse with the exception of North Carolina, who they'll face in three weeks.

6. Tennessee (9-1, 57.2, 6)

LW (5): 66-24 annihilation of Missouri

Up Next: South Carolina (6-4, 56)

The Word: Tennessee is poised to be the at-large team that didn't play in their conference championship and there doesn't seem to be anyone left to stop them with the Gamecocks and Commodores left.

7. UNC (9-1, 77, 88)

LW (11): 36-34 escape of Wake Forest

Up Next: Georgia Tech (4-6, 89)

The Word: The Tar Heels tried really hard to blow it, but history has told us that Wake Forest will be the one that always blows this match-up. They'll be favored in the next two games before facing Clemson.

8. USC (9-1, 84, 47)

LW (9): 55-17 Friday night beatdown of Colorado

Up Next: UCLA (8-2, 18)

The Word: The Trojans are truly the only team left in the Pac-12 to have a shot, as they should have games against two ranked teams in the next few weeks and if they were to defeat Notre Dame, that would all but eliminate Clemson from the conversation. Unfortunately, UCLA took a dive and this game will not have as much at stake. Also not great, running back Travis Dye, who transferred from Oregon, is now out for the rest of the season.

9. Coastal Carolina (9-1, 86.9, 93)

LW (14): 26-23 clipping of Southern Miss

Up Next: Virginia (3-7, 111)

The Word: The Chanticleers escaped yet again and are the only Group of 5 team with just one loss after Liberty and Tulane were both knocked off. They get a chance to upend an ACC bottom feeder to get to 10 wins and potentially set up a New Year's Six Bowl.

10. Alabama (8-2, 40.9, 3)

LW (16): 30-24 SEC title shot crushing of Ole Miss

Up Next: Austin freakin' Peay...seriously (FCS-132)

The Word: Great, you play in the toughest conference in college football, but why does the SEC schedule these cupcake games in the second to last week of the regular season? This is Week 2 fodder, and while the Crimson Tide aren't the only ones this week, this is certainly the most egregious example.

The Rest of the Best:

11. LSU (8-2, 45.4, 28.5)

LW (15): 13-10 edging of a snowy Arkansas

Up Next: UAB (5-5, 70)

12. Penn State (8-2, 51.3, 6.5)

LW (17): 30-0 blanking of Maryland

Up Next: Rutgers (4-6, 95)

13. Washington (8-2, 64.1, 70)

LW (20): 37-34 victory upending Oregon's playoff hopes and home win streak

Up Next: Colorado (1-9, 127)

14. Oregon (8-2, 71, 10.5)

LW (7): 34-37 loss to Washington

Up Next: Utah (8-2, 19)

15. UCF (8-2, 72.3, 85.5)

LW(23): 38-31 win in American showdown with Tulane

Up Next: Navy (3-7, 108)

16. Troy (8-2, 74.4, 36)

LW(18): 10-9 rally past Army

Up Next: Louisiana Monroe (4-6, 92)

17. Ole Miss (8-2, 76.4, 21.5)

LW(8): Loss to dad (Saban)

Up Next: Arkansas (5-5, 66)

18. UCLA (8-2, 82.1, 66)

LW(10): Shocked by Arizona 34-28

Up Next: USC (9-1, 8)

19. Utah (8-2, 83.8, 33.5)

LW(22): 42-7 romp of Stanford

Up Next: Oregon (8-2, 14)

20. Tulane (8-2, 85.8, 69)

LW(12): 38-31 loss to UCF

Up Next: SMU (6-4, 62)

21. UTSA (8-2, 86.5, 45.5)

LW(24): 51-7 dropping of La Tech, clinched a share of CUSA title

Up Next: Rice (5-5, 72)

22. Cincinnati (8-2, 88.6, 28.5)

LW(25): Narrow escape of ECU 27-25

Up Next: Temple (3-7, 120)

23. Liberty (8-2, 88.6, 45.5)

LW(13): Stunned by UConn 36-33 to earn the Huskies their first bowl bid since 2015.

Up Next: Virginia Tech (2-8, 123)

24. South Alabama (8-2, 95.3, 41)

LW(26): 38-21 win over Texas State

Up Next: Southern Miss (5-5, 73)

25. Notre Dame (7-3, 35.7, 62.7)

LW(28): 35-32 near collapse against Navy

Up Next: Boston College (3-7, 106)

Waiting List: Kansas State, Oklahoma ST, NCST, Illinois, Florida State, Oregon State, Duke, Air Force, Boise State, Wyoming, Ohio, Minnesota, Toledo, James Madison, and San Jose State

Newly Gone and Certainly Forgotten (Bowl-Ineligible Teams After This Week): Texas A&M, Old Dominion, Boston College, Nebraska, Navy, Cal, Indiana, Virginia, Texas State, Arizona State, Louisiana Tech, Stanford, Tulsa, Western Michigan, and Temple

Someone Call Gwen Stefani Because This Week's Pool Poll Is Bananas!

 The first college football playoff rankings came out this week and boy were they wrong. Clemson at No. 4 was immediately exposed as a fraud ranking when the Irish took a shillelagh to the Tigers' run defense. Ohio State and Michigan were caught sleepwalking in their first half of football, while Tennessee and Alabama took tough losses in SEC play. In total 9 teams in the rankings (8 in this one as Oregon State was on the waiting list) were on the wrong end of the scoreboard and some were more embarrassing than others. Syracuse and Oklahoma State continued their rapid fall out of the polls with three losses each in the last four weeks. They joined Wake Forest as the only three teams to drop out of the rankings from last week. In fact, for any team to get in these rankings they need not apply if they are a three-loss team (sorry Notre Dame and Texas).

This week's conference power rankings show that the SEC is still the top (+6), while the PAC-12 (+1) took a significant hit with 5 teams now at risk of becoming bowl ineligible this week. The MAC is still the worst overall, but they have cut their bottom feeder number to -3 thanks to MAC leaders Ohio and Toledo rounding out the Top 50. The American may be at 0, but it's hard to argue that they aren't the best group of 5 conference. At the very least, no other conference will give you the highest-scoring regulation game in FBS history when SMU defeated Houston 77-63. Clayton Tune threw for over 500 yards and seven touchdowns and lost because Tanner Mordecai had 9 touchdown tosses for the Mustangs.

There are 52 teams that have clinched bowl bids and another 22 can get it done this week with a win. One of those is Eastern Michigan, who will highlight mid-week MACtion against Akron (1-8), so look for me to be incredibly sad when this doesn't happen.

And now for this week's rankings (sponsored by mascots):

1. TCU aka SuperFrog (9-0, WP 54.7, LP 0)

Last Week (No.3): 34-24 over Texas Tech

Up Next: Texas (6-3, No. 37)

Playoff Hopes: The Horned Frogs were ranked 7th in the first edition of the college football playoff rankings and didn't really do anything to help boost that, but then again neither did half the teams in the Top 10. But just like DJ Khaled, all they do is win and it's hard to stop an undefeated team in a Power 5 school from making the playoffs. Texas and Baylor could be party crashers in the next two weeks.

2. Ohio State aka Brutus (9-0, 62, 0)

Last Week (No. 1): 21-7 win over Northwestern and the elements

Up Next: Indiana (3-6, 102)

Playoff Hopes: The hopes are great as they continue their leg of the Big Ten bottom feeders with the Hoosiers next week. Maryland is not the same team that challenged Michigan earlier in the year and as long as that is not a trap game, everything comes down to a Saturday in Columbus against THE Team Up North for the Big Ten East and ultimately de facto championship.

3. Michigan (9-0, 66.6, 0)

Last Week (No. 5): 52-17 win over Rutgers in the second half

Up Next: Nebraska (3-6, 99)

Playoff Hopes: That Illinois game looks less threatening and Nebraska will probably be annoying, but ultimately a battle of undefeated teams in Columbus will likely be the end result. Although, if either Michigan or Ohio State plan on playing like they have been in the first half of games, maybe don't bother showing up to get your teeth kicked in by Georgia. Finally, the only knock I have against the greatest college football team in the history of football is their lack of a mascot. Seriously, be less Yankees and more SEC live mascot and get a real one of these roaming the sidelines.

4. Georgia aka UGA (9-0, 69.2, 0)

Last Week (No. 6): 27-13 drubbing of Tennessee

Up Next: Mississippi State (6-3, 31)

Playoff hopes: The Bulldogs saved all their fun for the end of the season and will rise up these rankings as they will likely win their final three games, but two of them will be against teams in the Top 40 of these rankings. Their match-up in the SEC title game will be far superior to that of any other conference (thanks a lot Big Ten West), so even a loss in that game will likely punch their bid to the playoffs. They have two of the more impressive wins of the college football season, so in an alternate reality they are easily the number one team, but maybe don't schedule Samford (FCS) and you'll be ranked higher in this poll. As for mascot hype, UGA is one of my Top 5 because he's fat, lazy, and gets a dog house with a block of ice inside because he's over this stupid game you brought him to.

5. Tennessee aka Smokey (8-1, 53.4, 6)

Last Week (No. 2): Lost to Georgia 27-13

Up Next: Missouri (4-5, 88)

Playoff Hopes: This was a gut punch to their hopes as they will not likely win the SEC East unless Georiga implodes in their next two games. That means they could be a one-loss non-champion contender, depending on how the conference champs from other schools perform. We know the committee loves one-loss teams from the SEC, so get used to it now that this could be a possibility. Finally, don't you want to just fluff that good boy's face!

6. Clemson aka The Tiger (8-1, 59, 39)

Last Week (No. 4): Embarrassed in South Bend 35-14

Up Next: Louisville (6-3, 30)

Playoff Hopes: The Tigers are lucky that the rest of their half of the ACC has imploded giving them a spot in the ACC Championship game that will likely be against UNC. Clemson has been shaky all season and a Louisville team that pummelled Wake Forest is up next. South Carolina may put up a fight this year for once, but a one-loss Tennessee looks better than a one-loss Clemson and their stupid-looking mascot, ACC Champs or not.

7. Oregon aka The Duck (8-1, 71, 1)

Last Week (No. 9): 49-10 herding of Colorado

Up Next: Washington (7-2, 20)

Playoff Hopes: Who thought the Ducks would be here after their beatdown by Georgia? The Ducks have a minefield to navigate in their final three games. A ranked Washington will be the first encounter, followed by a ranked Utah team and a recently ranked Oregon State to finish the season. Winning this game and potentially a matchup with USC or UCLA would put them in a prime position to get a rematch with Georgia. The Duck is a great mascot, nearly as great as Bo Nix has been playing this season, but never forget that 20 years ago they tried to replace him with this.

8. Ole Miss aka the Land Shark (8-1, 76.4, 27)

Last Week (No. 7): Bye Week

Up Next: Alabama (7-2, 16)

Playoff Hopes: The sleeper of the SEC, we'll find out if Lane Kiffin's team is for real or not when they face Alabama. The Crimson Tide are coming off a tough loss and Ole Miss got an extra week to prepare for this game. Watch out for the Egg Bowl this year as Mississippi State can play spoiler if the Rebels make it this far with one loss. As for the mascot, it used to be a plantation owner, which was rightfully scrapped for a Bear that wore the same outfit and then replaced by a land shark which is a reference to something that I don't care enough to remember or look up.

9. USC aka guy on a Trojan horse (8-1, 78.6, 47)

Last Week (No.11): Survived Cal 41-35

Up Next: Colorado (1-8, 127)

Playoff Hopes: Like Oregon, the Trojans have a tough climb to get to the top of the Pac-12. USC gets a nice warm-up against the conference's worst team before the battle of L.A. against UCLA. Then they close the season out against a much-improved Notre Dame team. 

10. UCLA aka the Bruins (8-1, 82.1, 21)

Last Week (No. 12): 50-36 win over Arizona State

Up Next: Arizona (3-6, 111)

Playoff Hopes: USC is really the only tough task left on the schedule, but UCLA has already lost to Oregon and played with fire against Washington and South Alabama. That last one might seem shocking and really it is, but the Jaguars currently have a spot in the Sun Belt Championship if the season ended today and are on this week's waiting list.

The Rest of the Top 25:

11. UNC (8-1, 82.6, 88)

Last Week Rank: 13

Up Next: Wake Forest (38)

Playoff Hopes: Win the ACC or Bust

12. Tulane (8-1, 85.8, 115)

LWR: 14

Up Next: UCF (23)

Playoff Hopes: Not happening, but a New Year's Six bowl is possible

13. Liberty (8-1, 88.6, 17)

LWR: 16

Up Next: UConn (76)

Playoff Hopes: None, maybe New Year's Six

14. Coastal Carolina (8-1, 90.1, 93)

LWR: 15

Up Next: Southern Miss (61)

Playoff Hopes: None, maybe New Year's Six

15. LSU (7-2, 44.1, 28.5)

LWR: 19

Up Next: Arkansas (54)

Playoff Hopes: Faint, but winning SEC might put them in.

16. Alabama (7-2, 45.6, 3)

 

LWR: 8

Up Next: Ole Miss (8)

Playoff Hopes: See LSU plan

17. Penn State (7-2, 52.4, 6.5)

LWR: 17

Up Next: Maryland (43)

Playoff Hopes: Nonexistent

18. Troy (7-2, 71.3, 36)

LWR: 21

Up Next: Army (96)

Playoff Hopes: None

19. NCST (7-2, 71.7, 10.5)

LWR: 26

Up Next: Boston College (119)

Playoff Hopes: None

20. Washington aka Dubs and Harry (7-2, 72.3, 70)

LWR: 25

Up Next: Oregon (7)

Playoff Hopes: Nope, but look at that good boy

21. Illinois (7-2, 74.7, 97)

LWR: 9

Up Next: Purdue (55)

Playoff Hopes: Dashed by Sparty

22. Utah (7-2, 80.1, 33.5)

LWR: 24

Up Next: Stanford (109)

Playoff Hopes: Maybe a Rose Bowl?

23. UCF (7-2, 80.9, 85.5)

LWR: 27

Up Next: Tulane (12)

Playoff Hopes: None, but they can ruin Tulane's season

24. UTSA (7-2, 83.4, 45.5)

LWR: 29

Up Next: Louisiana Tech and this good boy (108)

Playoff Hopes: They are the only CUSA team in the Top 50, so they got that going for them, which is nice.

25. Cincinnati aka Lucielle and the Bearcat (7-2, 88.6, 28.5)

LWR: 30

Up Next: East Carolina (35)

Playoff Hopes: None, but I was re-traumatized that UC had to euthanize Lucy the Bearcat last year.

Waiting List: South Alabama, San Jose State, Notre Dame, Kansas State, Louisville, Mississippi State, Baylor, Kansas, Oklahoma State, ECU, Kentucky, Texas, Wake Forest, Syracuse, and Oregon State

Newly Gone and Certainly Forgotten (Bowl-Ineligible Teams After This Week):

Northern Illinois, Boston College, Colorado State, New Mexico, and Virginia Tech