College Football

College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 11

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:01 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Every AP Top 25 team was in action this week. How will the results of Week 11 action impact the poll when it is released on Sunday?

Upsets galore abounded throughout the AP Top 25, as one College Football Playoff hopeful after another crumbled under the pressure against lesser opponents over Week 11. ACC Coastal hopefuls Virginia Tech and North Carolina both suffered defeats. We saw two top-ten teams toppled from their perches during the afternoon games, as Clemson fell to Pittsburgh and Auburn collapsed at Georgia.

Then things got even crazier, as both Michigan and Washington also found themselves on the wrong side of scorelines against Iowa and USC respectively. As the dust cleared, three of the top four teams had suffered their first losses of the year, and five of the top ten from last week’s AP Top 25 had been toppled. Now just Alabama and Western Michigan remain undefeated midway through November.

The result is destined to be a major shakeup in the Top 25 when it comes out on Sunday, and is also certain to lead to a new top four when the CFP rankings are released Tuesday night. How far will the vanquished teams fall, who is destined to climb, and which teams will fall out of the rankings altogether? Click through to see our projections for the AP Top 25 ahead of tomorrow’s reveal.

Nov 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) is tackled by Duke Blue Devils cornerback Jeremy McDuffie (9) in the first half of their game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina Tar Heels

(7-3)

Last week: lost 28-27 at DukeLast rank: 15th

North Carolina effectively killed their chances of winning the ACC Atlantic after falling against rival Duke on Thursday night. While Mitch Trubisky threw for 297 yards and three scores, he also coughed up two interceptions. Elijah Hood and the rest of the backfield combined for only 106 rushing yards. And UNC were hamstrung with 15 fewer minutes of possession as the Blue Devils bled the clock and churned out five drives with 10 or more plays.

With this second loss in ACC play, including the head-to-head loss to Virginia Tech, the Tar Heels would have needed Virginia Tech to lose both of their final two conference games of the season. Once the Hokies beat Georgia Tech on Saturday, it meant that there was no path to win the division. Larry Fedora’s crew might end up plummeting out of the College Football Playoff Top 25 but could still stay in the AP poll based on their position as a top-15 team coming into the weekend.

Nov 12, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Matthew Jordan (11) throws the ball against Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end Ken Ekanem (4) during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Virginia Tech Hokies

(7-3)

Last week: lost 30-20 v. Georgia TechLast rank: 18th

Virginia Tech was toppled by Georgia Tech at home, one of several ACC contenders to fall victim to upsets over Week 11. The Hokies got nearly 400 combined yards and three touchdowns from Jerod Evans, but the quarterback also threw two interceptions and nearly lost a fumble as they played from behind against the Yellow Jackets all day. The visitors racked up over 300 rushing yards with their triple-option offense, building an 11-minute advantage in possession to secure the win.

Given all the other chaos this weekend, the Hokies probably won’t drop all the way out of the AP Top 25 since they still remain atop the ACC Atlantic standings. The voters will probably adjust to put Virginia Tech ahead of a North Carolina team that also lost, since the Hokies hold a head-to-head advantage over the Tar Heels in the division race. The loss relegates Justin Fuente’s team largely to a spoiler role for the rest of the regular season, especially if they hold on to reach the ACC championship game in Orlando.

Nov 12, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Jeremy McNichols (13) runs the ball into the end zone for a touch down against the Hawaii Warriors during the first quarter of the college football game at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports

Boise State Broncos

(9-1)

Last week: won 52-16 at HawaiiLast rank: 24th

The Broncos should jump a few spots up the AP Top 25 this week after they pummeled Hawaii on the road Saturday afternoon. Jeremy McNichols had a field day on the ground, with 182 total yards and two rushing touchdowns. Brett Rypien was efficient through the air, completing all but four attempts for 338 yards and four scores. And the Boise State defense proved itself superior to the Rainbow Warriors offense all game long, holding the hosts to just 125 passing yards and forcing them to be one-dimensional on the ground.

Boise State isn’t completely in the clear despite Wyoming’s loss on Saturday. Though they are in a three-way tie with the Cowboys and New Mexico, the Broncos still need Craig Bohl’s team to lose again to claim the spot in the Mountain West championship game. They hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Lobos, though, so as long as Bryan Harsin’s crew win out against UNLV and Air Force they will be in the mix to play San Diego State in early December for the conference title.

Nov 5, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) drops back for a pass against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Washington State Cougars

(7-2)

Last week: leading 21-7 in 2nd quarter v. CaliforniaLast rank: 23rd

On a day when there have been so many upsets, it could be dangerous to call Washington State’s two-touchdown lead on California a harbinger of success… especially when we’re talking about #Pac12AfterDark action. But with a shot at turning the Apple Cup into a winner-take-all affair for the Pac-12 North, the smart money is on Mike Leach’s team managing to continue extending this lead until the final whistle.

Our projection is that the Cougars will prevail and move up a few spots in the AP Top 25. Washington’s loss could make the Pac-12 look a little weaker in the eyes of the College Football Playoff committee, so they aren’t likely to move much higher in their rankings on Tuesday night, but Wazzu is still in great shape to make noise through the rest of November. Before they host the Huskies on Black Friday, they must first go to Boulder to face Pac-12 South leader Colorado.

Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) runs with he ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Florida Gators

(7-2)

Last week: won 20-7 v. South CarolinaLast rank: 22nd

Against a South Carolina team that had won three straight to climb above .500 in the standings, Florida took care of business for a workmanlike 20-7 victory on Saturday. Austin Appleby got the start and completed 17 of his 21 attempts for 201 yards and two scores, while Jordan Scarlett added 134 yards on the ground. Florida’s defense gave up just 43 rushing yards to the Gamecocks, keeping the visitors one-dimensional on offense and never allowing them to gain any momentum.

Though the Gators fell out of the College Football Playoff rankings last week after losing to Arkansas, Jim McElwain’s team remained in the AP Top 25 and could return to the CFP list this week as well. They remain atop the SEC East, and a win against LSU next week in Baton Rouge would guarantee Florida’s spot in the SEC championship game in Atlanta on the first weekend of December. Though the playoff bracket is probably out of reach for the Gators, a New Year’s Six berth is well within reach.

Nov 12, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Aaron Williams (24) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Lender (7) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska Cornhuskers

(8-2)

Last week: won 24-17 v. MinnesotaLast rank: 21st

In a game where either Nebraska or Minnesota was going to keep pace with Wisconsin in the Big Ten West, the Cornhuskers prevailed in a tense affair at home. Both defenses were strong throughout the game, as the Blackshirts allowed fewer than 300 total yards to the visitors. Rebounding from a 17-10 deficit at halftime, Mike Riley’s team pitched a shutout in the second half to prevail thanks to a strong dual-threat performance from Tommy Armstrong Jr. that will keep the Huskers in the AP Top 25 for another week.

The Cornhuskers now need to root for either Purdue or Minnesota to knock off Wisconsin if they hope to reach the Big Ten championship. They also need to close out their regular season schedule. Next week they take on Maryland in their final home game before closing out the year at Iowa. If they win both and the Badgers don’t lose another game, Nebraska will probably be headed to one of the second-tier Florida bowl games affiliated with the Big Ten such as the Capital One Bowl.

Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Darreus Rogers (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

USC Trojans

(6-3)

Last week: won 26-13 at #4 WashingtonLast rank: not ranked

Southern California went to Husky Stadium and dealt Washington their first loss of the season. Already ranked 20th by the College Football Playoff committee last week, USC is certain to climb into the AP Top 25 when it comes out on Sunday after they dominated the Huskies on Saturday night. Sam Darnold threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns, and the defense held Jake Browning under 50 percent passing and snagged two interceptions from the Heisman hopeful.

The Trojans hold the tiebreaker over Colorado if the Buffaloes were to lose another game, but Utah is still ahead of USC after a 31-27 head-to-head win. Their conference finale takes place next weekend when they battle UCLA at the Rose Bowl for the Victory Bell, and then their fate is in the hands of the other two contenders in the Pac-12 South. They close the regular season with a home game against woebegone Notre Dame.

Nov 11, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Michael Walker (3) picks up a fourth quarter first down against the Florida State Seminoles before being tackled at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State won 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

Florida State Seminoles

(7-3)

Last week: won 45-7 v. Boston CollegeLast rank: 20th

The Seminoles defense knotted up Boston College in Tallahassee on Friday night, allowing fewer than 150 total yards of offense to the Eagles in a 45-7 rout. Against a tough Boston College rushing defense, Dalvin Cook notched 108 yards and a touchdown. The success on the ground opened things up as well for the passing game, as Deondre Francois finished with 183 yards and three scores and backup Sean Maguire added another 53 yards and two more touchdowns.

As it came against an Eagles team that was already under .500 entering the game, this blowout is unlikely to provide much impetus for upward movement in either the AP Top 25 or the College Football Playoff rankings. At this point FSU is mathematically eliminated from contention in the ACC Atlantic, and thus all Jimbo Fisher’s team can do is jockey for the best bowl invitation possible. They head to Syracuse for the conference finale next weekend before their rivalry game against Florida on Thanksgiving weekend.

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Tre’Davious White (18) is tackled by Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Ryder Lucas (24) during the first quarter of the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

LSU Tigers

(6-3)

Last week: won 38-10 at ArkansasLast rank: 19th

After taking a little time to get going, LSU turned up the pressure on the road at Arkansas in the second half to run away with a four-touchdown win in Fayetteville. Leonard Fournette put up 98 yards and three touchdowns before coming out to minimize his wear and tear, and Derrius Guice picked up the baton and ran for 252 yards and two scores. The Bayou Bengals defense held Arkansas under 100 rushing yards and picked off two Austin Allen passes to reach bowl eligibility.

Other than last week’s loss to Alabama, they have been perfect under interim coach Ed Orgeron and continue to solidify their position in the AP Top 25. They are out of the running for the SEC West after Alabama clinched the division title, and are probably a longshot to play in one of the New Year’s Six bowl games. But after looking like a lost cause earlier in the season before Les Miles was fired, the Tigers are now guaranteed a spot in the postseason and will climb a few spots in the poll on Sunday.

Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Riley Ridley (8) runs after a catch against Auburn Tigers defensive back Javaris Davis (31) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn Tigers

(7-3)

Last week: lost 13-7 at GeorgiaLast rank: 8th

Playing against Georgia on the road, Auburn’s offense never could gain any traction. The Tigers were held to just 164 total yards of offense, as Kamryn Pettway was sidelined by injury and the third-best rushing attack in the country was held to less than half of its season average on the ground. A 34-yard pick six by Maurice Smith proved the only touchdown scored by the Bulldogs, but that and two Brice Ramsey field goals were enough to upset the Tigers on Saturday.

Up ahead isNow Gus Malzahn’s team is mathematically eliminated from catching rival Alabama for the SEC West title. Next week they take on FCS Alabama A&M before their Iron Bowl matchup in Tuscaloosa against the Crimson Tide. Auburn is looking at falling at least a half-dozen spots down the AP Top 25 this week, and they are likely going to fall about the same amount in the College Football Playoff rankings. The season isn’t entirely lost for the Tigers, but championship aspirations are out the door.

Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Jake Hubenak (10) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M Aggies

(7-3)

Last week: lost 29-28 v. Ole MissLast rank: 10th

With Trevor Knight out with a shoulder injury for the rest of the season, Texas A&M turned to Jake Hubenak to rebound from two straight conference losses. Hubenak sparked a solid offensive performance against Ole Miss on Saturday night, and it looked like the Aggies were on pace for an easy win. Then the Rebels, relying on backup quarterback Shea Patterson, scored 23 points in the fourth quarter to spark a comeback and steal the win.

After losing their three in a row in SEC play, the Aggies are sure to drop further down the AP Top 25 and the College Football Playoff rankings this week. The Aggies are in danger of dropping out of second in the SEC West behind Alabama thanks to their head-to-head win over the Tigers. Depending on how the East division shakes out, Kevin Sumlin’s team could be in position to play in a New Year’s Six bowl game. They face UTSA next week before closing their conference slate against LSU at home on Thanksgiving.

Nov 12, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) runs the ball for a touchdown defended by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Jah’Shawn Johnson (7) during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma State Cougars

(8-2)

Last week: won 45-44 v. Texas TechLast rank: 17th

Oklahoma State survived a shootout against Texas Tech on Saturday thanks to a bit of luck. Mason Rudolph and Patrick Mahomes II traded passes and touchdowns all game long, and the two teams combined for over 1100 yards of offense and 89 points. Quinton White Jr. scored what could have been game-tying touchdown for Texas Tech with less than two minutes remaining, but normally-reliable kicker Clayton Hatfield shanked the extra point attempt wide right to set the final score at 45-44. That missed kick proved the winning difference for the Cowboys as they ran out the clock.

The narrow victory will probably keep Oklahoma State treading water in the AP Top 25 this week. Mike Gundy’s team remains alive for a shot at the Big 12 title thanks to the win, a game behind Oklahoma and tied with West Virginia. They already have the head-to-head victory over the Mountaineers, and if Oklahoma State knocks off TCU in Fort Worth next weekend it will set up a winner-take-all situation for the Big 12 title. If the Cowboys won that game, they would win the conference thanks to their head-to-head wins over the other two 8-1 teams.

Nov 12, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Phillip Lindsay (23) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats during the first quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Buffaloes

(7-2)

Last week: leading 28-10 at halftime at ArizonaLast rank: 16th

Colorado went on the road to Tucson to take on Arizona in late Saturday action, and the Buffaloes had opened up an 18-point lead by halftime. Though they held possession for five fewer minutes and gained fewer total yards, Mike McIntyre’s team played a disciplined game against the Wildcats to hold the lead despite the statistical disadvantages. We project that CU will manage to pull out the victory on the road to move to 8-2 and hold on to their sole leadership in the division.

The Buffaloes are locked in atop the Pac-12 South and remain in line to play for the conference championship at Levi’s Stadium at the beginning of December. They host two ranked teams over the next fortnight, with Washington State coming to Boulder next weekend and the Utes playing the following Saturday at Folsom Field. If the Buffaloes win both games, they will be in position for their first conference title in any league since winning the Big 12 in 2001.

Oct 15, 2016; Akron, OH, USA; Western Michigan Broncos running back Jarvion Franklin (31) runs the ball during the third quarter in the game against the Akron Zips at InfoCision Stadium. Western Michigan Broncos won 41-0. Mandatory Credit: Jason Mowry-USA TODAY Sports

Western Michigan Broncos

(10-0)

Last week: won 37-21 at Kent StateLast rank: 14th

Western Michigan is two games away from a perfect regular season after taking down Kent State in Tuesday-night #MACtion. The Broncos battled through a 14-3 deficit in the first quarter and were still down 14-13 at halftime, but a second-half surge allowed WMU to pull away for the 37-21 win. Though Kent State managed to shut down Zach Terrell and Corey Davis through the air, Jarvion Franklin and Fabian Johnson both rushed for 125 or more yards and four different players scored touchdowns.

The Broncos are still lingering behind in the College Football Playoff rankings, but the AP has had no problem vaulting P.J. Fleck’s team up its Top 25 over recent weeks. Their two statement wins came against sub-.500 Big Ten teams, but if they keep winning it won’t matter in the Group of Five race. WMU is at home for the rest of the season, where they face Buffalo next week before taking on Toledo on Black Friday in a winner-takes-all showdown for the MAC West.

Nov 10, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Utah Utes running back Joe Williams (28) runs for a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Sun Devil Stadium. The Utes won 49-26. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Utes

(8-2)

Last week: won 49-26 at Arizona StateLast rank: 13th

Arizona State took a 13-0 lead at home in the first quarter of their Thursday-night #Pac12AfterDark matchup against Utah. The upset in the making never came to fruition, though, as the Utes took a 21-20 lead into halftime and then turned the screws after the intermission. Joe Williams had another big game, rushing for 181 yards and two touchdowns and quarterback Troy Williams threw for 296 yards and four scores. While the Sun Devils were able to pass against the Utes, but Kyle Whittingham’s team held Kalen Ballage to just 46 rushing yards.

As long as Utah knocks off Oregon at home next weekend, they will be in line to win the Pac-12 South when they face Colorado in Boulder on Thanksgiving weekend. The Utes were ranked two spots lower in the College Football Playoff rankings than they were in the AP Top 25. None of that matters, though, because if they win out Utah will set itself up to play either a neutral-site rematch against Washington or a showdown with Washington State for the conference crown.

Nov 12, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) looks to pass under pressure from Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Robert McCray III (47) during the first quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State Nittany Lions

(8-2)

Last week: won 45-31 at IndianaLast rank: 12th

The Nittany Lions struggled to put away Indiana on Saturday, but the defense came up big in the end to secure a 45-31 victory in Bloomington. The Hoosiers held Saquon Barkley to just 60 rushing yards, though the running back did score twice. Trace McSorley threw for another two touchdowns and 332 yards. But Indiana outgained Penn State on offense, and only a fumble return for a touchdown allowed James Franklin’s team to escape with a two-score victory.

The win kept alive Penn State’s mathematical chances of winning the Big Ten East. More attainable is a 10-win regular season, which would put the Nittany Lions in the running for a New Year’s Six invitation. They were two spots higher in the College Footbal Playoff rankings last week than their position in the AP Top 25, but with sub-.500 Rutgers and Michigan State on the schedule for the final two games any further climb up the rankings will require others to lose.

Nov 12, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; West Virginia wide receiver Daikiel Shorts, Jr., (6) avoids a tackle by Texas Longhorns defensive end Breckyn Hager (44) during the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

West Virginia Mountaineers

(8-1)

Last week: won 24-20 at TexasLast rank: 11th

West Virginia struggled all day in Austin as they gave up four turnovers to Texas in a tight 24-20 victory on Saturday. The Longhorns gained 150 more yards and 10 more first downs than the visitors, but West Virginia’s defense kept the Mountaineers in the game by forcing three turnovers of their own. Kennedy McKoy’s second rushing touchdown of the game provided the winning points in the third quarter, and WVU held on to move to 8-1 on the season and preserve their position in the Top 25.

In the process, Dana Holgorsen’s team kept pace with Oklahoma in the race for the Big 12 title. The two teams meet next weekend in Morgantown, and if West Virginia wins they would need the Sooners to beat Oklahoma State in the Bedlam game to eliminate the Cowboys from contention. Of course, the Mountaineers would also need to win out against Iowa State and Baylor, a proposition that doesn’t look too far out of reach this year. If they win out and take the conference at 11-1, WVU would have a case to make for the playoff as well.

Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Will Johnson (12) and linebacker Emmanuel Beal (14) tackle Baylor Bears wide receiver Blake Lynch (2) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma Sooners

(8-2)

Last week: won 45-24 v. #25 BaylorLast rank: 9th

Against a Baylor team that managed to cling to a Top 25 spot after losing two straight, Oklahoma solidified its position atop the Big 12 with a 45-24 victory over the Bears. Though the visitors gained over 500 yards of offense against the Sooners, they also coughed up two interceptions and a fumble to derail their upset chances. Baker Mayfield was efficient, completing 80 percent of his passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns, while both Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine rushed for over 100 yards apiece.

As a result, Oklahoma easily handled the first of a trio of tests to end its regular season. The Sooners head to Morgantown next weekend for a showdown with fellow Big 12 contender West Virginia. If they get past that test, the Bedlam game against rival Oklahoma State will serve as a Big 12 title game. Whether that translates to a College Football Playoff semifinal invite, though, depends both on what happens in the other Power Five conferences as well as how the CFP committee perceives their season-opening loss to Houston.

Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) rushes against the USC Trojans during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Huskies

(9-1)

Last week: lost 26-13 v. USCLast rank: 4th

Washington, wearing their military tribute uniforms on Veterans Day weekend, found themselves in a dogfight against a USC team that has improved vastly since shifting to Sam Darnold at quarterback. Jake Browning probably hurt his Heisman chances irrevocably in the defeat, completing only half his passes and throwing two costly interception to Trojans defensive back Adoree Jackson. And while they remain in the hunt for the Pac-12 North, Washington probably cost themselves a shot at the College Football Playoff.

Though they were not in the AP Top 25, USC was ranked 20th by the CFP committee in last week’s rankings. That at least mitigates the impact of the loss at home for the Huskies, who can still play in the Pac-12 championship game by winning out against Arizona State and Washington State over the next fortnight. But while they are still favorites to take the league title, Chris Petersen’s team is now staring at a situation where they are hardly guaranteed a spot in the semifinals if they win out and finish as a 12-1 conference champ.

Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Josey Jewell (43) and Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Anthony Gair (12) apply pressure to Michigan Wolverines quarterback Wilton Speight (3) at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan Wolverines

(9-1)

Last week: lost 14-13 at IowaLast rank: 2nd

Chaos caught the Wolverines on a wild Week 11, as Michigan’s perfect season was ended in a low-scoring affair by the Hawkeyes. Their trip to Iowa proved to be a defensive struggle, with both teams’ offenses struggling to gain much purchase. Never able to build a big lead, the Wolverines allowed just 14 points to the Hawkeyes yet ended up among the surprise victors of the day. Iowa managed to drive down the field to kick a the winning field goal as time expired as Michigan became the third top-four team to fall on a crazy Saturday.

Jim Harbaugh’s team had the chance to move up to second in the College Football Playoff rankings, but they’ll no longer be in that spot even in the AP Top 25 when it is released tomorrow. Next week they host an Indiana team that came close to beating both Nebraska and Penn State, and as long as they take care of business against the Hoosiers it would set up a winner-take-all situation for the Big Ten East when they face Ohio State in Columbus over Thanksgiving weekend.

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) is brought down by Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) during the second half at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson Tigers

(9-1)

Last week: lost 43-42 v. PittsburghLast rank: 3rd

Dabo Swinney’s team had its chances to remain unbeaten on Saturday when they faced Pittsburgh at home, but Clemson continuously shot itself in the foot with turnovers and penalties. On Saturday the Tigers controlled the time of possession, holding the ball for nine more minutes than the Panthers, yet still ended up a point short. Deshaun Watson threw for 580 yards and three touchdowns and carried for another eight yards. But he also killed three long drives by throwing picks in Pitt territory, including one on on the shadow of the goal line that was returned by Saleem Brightwell 70 yards to set up the touchdown that brought the Panthers within two in the fourth quarter.

The defense had few answers for Nathan Peterman, who threw for 308 yards and five touchdowns, or James Conner’s rumbling on the ground. Conner finished with 132 yards, including the 20-yard touchdown run that capped Brightwell’s interception return to bring Pitt to 42-40. That score allowed Chris Blewitt to redeem his earlier PAT miss on the next drive as he kicked a game-winning field goal from 48 yards with six seconds left. Now the Tigers are no longer undefeated, though they will probably still remain in the single-digit spots of the AP Top 25 tomorrow. The big question is whether they will drop above or below the Louisville team that they beat by six in early October.

Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin Badgers

(8-2)

Last week: won 48-3 v. IllinoisLast rank: 7th

By halftime, the vaunted Badgers defense had already picked off Jeff George Jr. four times and built up a four-touchdown lead on visiting Illinois. While Wisconsin still lacks much of a passing game, the combination of stout defense and strong running paced the win and kept them tied atop the Big Ten West. Corey Clement and Dare Ogunbowale both rushed for over 100 yards, led by Clement’s 123 yards and three touchdowns. Illinois left Camp Randall Stadium having been held to just 200 total yards of offense.

Next week Wisconsin faces a Purdue team that fired its head coach earlier in the year and has already been eliminated from bowl eligiblity. Barring an upset in West Lafayette, the Badgers will play to lock up the division title when they host Minnesota in a Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. After Nebraska beat the Golden Gophers, it will not be a de facto division championship game, as a loss would give the division to the Huskers rather than Minnesota.

Nov 12, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Matt Colburn (22) tries to break free from the tackle of Louisville Cardinals cornerback Jaire Alexander (10) during the second quarter at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Louisville Cardinals

(9-1)

Last week: won 44-12 v. Wake ForestLast rank: 5th

For the first three quarters of their home game against Wake Forest, the Cardinals looked listless against a motivated Demon Deacons defense. Their fortunes finally seemed to turn when they went for it on fourth down while down 12-10. Three plays later, they were in the endzone for their first lead of the game, and Louisville blocked a punt on the next drive to begin asserting their superiority. By the end they had flipped the script for a 32-point victory.

After turning things around to remain a one-loss team, Louisville could vault back over the Clemson team that dealt them their only defeat. The loss to the Tigers, in terms of opponent quality, was better than Clemson’s loss to Pittsburgh, and the AP voters are likely to put them ahead of their ACC Atlantic rivals in their Top 25 on Sunday. They are done with their ACC schedule, but Louisville still needs the Tigers to lose again next weekend against Wake Forest in order to play the Coastal champ in Orlando. They should be on the cusp of the College Football Playoff top four this week.

Nov 12, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Mike Weber (25) runs as Maryland Terrapins linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr. (23) and defensive back Elijah Daniels (12) attempt to bring him down during the first quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State Buckeyes

(9-1)

Last week: won 62-3 at MarylandLast rank: 6th

A road trip against Maryland offered little threat to Ohio State’s position in the Top 25, as they racked up over 350 yards of offense and a six-touchdown lead before halftime. J.T. Barrett ended the game with 253 passing yards, another 47 rushing yards, and four combined touchdowns to lead the Buckeyes victory. The OSU defense allowed just 176 yards and 10 first downs to the Terrapins, whose only points came on a 23-yard field goal as they were stopped in the red zone.

The fact that Penn State keeps winning only helps Ohio State when it comes time for the College Football Playoff committee to deliberate. As long as they keep winning as well, the fact that the Buckeyes lost to another top-10 team on the road helps their case before the committee should they manage to win the Big Ten. That requires a win in East Lansing next weekend against a Michigan State team that is already guaranteed to miss out on a bowl. That would set up a winner-take-all showdown against rival Michigan for the Big Ten East.

Nov 12, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) catches a pass and runs for a touchdown against Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama Crimson Tide

(10-0)

Last week: won 51-3 v. Mississippi StateLast rank: 1st

There was no letdown on the horizon after the tough LSU win, as Alabama maintained its position atop both the AP and College Football Playoff Top 25 with a resounding win at home against Mississippi State. Despite coughing up two turnovers Jalen Hurts dominated against the Bulldogs defense, throwing for 347 yards and rushing for 100 while racking up five total touchdowns. Meanwhile the Crimson Tide defense held Mississippi State under 300 total yards of offense as they romped to a 48-point win.

The Crimson Tide don’t have to leave Tuscaloosa until their trip to Atlanta for the SEC championship game, which was guaranteed when Auburn lost to Georgia later on Saturday afternoon. Next week the Tide effectively get to take a bye week when they welcome FCS Chattanooga to Bryant-Denny Stadium. They will get an Auburn team looking to play spoiler in the Iron Bowl, but all that Alabama has to do now is hold serve and they are locked into the top seed in the playoff bracket.

More from Saturday Blitz

This article originally appeared on

share

Get more from College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

College Football