While the top 4 teams all remained the same (Ohio State, LSU, Clemson and Georgia), Alabama’s loss to Auburn opened the door for Utah and Oklahoma to move up to No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, entering this weekend’s conference championship games.
The fifth-ranked Utes moved up thanks to another dominating 45-15 victory over Colorado on national television. The Utes will now take on No. 13 Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship game on Friday.
Taking advantage of then-No. 8 Minnesota’s loss to Wisconsin, Baylor moved up two spots to No. 7 entering Saturday’s Big 12 title game against the No. 6 Sooners. Oklahoma is coming off a 34-16 victory over then-No. 21 Oklahoma State and continues to put itself in a position to jump Utah for the final playoff spot — should Georgia or Clemson lose.
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“There’s a bunch of teams that are tightly matched and we spent considerable time ranking teams 4 through 7 and we understand where those are this week and we’ll look to see the games this weekend,” Rob Mullens, the CFP selection committee chairman.
Mullens noted that ranking Georgia, Utah, Oklahoma and Baylor — all 11-1 — was the focal point of this week’s discussion while completing the rankings.
“We spent more time on those teams than anybody else on the board,” Mullens said. “You’re looking at Oklahoma and their win over a ranked opponent, so you check that box there. You look at Utah, you say, ‘Boy, they have been so consistent all season long and they’ve been dominant. Their defense is incredible.’ Those are the kind of conversations.”
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LSU (12-0) and Georgia square off for the SEC title on Saturday afternoon, and Ohio State (12-0) meets 10-2 Wisconsin in Saturday night’s Big Ten title game. Clemson (12-0) faces Virginia (9-3) in Saturday night’s ACC championship game.
A loss by Georgia or Clemson could open the door for Utah, Oklahoma or Baylor to gain a CFP berth. The final rankings, which will reveal the New Year’s Six teams and set the field for the College Football Playoff, will be released Sunday
College Football Playoff Top 25:
- Ohio State (12-0)
- LSU (12-0)
- Clemson (12-0)
- Georgia (11-1)
- Utah (11-1)
- Oklahoma (11-1)
- Baylor (11-1)
- Wisconsin (10-2)
- Florida (10-2)
- Penn State (10-2)
- Auburn (9-3)
- Alabama (10-2)
- Oregon (10-2)
- Michigan (9-3)
- Notre Dame (10-2)
- Iowa (9-3)
- Memphis (11-1)
- Minnesota (10-2)
- Boise State (11-1)
- Cincinnati (10-2)
- Appalachian State (11-1)
- USC (8-4)
- Virginia (9-3)
- Navy (9-2)
- Oklahoma State (8-4)
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