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Before we get into this week's CFB playoff rankings, let's take a stroll down memory lane to look at how the Week 12 (third rendition) rankings looked in 2014.
#10 - Ole Miss (8-2) - This was one week removed from back to back losses at #24 LSU and #3 Auburn. They beat Presbyterian 48-0 the weekend before these rankings were released and moved up one spot from #11 to #10.
#9 - Auburn (7-2) - The Tigers fell from #3 to #9 after a 41-38 defeat at home against Texas A&M. They would lose again the following weekend to #15 Georgia and again to Alabama in the Iron Bowl to finish the regular season 8-4 - still good enough for a #19 ranking in the eyes of the committee.
#8 - Ohio State (8-1) - Ohio State's early season loss to Virginia Tech and overall weak scheduling still weighed the Buckeyes down late into the season last year, but a 49-37 win over Michigan State bumped them up their first top 10 ranking. We know what happened from there.
#7 - Baylor (8-1) - Winning big in Norman (48-14) proved the Bears were worthy of a big jump in the rankings, moving from #12 to #7 in the third rendition of the rankings. They would climb only two spots higher the rest of the year.
#6 - Arizona State (8-1) - Back to back wins over #17 Utah and #10 Notre Dame had the Sun Devils riding their highest ranking of the season at the beginning of Week 12. An unfortunate loss to Oregon State at the end of that week sealed their (and probably Nebraska's) fate, however, and they finished at #15.
#5 - Alabama (8-1) - The Crimson Tide were never ranked lower than #6 in the inaugural CFB Rankings and they would jump to #1 following a Week 12 win over then #1, Mississippi State.
#4 - TCU (8-1) - TCU's remaining schedule was Kansas, Texas and Iowa State. We're sorry, Horned Frog fans.
#3 - Florida State (9-0) - The returning National Champions had been less than impressive over their first nine games, but they were riding a 25 game winning streak at this point so who was going to argue with a spot reserved for them in the playoffs?
#2 - Oregon (9-1) - Oregon's lone slip up during the 2014 regular season was an October 2nd loss to Arizona at home, 31-24, a team they would later beat in the Pac 12 Championship game, 51-13. Arizona was ranked #14 in the Week 12 CFB Rankings.
#1 - Mississippi State (9-0) - Mississippi State would go on to lose three of their last four games, including a 49-34 beat-down by Georgia Tech in the Capital One Orange Bowl.
If hindsight tells us anything, it's to not worry so much about who is where today. Crazy shit happens in late November and the fun is just beginning.
2015 Week 11 Rankings:
Rank |
Team |
AP Rank |
Coaches |
Movement |
1 |
Clemson |
1 |
1 |
- |
2 |
Alabama |
3 |
3 |
- |
3 |
Ohio State |
2 |
2 |
- |
4 |
Notre Dame |
5 |
5 |
- |
5 |
Iowa |
6 |
6 |
- |
6 |
Oklahoma State |
4 |
4 |
Up 2 |
7 |
Oklahoma |
7 |
7 |
Up 5 |
8 |
Florida |
8 |
8 |
Up 3 |
9 |
Michigan State |
9 |
9 |
Up 4 |
10 |
Baylor |
10 |
10 |
Down 4 |
No Change at the Top
The top four teams did not change as each took care of business last Saturday. Ohio State plays #9 Michigan State this weekend that could create an opportunity for either Iowa or Oklahoma State to make a move. If that happens, it will be interesting to see which moves into the vacated spot. Iowa plays 2-8 Purdue, the Cowboys face #10 Baylor.
Win and You're In.
#5 Iowa - But not until you play someone, Iowa. Do that, and win, and then the committee will listen to your pleas.
#6 Oklahoma State - Beating TCU is good, but you must get past Baylor and Oklahoma before you may pass.
Still Hope
#7 Oklahoma - The Sooners aren't out of it yet - see 2014, Ohio State. If neither team loses before the Bedlam game next weekend, look for the winner to get into the top 4.
#8 Florida - Yeah, I hate the SEC too, but the Gators still have a chance. I'm not going to research the "how's" and "why's" but; SEC Championship Game.
#9 Michigan State - It could happen
#19 Houston - Could it happen?
None Shall Pass
#10 Baylor - Losing at home to Oklahoma isn't the worst sin an aspiring football program can commit, but it is probably enough to keep the Baylor Bears shunned once again when the committee meets for the final time in December.
#18 TCU - The Horned Frogs dropped 3 spots after struggling against winless Kansas after their Heisman caliber quarterback. I'm not sure that wins against Oklahoma and Baylor would be enough to climb 14 spots in three weeks.
Done, Done Already
Pac 12 - They're done, and possibly bringing Notre Dame down with them.
Three weeks remain until the final rankings are released. Lots will happen in that time. Sit back and enjoy the chaos.