Bleacher Report's College Football Top25: Week 13

On Thanksgiving Day, Troy’s hopes for a sixth-consecutive Pac-10 crown and a seven-game winning streak over ASU are on the line in prime time. 

In addition to winning out, the Trojans need an Oregon loss—which all of a sudden looks far more possible, if not probable—to secure a berth in the Rose Bowl. 

The Sun Devils control their own destiny.  Win, and they’re in—Pasadena or Louisiana remains to be seen.

#6  Ohio State  10-1  (250)
Previous:  7
Strength of Schedule: 42
Last Week:  Beat Michigan 14-3
This Week:  Watching, Waiting…

The best—and perhaps only—chance that Ohio State has to make at return trip to the BCS Championship Game goes something like this...in order of simplicity, not importance:

a) West Virginia loses one of its final two.

b) USC or Arizona beats Arizona State.

c) LSU loses this week against Arkansas, or loses to Tennessee in the SEC title game, or wins out.

If Georgia wins out, the Bulldogs would probably move ahead of Ohio State in the BCS standings.  That’s why it’s important for LSU to lose to Tennessee or win out. 

d) The Big 12 falls apart.  Best case scenario, Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma and Texas loses at Texas A&M.  Missouri beats Kansas.  That would put the Sooners and the Tigers in the Big 12 Championship.

Then, the three-loss Sooners knock off the Tigers for a second time this season.  Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri would all wind up below the Buckeyes.

If Kansas makes it to San Antonio, there’s no way of knowing whether a conference championship loss would drop them below OSU.  However, it’s very likely that if Oklahoma runs the table and finishes as a two-loss team, it will move back ahead of Ohio State. 

I’m ready for seconds, how 'bout you?

#7  Georgia  9-2  (246)
Previous:  8
Strength of Schedule: 15
Last Week:  Beat Kentucky 24-13
This Week:  at Georgia Tech (+3.5)

Mark Richt gambled when he sent the entire sideline out for an excessive celebration against Florida.

The question this week is the same as it was last week:  Do the Bulldogs want to gamble with an SEC Championship Game?

A win at Tech would complete a 10-2 season and virtually guarantee the Bulldogs a BCS berth...so long as they don’t play another game.

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