We are just weeks away from conference title games, and things are starting to take shape in the latest CFB power rankings.
The Alabama Crimson Tide's win Saturday clinched their Southeastern Conference title spot as they will take on the Georgia Bulldogs, who had already clinched the SEC East title a week ago. The Florida State Seminoles clinched their spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game and await their opponent, which could be Louisville, North Carolina or North Carolina State. For the other Power Five conferences, a lot is still to be determined, but here is what is in play.
The Iowa Hawkeyes, the Washington Huskies and the Texas Longhorns can clinch a spot in their respective conferences' title games with wins this Saturday. Meanwhile, the Louisville Cardinals and Oregon Ducks could clinch with a win but will need several other teams to lose on Saturday as well. But there is more to Week 12 than conference-clinching scenarios.
The Utah Utes go on the road to take on the Arizona Wildcats. The Georgia Bulldogs look to remain undefeated with a road test against the Tennessee Volunteers. The Kansas Jayhawks look to bounce back from their upset loss as they host the Kansas State Wildcats. Lastly, the Oregon State Beavers look to keep their conference title hopes alive in a home game against the Washington Huskies.
The clock is about to strike midnight as the College Football Playoff race heats up. But before we get ahead of ourselves, check out our updated college football power rankings:
- Georgia Bulldogs (10-0) (Last Week: 1)
The Bulldogs put any talk of an upset to rest as Georgia dominated Ole Miss and is starting to play its best football at the most perfect time of the season.
- Washington Huskies (10-0) (Last Week: 2)
The Huskies' offense withstood the test Saturday against Utah's defense; and with a win this Saturday against Oregon State, they will clinch a spot in the Pac-12 title game.
- Florida State Seminoles (10-0) (Last Week: 3)
Rivalry games are tough to win no matter at what point in the season, so the Seminoles' struggles with Miami should not be of any concern.
- Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0) (Last Week: 4)
The Buckeyes finally gave their fans a game where they did not have to pull their hair out, as both the offense and defense handled business Saturday.
- Michigan Wolverines (10-0) (Last Week: 5)
The offensive line and the Wolverine run game controlled the game Saturday and gave Michigan its first impressive win for its playoff resumé.
- Oregon Ducks (9-1) (Last Week: 6)
Oregon is still one of the hottest teams in college football, as it held USC's offense to just 27 points and kept its playoff hopes alive.
- Texas Longhorns (9-1) (Last Week: 7)
Texas once again got off to a hot start and a big lead — but once again, the Longhorns blew their lead and found themselves in a one-score game in the fourth quarter.
- Alabama Crimson Tide (9-1) (Last Week: 9)
With its win over Kentucky, Alabama clinched a spot in the SEC title game and is in control of its own destiny to make the playoffs.
- Oregon State Beavers (8-2) (Last Week: 11)
Oregon State's last two games are against Washington and Oregon, which means they can play upset and have an amazing end to the season — or one they will want to forget.
- Penn State Nittany Lions (8-2) (Last Week: 8)
The Nittany Lions' playoff chances are gone — and so is offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich, who managed to lead this talented Penn State offense to just 27 total points against Ohio State and Michigan.
- Missouri Tigers (8-2) (Last Week: 14)
After losing a tough game to Georgia last week, the Tigers bounced back and wiped the floor with Tennessee — and threw their names into the hat for a New Year's Six Bowl game.
- Louisville Cardinals (9-1) (Last Week: 12)
The Cardinals almost got tripped up this past week by a two-win Virginia team but were able to come back against the Cavaliers to keep their ACC title game hopes intact.
- Ole Miss Rebels (8-2) (Last Week: 10)
The Rebels got off to a very fast start but fizzled out even faster as the Georgia Bulldogs were just too much to handle, but Ole Miss should still finish with 10 wins.
- Oklahoma Sooners (8-2) (Last Week: 17)
Oklahoma finally got back on track with a convincing win over West Virginia; and if the Sooners win out and Oklahoma State loses, they'll be in the Big 12 title game.
- LSU Tigers (7-3) (Last Week: 19)
It really sucks that LSU does not have a good defense, because their offense — led by Jayden Daniels — is arguably the best in the country.
- Arizona Wildcats (7-3) (Last Week: 20)
The Wildcats' win Saturday was their fourth in a row; and with a little help, Arizona has a chance to make the Pac-12 title game.
- Tulane Green Wave (9-1) (Last Week: 18)
Tulane's last three games have been decided by three points or fewer, and their offense is starting to look like a shell of its former self.
- James Madison Dukes (10-0) (Last Week: NR)
This is the best Group of Five team and is awaiting approval from the NCAA to be postseason-eligible this season, allowing the Dukes to not only compete for a Sun Belt title but also a spot in a New Year's Six bowl game.
- North Carolina Tar Heels (8-2) (Last Week: NR)
Only a game out from being in the ACC title game, the Tar Heels are starting to play better offense but have the rising Clemson in their way this Saturday.
- Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-3) (Last Week: 13)
After a huge win in Bedlam last week, the Cowboys lost 45-3 to University of Central Florida on Saturday but still sit in control of being able to make the Big 12 title game.
