Top 5 College Football Rankings Unchanged, Positions 6-7 Shuffle
The College Football Playoff rankings have remained steady at the top, with the leading five teams unchanged. However, notable shifts in positions occurred among teams ranked 6 and 7. Oregon moved up after a significant victory against Southern California, while Ole Miss maintained its spot despite not playing last week.
Top 5 College Football Rankings Unchanged
Ohio State leads the rankings for the fourth consecutive week, followed by undefeated teams Indiana and Texas A&M. Georgia holds firm at No. 4, whereas Texas Tech rounds out the top five. These rankings set the stage for an exciting run toward the playoffs.
Noteworthy Changes Below the Top Five
- Oregon jumped ahead of Ole Miss due to their recent win over USC.
- Miami ascended to No. 12 after a positive performance, swapping places with Utah.
- Pitt returned to the rankings at No. 22 after a brief absence.
With only two more rankings to be revealed—one next Tuesday and the final on December 7—the path to the 12-team playoff starting December 19 is becoming clearer. The competition intensifies, especially for teams vying for at-large berths.
Key Matchups Ahead
This Thanksgiving weekend features critical games that could affect championship hopes and playoff spots:
- Ohio State faces Michigan, a rivalry match with significant implications.
- Indiana takes on Purdue, looking to secure a potential Big Ten title bid.
- No. 10 Alabama plays at Auburn, with a spot in the SEC title game on the line.
- Texas A&M squares off against No. 16 Texas, impacting their conference positioning.
The committee’s decisions hinge on various factors, including comparative performances in recent games. Miami’s earlier win over Notre Dame is under scrutiny, as both teams were compared closely in the rankings.
Implications of Coaching Changes
Lane Kiffin’s status as the Ole Miss coach could influence the team’s performance. Speculation about his potential moves to LSU or Florida has surfaced, adding another layer of intrigue as the season progresses.
Conference Outlook
As teams prepare for pivotal matchups, conference standings are crucial:
- ACC: Virginia and SMU are in strong positions for the title game.
- Big 12: BYU aims to face Texas Tech again, although their path is complicated.
- Big Ten: Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon are set as conference locks.
- SEC: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma are favorites to make the playoff.
Projected First-Round Playoff Matchups
| Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|
| No. 12 Tulane at No. 5 Texas Tech | Emerging contenders in the College Football Playoff landscape. |
| No. 11 Miami at No. 6 Oregon | A historic matchup with emotional ties for Coach Cristobal. |
| No. 10 Alabama at No. 7 Mississippi | Kiffin faces his former team, aiming to break a losing streak. |
| No. 9 Notre Dame at No. 8 Oklahoma | A storied rivalry dating back to 1952. |
With the rankings finalized and key games on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the season unfolds. The top teams are set, but the road to the playoff promises excitement and surprises.
