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Predicting the Week 13 College Football Playoff Rankings: Who Will Make the Cut?

2024-11-19

Author: Jia

Projected CFP Rankings for Week 13

1. Oregon (11-0) Oregon remains unbeaten following a narrow victory over Wisconsin. Despite not being at their best, their perfect record keeps them at the top of the rankings. 2. Ohio State (9-1) After defeating Northwestern convincingly, Ohio State should maintain their No. 2 spot with only one loss to contend with. 3. Texas (9-1) Texas secured a hard-fought win against Arkansas and stands as the highest-ranked team from the SEC, solidifying their position at No. 3. 4. Penn State (9-1) With a dominant win over Purdue, Penn State appears poised to remain in the upper echelons of the rankings. 5. Indiana (10-0) Having enjoyed a bye week, Indiana’s undefeated status should keep them in the top five, especially as other teams with top-10 matchups faltered. 6. Notre Dame (9-1) Following losses from BYU and Tennessee, Notre Dame is positioned to rise in the rankings. 7. Miami (Fla.) (9-1) With a higher ranking than several two-loss SEC teams, Miami's standing remains solid, despite Georgia's recent win over Tennessee. 8. Georgia (8-2) After beating Tennessee, Georgia could easily be a contender for the playoff. Despite two losses this season, the Bulldogs possess the best win in college football against Texas. 9. Tennessee (8-2) Tennessee's back-to-back losses may keep them on the edge of the rankings, but the committee will likely honor their earlier win over Alabama. 10. Alabama (8-2) Alabama retains the No. 10 spot, although their wins have diminished in prestige, impacting their overall ranking. 11. Ole Miss (8-2) Following a bye week, Ole Miss will likely stay where they are, falling out of playoff contention this week. 12. BYU (9-1) Despite a recent loss to Kansas, BYU will remain relevant in playoff discussions due to previous season performances. 13. Boise State (9-1) With BYU's struggles, Boise State can maintain momentum as the top-ranked team from the Mountain West Conference. 14. SMU (9-1) Still in playoff conversation, SMU’s recent win keeps them competitive. 15. Texas A&M (7-2) A win against New Mexico State likely won’t influence their ranking significantly. 16. Colorado (8-2) Colorado's recent strong performances could push them up into the top 12 if they keep winning. 17. South Carolina (7-3) After a notable win over Missouri, South Carolina overtakes arch-rival Clemson. 18. Clemson (8-2) While still ranked, Clemson's narrow victories put them in a precarious position. 19. Arizona State (8-2) A big win against Kansas State firmly places Arizona State in the top 20. 20. Army (9-0) Army’s undefeated record could see them rise further as the committee weighs their recent performance. 21. Kansas State (7-3) Despite a loss, Kansas State stays within the rankings due to earlier significant wins. 22. Tulane (8-2) A shutout victory improves Tulane's chances of climbing the rankings. 23. Iowa State (8-2) Returning to the rankings after a revival, Iowa State remains in contention for a playoff spot. 24. Missouri (7-3) Despite their losses to ranked teams, Missouri holds onto their ranking for now. 25. Illinois (7-3) Entering the rankings for the first time this season, Illinois claims the No. 25 spot.

Key Questions for the CFP Rankings

- How will the committee treat the SEC's two-loss teams? Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Ole Miss all have two losses, but their head-to-head results could influence their final standing. - How far will BYU fall after their loss? Their position will likely hinge on established wins against strong opponents like SMU. - Which new teams will emerge in the rankings? With five ranked teams losing last week, there is a chance for newcomers to make their mark.

As we gear up for the rankings announcement, the excitement in the college football community is palpable, with every ranking potentially shifting the playoff landscape dramatically. Keep an eye on the reveal, as we inch closer to determining which teams will battle for the coveted national title!