Each week teams will be fighting for position in an effort to make the College Football Playoff. The teams will be ranked each week, but what matters most is who they have played and defeated already on the field. Here is College Football Playoff Bracketology: November 17.
Note: This will be updated following each week of games during the season.
First Round Byes
1. Oregon Ducks (11-0)
It wasn’t pretty, but Oregon won on the road at Wisconsin to go 11-0. They struggled but keep the top spot in the CFP for having a good season before this point.
This week: BYE
2. Texas Longhorns (9-1)
Texas defeated Arkansas on the road in a game that was a little close for comfort. The Longhorns are receiving criticism for lack of top 25 wins, but should stay as the two seed after being ranked highly by the CFP Committee last week.
This week: vs. Kentucky Wildcats (4-6)
3. Miami Hurricanes (9-1)
The Hurricanes were off this week, but were ranked in the top 10 last week. That means they should be the ACC qualifier for the CFP and take the three seed.
This week: vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-6)
4. BYU Cougars (9-1)
BYU losing to Kansas will drop them in the rankings. The question is, how far? Colorado could be in contention for this fourth spot, but it would take them jumping up several spots and BYU also moving down a lot.
This week: at Arizona State Sun Devils (8-2)
First Round Hosts
5. Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1)
The Buckeyes started slow, but ended up winning comfortably over Northwestern on the road. Their lone loss is still a one-point defeat to Oregon on the road.
This week: vs. Indiana Hoosiers (10-0)
6. Penn State Nittany Lions (9-1)
Penn State had no issues with Purdue this week. The Nittany Lions don’t have any impressive wins, but winning out will get them in the CFP.
This week: at Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-4)
7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-1)
The Fighting Irish easily defeated Virginia this week. They were ranked eighth by the CFP Committee last week and should get the seven seed this week, although SEC teams may jump them.
This week: vs. Army Black Knights (9-0) (Game in New York City)
8. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-2)
Alabama won’t get any style points for beating Mercer, but they should move up to the eight seed this week. They could be in danger of being jumped by Ole Miss or Georgia, but all of the teams have cases to have this spot or even move up higher.
This week: at Oklahoma Sooners (5-5)
Last Four In
9. Ole Miss Rebels (8-2)
Ole Miss having a head-to-head win over Georgia keeps them in this spot, even though the Bulldogs probably have the better overall case to have this spot. They were idle this week.
This week: at Florida Gators (5-5)
10. Georgia Bulldogs (8-2)
The Bulldogs notched a big win over Tennessee and should be back in the projected field when the CFP Committee reveals their rankings. Wins over Texas, Clemson and Tennessee help their case to be ranked even higher.
This week: vs. UMass Minutemen (2-8)
11. Tennessee Volunteers (8-2)
Losing to Georgia is going to drop Tennessee in the rankings, but they could still sneak into the CFP top 12 this week. If they win out, they should make the field.
This week: vs. UTEP Miners (2-8)
12. Boise State Broncos (9-1)
After starting slowly, Boise State was able to come back to defeat a tough San Jose State team. Whether Boise State moves up or down the rankings shouldn’t matter, as they are still the frontrunners to be the group of five representatives in the CFP.
This week: at Wyoming Cowboys (2-8)
First Four Out- At Large
SMU Mustangs (9-1)
SMU was able to get a close road win over Boston College. They will likely still be left out of the top 12, but can win the ACC Championship Game. The Mustangs’ lone loss is to BYU, which was out of conference.
This week: at Virginia Cavaliers (5-5)
Texas A&M Aggies (8-2)
The Aggies defeated New Mexico State this week, which likely won’t get them closer to the CFP picture. They still have a big game with Texas left, so Texas A&M still has a lot of life.
This week: vs. Auburn Tigers (4-6)
Colorado Buffaloes (8-2)
Colorado has won four straight after defeating Utah this week. An at-large bid might be tough for them to get, but it is still possible and they have a clear path to the Big 12 Championship Game if they can take care of business.
This week: at Kansas Jayhawks (4-6)
Clemson Tigers (8-2)
Clemson had a wild finish and notched the win on the road at Pitt. They are still alive as an at-large team, but more than likely will have to win the ACC to get into the CFP.
This week: vs. The Citadel (5-6 FCS)
First Four Out- Group of Five
Army Black Knights (9-0)
Army was off in week 12. They are behind Boise State, but could make a huge jump in the rankings if they can knock off Notre Dame this week.
This week: vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Game in New York City)
Tulane Green Wave (9-2)
Tulane snuck into the CFP rankings at 25 last week. This week they defeated Navy for another solid win. They’ll likely need a Boise State loss to make the CFP.
This week: BYE
UNLV Rebels (8-2)
UNLV defeated San Diego State in week 12. Their wins over Kansas and Houston look a little better now. The Rebels have only lost Boise State in conference, but they’ll need help to make the conference championship game.
This week: at San Jose State Spartans (6-4)
Colorado State Rams (7-3)
Colorado State earned a win over Wyoming this week. They have won five straight games and still haven’t lost a game in the conference. Winning this week won’t likely clinch a spot in the MWC Championship, but it does get them closer.
This week: at Fresno State Bulldogs (5-5)
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