Here we go, there are just two weeks left in the regular season. A lot of teams will have a tune-up for the famous arch rival showdowns on Thanksgiving weekend. There are great races across the board in the major conferences and teams are vying for that Group of 5 slot, with Boise State and Army leading the pack. A reminder, since the champs of the Big Ten, Big XII, SEC and ACC get automatic byes in the College Football Playoff, the top four teams in this poll feature a team from each of those four leagues. The No. 12 spot is reserved for the Group of Five top champ, which also gets an automatic bye.
1. Oregon – The Ducks beat Wisconsin 16-13 in a hard fought battle in Madison. That certainly clinched a playoff spot for Oregon. The Ducks are now 11-0 and have this week off to prepare for their old rival, the Washington Huskies in Eugene.
2. Texas – The Longhorns knew it would be a tough one with old Southwest Conference rival Arkansas in Fayetteville. Texas took care of business 20-10 to make it 9-1. Next up is Kentucky in Lexington. The Wildcats have been struggling, and the Aggies await.
3. BYU – The Cougars lost for the first time this season, falling to Kansas late. They have the best overall record in the Big XII at 9-1. BYU has another Big XII battle this week, venturing to Tempe to take on Arizona State.
4. SMU – The Mustangs beat Boston College 38-28 to continue their march. The Mustangs have lost only once this season, falling to BYU 18-15 on September 6. SMU has two more games, both in the ACC. It’s off to Virginia, then Cal in Dallas.
5. Ohio State – It was a slow start for Ohio State, but the Buckeyes turned it on and took down Northwestern at Wrigley Field 31-7. A blocked punt in the second quarter was the big play. Now comes a huge showdown with undefeated Indiana in Columbus.
6. Indiana – The undefeated Hoosiers are loving their dream season, and had an open date to savor it. Curt Cignetti just got a big raise and extension. Next up is the huge battle with the Buckeyes in Columbus.
7. Alabama – The Crimson Tide beat Mercer, which is having a great year, 52-7 to make it 8-2. A couple of elite programs square off Saturday night in Norman, as Bama battles the Sooners. Oklahoma is way down this year.
8. Ole Miss – The Rebels were off this past week, soaking in the 28-10 win over Georgia. Ole Miss can keep its playoff hopes alive with a win over Florida Saturday. Lane Kiffin’s team is high powered with a superb D line.
9. Georgia – The Bulldogs chalked up a tremendous victory over Tennessee 31-17, improving to 8-2 and staying in the College Football Playoff race. Georgia has wrapped up SEC play and now hosts UMass. The Yellow Jackets loom on deck.
10. Tennessee – The Volunteers fell to Georgia in Athens 31-17 this past Saturday, and are now 8-2 on the year. Tennessee is still in good shape in the playoff race. The Volunteers have a tune-up with UTEP this week, and then those improved Vandy Commodores.
11. Notre Dame – The Fighting Irish beat Virginia to make it 9-1. The only loss is to Northern Illinois. Next up is Army at Yankee Stadium. This could be the biggest Notre Dame-Army game since they fought to a famous 0-0 tie in 1946.
12. Boise State – The Broncos beat San Jose State 42-21 and are now 9-1. Ashton Jeanty piled up 159 yards and three more touchdowns on the ground. Next up, the Broncos take on Wyoming in Laramie. That one could potentially be a little tricky for Boise State.