Potential Shake-Up in College Football Playoff Rankings After Week 11 Upsets
ICARO Media Group
**Major Changes Expected in Latest College Football Playoff Rankings After Week 11 Upsets**
The College Football Playoff selection committee faces numerous decisions for its upcoming top 25 poll, especially after a tumultuous Week 11 that witnessed significant upsets across the national rankings. Miami suffered its first loss of the season, while Georgia's defeat at the hands of Ole Miss means the Bulldogs join the ranks of other two-loss SEC teams, putting their postseason hopes in jeopardy.
Each remaining game for the frontrunners within the Power 4 conferences will be meticulously scrutinized by the committee. Key matchups in the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC will play a decisive role in determining which teams secure automatic bids in the first weekend of December during the conference championship finales. According to projections, the upcoming poll could see a three-loss team from the SEC making its debut, as well as significant changes within the ACC standings.
Oregon, which was ranked No. 1 in the previous playoff poll, is expected to retain its top spot following another convincing win in the Big Ten. With two regular-season games remaining, the Ducks are strong favorites, and quarterback Dillon Gabriel continues to make a case for the Heisman Trophy with his impressive performances.
Ohio State, initially ranked No. 2, has critical upcoming games against Northwestern, Indiana, and Michigan. If Ryan Day's squad can maintain its form, they will head into the Big Ten Championship with a perfect record. The highly anticipated game against the unbeaten Hoosiers could be pivotal for playoff qualification.
Texas, previously ranked No. 5, is likely to climb to No. 3, becoming the highest-ranked SEC team after Georgia's setback. The Longhorns' earlier loss to the Bulldogs now seems like a distant memory, and Texas is in control of its destiny within the conference title race.
Penn State, positioned at No. 6 last week, remains in a favorable spot to host a playoff game, even if they don’t feature in the Big Ten Championship unless unforeseen events transpire.
Tennessee, which avoided a major upset against Kentucky, is eyeing its first playoff appearance under Josh Heupel. Their upcoming game against Georgia is crucial; a win could catapult them into the conference title game.
Indiana, which was ranked No. 8, preserved its unbeaten streak with a late comeback against Michigan. The Hoosiers face Ohio State in a game with significant playoff implications. As long as they finish with no more than one loss, their playoff chances remain strong.
BYU, ranked No. 9 last week, narrowly escaped Utah with a victory and is the Big 12’s last unbeaten team. Critical encounters with Kansas and Arizona State lie ahead, and any slip-up could jeopardize their playoff aspirations.
Notre Dame, which benefited from losses by teams ahead of them, should move up from its No. 10 spot. The Fighting Irish's crucial matchup against unbeaten Army could decide their playoff fate.
Alabama, positioned at No. 11 last week, has regained momentum with impressive wins under new coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide must win their remaining games to secure a playoff berth.
Georgia, previously considered a playoff favorite, is expected to drop significantly after their defeat by Ole Miss. The Bulldogs must win their remaining games to have any hope of making the playoffs.
Miami, ranked No. 4 last week, also faces a substantial drop after failing to orchestrate another comeback. Winning out is now imperative for them to secure a spot in the ACC Championship Game.
Ole Miss, which defeated Georgia, should see a rise in their ranking, continuing their playoff push. Boise State might slip slightly, but their playoff hopes remain intact if they continue winning.
South Carolina, after a decisive victory over Vanderbilt, is anticipated to make its debut in the rankings. Meanwhile, Tulane could capitalize on recent upsets to break into the top 25, provided they maintain their current form in the American Athletic Conference.