College Football Rankings 2014: Power Ranking All 128 Teams for Week 13
Thanks to Alabama's win over Mississippi State last week, there's a major shake-up expected at the top of the College Football Playoff rankings that will be used to determine our first four-team playoff. How that top four will look depends on a vote of 12 selection committee members, which will lead to plenty of controversy no matter how the teams are ranked.
There's a lot less debate involved with the Bleacher Report weekly power rankings, because they're simply a product of that old sports-themed adage: Numbers never lie.
The rankings are comprised of an average of five ratings: The Associated Press media and Amway Coaches polls, Bleacher Report's Top 25, ratings guru Jeff Sagarin's computer ratings and my personal ranking.
Take a look at how the 128 FBS teams are ranked heading into Week 13 and then give us your take in the comments section.
Nos. 128-91
1 of 53
Hawaii will not play in a bowl game this season, the fourth straight year it will end with a losing record. But the Warriors were able to make some progress this past week, ending a 17-game road skid with a 13-0 victory at San Jose State on Saturday.
It was the first win off the mainland since October 2011, and first time posting a shutout since 2005.
- 128. Eastern Michigan (2-8, 1-5 Mid-American)
- 127. Georgia State (1-9, 0-7 Sun Belt)
- 126. SMU (0-9, 0-5 American)
- 125. New Mexico State (2-8, 1-5 Sun Belt)
- 123. (tie) Kent State (1-9, 0-6 Mid-American)
- 123. (tie) Idaho (1-9, 1-6 Sun Belt)
- 121. (tie) UNLV (2-9, 1-6 Mountain West)
- 121. (tie) Troy (3-8, 3-4 Sun Belt)
- 120. Army (3-7)
- 119. Miami, Ohio (2-9, 2-5 Mid-American)
- 118. Tulsa (2-8, 2-5 American)
- 117. Connecticut (2-7, 1-3 American)
- 116. Wake Forest (2-8, 0-6 ACC)
- 115. Southern Mississippi (3-8, 1-6 Conference USA)
- 114. North Texas (3-7, 1-5 Conference USA)
- 112. (tie) Florida Atlantic (3-7, 2-4 Conference USA)
- 112. (tie) Buffalo (4-6, 2-4 Mid-American)
- 111. Massachusetts (3-7, 3-3 Mid-American). The Minutemen have exceeded their win total from the previous two seasons of FBS play combined after winning 24-10 at home against Ball State last Wednesday. Quarterback Blake Frohnapfel threw for 424 yards, while receiver Tajae Sharpe had 13 catches for 239 yards.
- 110. Florida International (4-7, 3-4 Conference USA)
- 109. Louisiana-Monroe (3-7, 2-4 Sun Belt)
- 108. Old Dominion (4-6, 2-4 Conference USA)
- 107. UTSA (3-7, 2-4 Conference USA)
- 105. (tie) Tulane (3-7, 2-4 American)
- 105. (tie) Appalachian State (5-5, 4-2 Sun Belt)
- 103. (tie) South Florida (4-6, 3-3 American). The Bulls scored twice in the final 8:02, including on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Mike White to Andre Davis with four seconds left, to stun SMU 14-13 on the road.
- 103. (tie) New Mexico (3-7, 1-5 Mountain West)
- 102. San Jose State (3-7, 2-4 Mountain West)
- 99. (tie) Hawaii (3-8, 2-4 Mountain West)
- 99. (tie) Ball State (3-7, 2-4 Mid-American)
- 99. (tie) Akron (4-6, 2-4 Mid-American)
- 98. Texas State (5-5, 3-3 Sun Belt)
- 97. Ohio (5-5, 3-3 Mid-American)
- 96. Kansas (3-7, 1-6 Big 12)
- 95. Wyoming (4-6, 2-4 Mountain West)
- 94. South Alabama (6-4, 5-3 Sun Belt). The Jaguars got an 8-yard touchdown run from Terrance Timmons with 12:18 left for a 24-20 home win over Texas State, becoming bowl-eligible while wrapping up no worse than fifth in the Sun Belt. South Alabama finishes against South Carolina and Navy while hoping to grab an at-large bowl bid.
- 93. Vanderbilt (3-7, 0-6 SEC)
- 92. Colorado (2-8, 0-7 Pac-12)
- 91. UAB (5-5, 3-3 Conference USA)
Nos. 90-61
2 of 53
Northwestern doesn't get to play Notre Dame nearly as much as some of the other Big Ten teams, but it more than makes the most of those rare occasions. Saturday was no different, as the Wildcats rallied from an 11-point deficit with under five minutes left, then won in overtime, 43-40, at Notre Dame.
The last meeting between the teams, in 1995, ended with a 17-15 win for Northwestern.
- 89. (tie) Middle Tennessee (5-5, 4-2 Conference USA)
- 89. (tie) Fresno State (4-6, 3-3 Mountain West)
- 88. Indiana (3-7, 0-6 Big Ten)
- 87. Illinois (4-6, 1-5 Big Ten)
- 86. Iowa State (2-7, 0-6 Big 12)
- 85. Western Kentucky (5-5, 2-4 Conference USA)
- 84. Purdue (3-7, 1-5 Big Ten)
- 83. UTEP (6-4, 4-2 Conference USA). The Miners are bowl-eligible for the first time since 2010 after a 35-17 home win over North Texas. Aaron Jones ran for 177 yards and two touchdowns, part of UTEP's 351 rushing yards.
- 81. (tie) Texas Tech (3-7, 1-6 Big 12)
- 81. Syracuse (3-7, 1-5 ACC)
- 80. San Diego State (5-5, 3-3 Mountain West)
- 79. Bowling Green (7-3, 5-1 Mid-American)
- 78. Central Michigan (7-4, 5-2 Mid-American)
- 77. Washington State (3-7, 2-5 Pac-12)
- 76. Temple (5-5, 3-3 American)
- 75. Rice (6-4, 4-2 Conference USA)
- 73. (tie) Virginia (4-6, 2-4 ACC)
- 73. (tie) Pittsburgh (4-6, 2-4 ACC)
- 71. (tie) Georgia Southern (8-3, 7-0 Sun Belt)
- 71. (tie) Arkansas State (6-4, 4-2 Sun Belt)
- 70. Navy (5-5)
- 69. North Carolina State (6-5, 2-5 ACC)
- 68. North Carolina (5-5, 3-3 ACC)
- 66. (tie) Rutgers (6-4, 2-4 Big Ten)
- 66. (tie) Kentucky (5-6, 2-6 SEC)
- 64. (tie) Western Michigan (7-3, 5-1 Mid-American)
- 64. (tie) Oregon State (5-5, 2-5, Pac-12). The Beavers snapped a four-game losing streak and crushed the playoff hopes of visiting Arizona State, rallying to win 35-27 thanks to two second-half touchdown passes from Sean Mannion and an interception return score by Michael Doctor.
- 62. (tie) Oklahoma State (5-5, 3-4 Big 12)
- 62. (tie) Northwestern (4-6, 2-4 Big Ten)
- 60. Toledo (6-4, 5-1 Mid-American)
Nos. 60-51
3 of 53
Virginia Tech kept alive its chances at getting into a bowl for the 22nd straight season with a 17-16 win at Duke on Saturday. The Hokies rallied from a 16-7 deficit thanks to three forced turnovers, winning on the road against a ranked team for the second time this season.
Tech earlier won at Ohio State.
- 60. Air Force (8-2, 4-2 Mountain West)
- 59. Nevada (6-4, 3-3 Mountain West)
- 58. California (5-5, 3-5 Pac-12)
- 57. Houston (5-4, 3-2 American)
- 56. Louisiana-Lafayette (7-3, 6-0 Sun Belt). The Ragin' Cajuns won their sixth straight game, holding Louisiana-Monroe to minus-39 rushing yards in a 34-27 road victory. ULL ran for 282 yards, with Alonzo Harris gaining 133 yards and scoring twice.
- 55. Michigan (5-5, 3-3 Big Ten)
- 54. Northern Illinois (8-2, 5-1 Mid-American)
- 53. Virginia Tech (5-5, 2-4 ACC)
- 52. Maryland (6-4, 3-3 Big Ten)
- 51. East Carolina (6-3, 3-2 American)
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50. Penn State Nittany Lions
4 of 53
Average rating: 49.0
Week 12 result: Won 30-13 vs. Temple
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Illinois
Penn State (6-4, 2-4 Big Ten) became bowl-eligible for the first time since 2011 while also scoring its most points since mid-September.
Akeel Lynch ran for 130 yards and a touchdown and Bill Belton added 92 yards and score as the Nittany Lions ran for 254 yards after averaging 86.5 yards per game coming in.
PSU forced five turnovers and got a 30-yard Grant Haley interception return TD.
49. Boston College Eagles
5 of 53
Average rating: 48.5
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Florida State
Boston College (6-4, 3-3 ACC) has managed to gain bowl eligibility despite losing four of six home games, including three straight. The Eagles have gone 4-0 on the road, however, but now have to play at defending national champion Florida State.
Tyler Murphy has been the offensive spark all season, with 1,006 rushing yards and nine touchdowns to go with 1,293 passing yards and nine scores.
48. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
6 of 53
Average rating: 48.0
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Old Dominion
Louisiana Tech (7-3, 6-0 Conference USA) has clinched at least a tie for the West Division title and can lock up a spot in the C-USA championship game with one more victory.
The Bulldogs, who have won five straight, have been led by quarterback Cody Sokol's 2,513 passing yards and 24 touchdowns and Kenneth Dixon's 837 rushing yards and 14 scores.
46. (tie) Washington Huskies
7 of 53
Average rating: 46.5
Week 12 result: Lost 27-26 at Arizona
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Oregon State
Washington (6-5, 2-5 Pac-12) allowed a 47-yard field goal as time expired, a kick that came after Deontae Cooper lost a fumble near midfield with 1:23 left.
The Huskies lost three fumbles, leading to 10 Arizona points, which negated 504 yards of total offense led by 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Dwayne Washington. Cyler Miles added 223 passing yards, while Washington also added a 36-yard TD on a pass from Marvin Hall to Joshua Perkins on a trick play.
Washington also was hit with 13 penalties for 111 yards.
46. (tie) BYU Cougars
8 of 53
Average rating: 46.5
Week 12 result: Won 42-23 vs. UNLV
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Savannah State
BYU (6-4) became bowl-eligible behind 592 yards of total offense, locking up a predetermined bid to the Miami Beach Bowl next month.
Quarterback Christian Stewart threw for 325 yards and three touchdowns, while Paul Lasike ran for two scores and caught a 26-yard TD pass.
The Cougars will play in a bowl game for the 10th straight year.
45. UCF Knights
9 of 53
Average rating: 45.5
Week 12 result: Won 31-7 vs. Tulsa
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. SMU
UCF (6-3, 4-1 American) rebounded from its first loss in AAC league play last time out with a dominant home win to stay in the hunt for another conference title, getting three passing touchdowns from Justin Holman.
Holman threw for 291 yards on 16-of-27 passing, while the Knights ran for 217 yards. The defense forced three turnovers and held Tulsa to 201 yards.
44. South Carolina Gamecocks
10 of 53
Average rating: 45.0
Week 12 result: Won 23-20 (in OT) at Florida
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. South Alabama
South Carolina (5-5, 3-5 SEC) blocked a pair of kicks in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, then forced overtime when Mike Davis fell on a fumble in the end zone with 12 seconds left. In OT, Dylan Thompson scored on a 4-yard run after Florida kicked a field goal, giving coach Steve Spurrier a win over his former school while the Gamecocks ended a four-game SEC losing streak.
Thompson threw for 206 yards and South Carolina had a first-quarter rushing TD from Brandon Wilds to build a 10-0 lead.
The Gamecocks held Florida to 60 passing yards, far below the 237.1 yards per game they came in allowing.
43. Stanford Cardinal
11 of 53
Average rating: 42.17
Week 12 result: Lost 20-17 (in 2 OT) vs. Utah
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at California
Stanford (5-5, 3-4 Pac-12) fell for the third time in four games, reaching its most losses in a season since 2009.
The Cardinal got two touchdowns from Kevin Hogan, including a 14-yard pass to Austin Hooper to force a second overtime, but he threw for only 104 yards on 17-of-27 passing. Stanford ran for 190 yards.
The loss came despite allowing only 247 yards and holding an eighth opponent to 20 points or less.
41. (tie) Utah State Aggies
12 of 53
Average rating: 40.67
Week 12 result: Won 28-21 vs. New Mexico
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 21 vs. San Jose State
Utah State (8-3, 5-1 Mountain West) won its fourth straight, getting 272 rushing yards from its backfield to remain in the hunt for the Mountain Division title.
Kent Myers threw for 150 yards and a touchdown, while the Aggies got rushing scores from LaJuan Hunt, JoJo Natson and Devonte Robinson.
The Aggies held New Mexico, which came in averaging 326.3 yards per game on the ground, to 246 rushing yards.
41. (tie) Texas Longhorns
13 of 53
Average rating: 40.67
Week 12 result: Won 28-7 at Oklahoma State
Week 13 matchup: Bye
Texas (6-5, 5-3 Big 12) won its third straight to become bowl-eligible, continuing its late-season surge with a third impressive road victory.
The Longhorns have given up only 43 points in their four road games, and for the season have moved up to 29th in total defense after allowing only 192 yards to Oklahoma State.
Tyrone Swoopes threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-33 passing, while Nick Rose kicked three field goals.
40. Tennessee Volunteers
14 of 53
Average rating: 40.5
Week 12 result: Won 50-16 vs. Kentucky
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Missouri
Tennessee (5-5, 2-4 SEC) won its second straight with a dominant performance over Kentucky, moving within a victory of being bowl-eligible for the first time since 2010.
Joshua Dobbs had another big game, with 297 passing yards and three touchdowns to go with a rushing score. Dobbs has accounted for 1,079 yards and 11 TDs since making his season debut three games ago.
Jalen Hurd ran for 118 yards and a TD and the Volunteers forced two turnovers, with Brian Randolph returning an interception 23 yards for a score in the first quarter.
39. Cincinnati Bearcats
15 of 53
Average rating: 39.5
Week 12 result: Won 54-46 vs. East Carolina
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Connecticut
Cincinnati (6-3, 4-1 American) won a barnburner on Friday night against East Carolina, winning it on a 47-yard field goal from Andrew Gantz with 15 seconds left before adding a defensive score as time expired.
Gunner Kiel threw for 436 yards and four touchdowns but was also intercepted three times. He connected with Mekale McKay for nine catches, 172 yards and two TDs, while Rodriguez Moore added 99 rushing yards and a score.
The Bearcats gained 586 yards while allowing 572. They are a half-game behind Memphis for the AAC lead, but because of a loss to Memphis need the Tigers to lose to have a shot at the conference title.
38. Arkansas Razorbacks
16 of 53
Average rating: 38.13
Week 12 result: Won 17-0 vs. LSU
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Ole Miss
Arkansas (5-5, 1-5 SEC) ended a 17-game conference losing streak with a dominant defensive performance, holding LSU to 123 yards to end more than two years of SEC futility.
The Razorbacks gained only 264 yards, and just 95 on the ground, but rushing scores by Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams had short TD runs to provide all the offense they needed.
Arkansas has yielded only 34 points in its past three games.
37. Florida Gators
17 of 53
Average rating: 37.0
Week 12 result: Lost 23-20 (in OT) vs. South Carolina
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Eastern Kentucky
Florida (5-4, 4-4 SEC) had a pair of kicks blocked in the final minutes of regulation, one on a field goal and another on a punt, then in overtime allowed a touchdown after managing only three points. The third home loss this year became the final straw for coach Will Muschamp, who announced Sunday that he would step down at the end of the regular season.
The Gators ran for 218 yards, 111 of that coming from quarterback Treon Harris, but he had only 60 yards on 5-of-11 passing. Florida trailed 10-0 before scoring 17 straight points, but when a field goal that would have made the lead 10 points was blocked in the fourth quarter it was all downhill.
Muschamp will coach the final two regular-season games, with Florida needing one win to become bowl-eligible.
36. Iowa Hawkeyes
18 of 53
Average rating: 35.13
Week 12 result: Won 30-14 at Illinois
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Wisconsin
Iowa (7-3, 4-2 Big Ten) had season highs in rushing yards and total offense, ending a two-game road losing streak while remaining in the hunt for the West Division title.
The Hawkeyes, in a three-way tie for second behind Wisconsin, ran for 304 yards and gained 587 as a team. Mark Weisman had 134 rushing yards, while Jake Rudock threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a score.
Iowa held Illinois to 235 yards, limiting quarterback Wes Lunt to 102 yards and a TD on 14-of-25 passing.
35. Miami (Florida) Hurricanes
19 of 53
Average rating: 33.88
Week 12 result: Lost 30-26 vs. Florida State
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Virginia
Miami (6-4, 3-3 ACC) missed out on a chance to stay in contention for the Coastal Division title, while also becoming the latest victim of Florida State's late-game escape tactics.
The Hurricanes had leads of 16-0 and 23-7 in the first half, with quarterback Brad Kaaya throwing for 316 yards and two touchdowns and Duke Johnson rushing for 130 yards and a score. Johnson is up to 1,343 yards and 10 TDs this season.
But Miami couldn't hold the lead or hold down FSU in the second half, and on its final drive Kaaya was intercepted.
34. Texas A&M Aggies
20 of 53
Average rating: 33.3
Week 12 result: Lost 34-27 vs. Missouri
Week 13 matchup: Bye
Texas A&M (7-4, 3-4 SEC) lost at home for the second time this season, giving up a halftime lead while allowing 335 rushing yards.
The Aggies led 13-6 at the half and 20-13 in the third quarter before allowing 21 unanswered points to the Tigers. Kyle Allen threw for 237 yards and three touchdowns on 24-of-35 passing, with Josh Reynolds catching five passes for 125 yards and two scores.
A&M has allowed 38.7 points per game in SEC play.
33. Memphis Tigers
21 of 53
Average rating: 33.0
Week 12 result: Won 38-7 at Tulane
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. South Florida
Memphis (7-3, 5-1 American) won its fourth straight to remain in control of the conference lead, while also reaching seven wins for the first time since 2007.
The Tigers jumped out to a 31-0 lead thanks to a pair of interception return touchdowns, a 15-yard score by Bobby McCain in the first quarter and a 58-yard score from Dontrell Nelson in the third quarter. Memphis forced five turnovers, intercepting Tanner Lee three times.
Paxton Lynch threw for 178 yards and a TD and ran for a score, and Memphis lowered its scoring defense to 17.5 points per game, eighth-best in the country.
32. West Virginia Mountaineers
22 of 53
Average rating: 32.9
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 20 vs. Kansas State
West Virginia (6-4, 4-3 Big 12) lost two straight before taking last weekend off, but now it gets another chance to affect the conference standings when Kansas State comes to Morgantown.
The Mountaineers have faced four teams ranked in the top seven this season, beating Baylor and losing to Alabama, Oklahoma and TCU by a combined 23 points. Last time out, though, they lost 33-16 at Texas.
Clint Trickett has thrown for 3,173 yards and 18 touchdowns, with Kevin White hauling in 91 catches for 1,207 yards and eight TDs.
31. Minnesota Golden Gophers
23 of 53
Average rating: 32.2
Week 12 result: Lost 31-24 vs. Ohio State
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Nebraska
Minnesota (7-3, 4-2 Big Ten) was unable to hang with Ohio State in frigid temperatures and snow flurries at home, falling behind by 14 points early and by 17 in the second half.
The Golden Gophers got 145 rushing yards and three touchdowns from David Cobb, but quarterback Mitch Leidner was unable to provide a passing spark by throwing for only 85 yards on 7-of-19 passing with two interceptions. And their defense couldn't slow down the Buckeyes, allowing 489 yards, which included 289 on the ground, featuring 189 rushing yards from OSU quarterback J.T. Barrett.
There's no rest for Minnesota, which will end the regular season against three straight ranked teams with trips to Nebraska and Wisconsin still looming.
30. Boise State Broncos
24 of 53
Average rating: 30.63
Week 12 result: Won 38-29 vs. San Diego State
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Wyoming
Boise State (8-2, 5-1 Mountain West) spotted San Diego State a 20-0 lead at home, then scored 21 points in just over eight minutes in the second half to remain atop the Mountain Division standings.
All three of those scores were on rushing touchdowns by Jay Ajayi, who ran for 134 yards and three scores to give him 1,280 yards and 17 scores this season. Grant Hedrick threw for 187 yards and a TD along with a rushing score, but he was intercepted twice to give him 13 picks in 2014.
Boise has won five straight, and is averaging 40.2 points per game in five home wins.
29. Louisville Cardinals
25 of 53
Average rating: 30.3
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Notre Dame
Louisville (7-3, 5-3 ACC) comes off its bye week after winning at Boston College the game before, and with a high-profile trip to Notre Dame up next the Cardinals could still be in the hunt for a major bowl bid as the ACC's top-rated team beyond Florida State.
The remaining games will have freshman Reggie Bonnafon at the helm at quarterback after Will Gardner was lost for the season with an injury. Bonnafon has thrown for 662 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for two TDs.
The Cardinals rank fifth in total defense, at 285.7 yards allowed per game, and thanks to Gerod Holliman's 13 interceptions lead the nation in picks with 22.
27. (tie) Duke Blue Devils
26 of 53
Average rating: 27.4
Week 12 result: Lost 17-16 vs. Virginia Tech
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 20 vs. North Carolina
Duke (8-2, 4-2 ACC) saw its four-game losing streak end with a mistake-filled home loss, one that put it into a virtual tie with Georgia Tech atop the Coastal Division.
The Blue Devils had three turnovers, including two interceptions thrown by Anthony Boone, enabling Virginia Tech to come back from a 16-7 deficit. Boone threw for 181 yards on 18-of-40 passing, while Josh Snead ran for 54 yards with a touchdown.
Duke must win out to win the ACC Coastal for the second straight year. Another loss will give the division to Georgia Tech.
27. (tie) Colorado State Rams
27 of 53
Average rating: 27.4
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. New Mexico
Colorado State (9-1, 5-1 Mountain West) is in a three-way tie for first in the Mountain Division, winners of eight straight since losing at co-division leader Boise State. The Rams are fighting for a major bowl bid, but can't get that without winning the conference title.
Quarterback Garrett Grayson has thrown for 3,024 yards and 26 TDs, with Rashard Higgins catching 67 passes for 1,280 yards and 13 scores. Dee Hart has run for 909 yards and 11 TDs.
26. Clemson Tigers
28 of 53
Average rating: 26.4
Week 12 result: Lost 28-6 at Georgia Tech
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Georgia State
Clemson (7-3, 6-2 ACC) saw its six-game win streak come to an end while also likely falling out of contention for a spot in the Orange Bowl. But the most damaging revelation from the loss at Georgia Tech was another injury to freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Watson, making his first start since breaking a bone in his hand, injured his knee early in the game. Coach Dabo Swinney said Sunday that there's no major damage, but it's uncertain when he'll play again.
Backup Cole Stoudt, who had won four games in Watson's place during the win streak, completed only three of 11 passes for 19 yards and was intercepted three times. Two of those were returned for touchdowns, as the Tigers managed only 190 yards.
25. LSU Tigers
29 of 53
Average rating: 25.8
Week 12 result: Lost 17-0 at Arkansas
Week 13 matchup: Bye
LSU (7-4, 3-4 SEC) was shut out for the first time since the 2012 BCS title game, managing only 123 yards while handing Arkansas its first conference win in more than two years.
The Tigers ran for only 36 yards, while Anthony Jennings was held to 87 passing yards. They allowed only 264 yards, holding down Arkansas' run game to just 95, but without any flow on offense they had no shot.
LSU has scored only 23 points in its last three games, including an overtime loss, and was held to 13 or fewer points for the fourth time this season.
24. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
30 of 53
Average rating: 25.6
Week 12 result: Lost 43-40 (in OT) vs. Northwestern
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Louisville
Notre Dame (7-3) was fighting for respect two weeks ago, ranked low in the College Football Playoff standings. Now, after a second straight loss, the Fighting Irish are just trying to keep the season from falling apart.
Leading 40-29 with five minutes left in a back-and-forth game, Notre Dame allowed 11 points down the stretch as its defense broke down and more turnovers popped up. Then, in overtime, Kyle Brindza missed a second field goal (to go with a blocked extra point) and then Northwestern kicked a field goal to win it.
"No longer are the Fighting Irish a good, unlucky team," wrote Dan Wolken of USA Today. "They're a mediocre team that played above its head in nearly knocking off Florida State and has come crashing back to reality."
Everett Golson had 365 yards of total offense and accounted for four touchdowns, including three via the pass, but he contributed two of the Irish's four turnovers to give him 19 in the past seven games.
23. USC Trojans
31 of 53
Average rating: 23.7
Week 12 result: Won 38-30 vs. California
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at UCLA
USC (7-3, 6-2 Pac-12) jumped out to a 31-2 lead before having to hold on in the fourth quarter, setting up this weekend's clash at rival UCLA that could held determine the South Division title.
The Trojans got 371 passing yards and four touchdowns from Cody Kessler, who hooked up with Nelson Agholor for a school-record 16 catches and 216 yards along with two TDs.
USC allowed two TDs in the final seven minutes to make the final margin close, then recovered an onside kick with 1:36 left to seal the victory.
22. Oklahoma Sooners
32 of 53
Average rating: 21.9
Week 12 result: Won 42-30 at Texas Tech
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Kansas
Oklahoma (7-3, 4-3 Big 12) used a 35-3 run in the second half to rally past Texas Tech on the road, avoiding its first two-game losing streak since 2005.
Cody Thomas made the start at quarterback in place of the injured Trevor Knight, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown to go with 133 passing yards and a TD as well as three interceptions. The Sooners ran for 384 yards, 213 of that coming from freshman Samaje Perine. He scored three times, giving him 1,001 yards and 14 rushing TDs this season.
The Sooners forced three turnovers to negate 393 passing yards and four TDs from Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
21. Marshall Thundering Herd
33 of 53
Average rating: 21.6
Week 12 result: Won 41-14 vs. Rice
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at UAB
Marshall (10-0, 6-0 Conference USA) won its 11th straight game, dispatching its toughest opponent yet behind 199 rushing yards from Devon Johnson and four TD passes from Rakeem Cato.
Cato, who has thrown a TD pass in an FBS-record 42 straight games, finished with 297 yards on 23-of-37 passing. He now has 117 career TD throws, topping Chad Pennington's school record of 115, while upping his career yardage tally to 12,789 yards to rank 15th on the FBS all-time list.
Johnson, who had a TD run against Rice, has 1,402 yards and 16 TDs this season.
20. Utah Utes
34 of 53
Average rating: 20.8
Week 12 result: Won 20-17 (in 2 OT) at Stanford
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Arizona
Utah (7-3, 4-3 Pac-12) got a 3-yard touchdown catch from Kenneth Scott in the second overtime, ending the Utes' two-game losing streak while making them 2-1 in OT games and 4-1 on the road this season.
Scott's TD was the second thrown by Travis Wilson, who had 177 yards on 21-of-28 passing along with a rushing score. Devontae Booker was held to 58 yards.
The Utes held Stanford scoreless in the second half, and Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan threw for only 104 yards. It was the Utes' sixth game this season decided by six points or less, and in those they are 4-2.
19. Missouri Tigers
35 of 53
Average rating: 20.0
Week 12 result: Won 34-27 at Texas A&M
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Tennessee
Missouri (8-2, 5-1 SEC) scored 28 third-quarter points, including 21 straight during the final eight-plus minutes, to pick up a big road win and keep its hopes of a second straight East Division win alive.
Russell Hansbrough ran for 199 yards and two touchdowns, including runs of 49 and 45 yards that gave the Tigers a 27-20 lead. Maty Mauk added 252 yards with a TD and interception on 23-of-40 passing, while Missouri held A&M to just 341 yards.
The Tigers must win out to hold off Georgia for the East title, because a loss would force a tie and give the division to the Bulldogs because of their head-to-head win in Columbia last month.
18. Nebraska Cornhuskers
36 of 53
Average rating: 19.4
Week 12 result: Lost 59-24 at Wisconsin
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Minnesota
Nebraska (8-2, 4-2 Big Ten) had a 17-3 lead in the second quarter at Wisconsin, looking in good position to earn one of the biggest wins in recent memory. Then Melvin Gordon went off, and the Cornhuskers ended up getting run off the field in Madison.
The Cornhuskers allowed 581 rushing yards, an FBS single-game record 408 going to Gordon along with four touchdowns. The 14-point lead become a 45-point deficit due to 59 unanswered points by Wisconsin, as Nebraska's defense failed to make any stops in allowing 627 yards.
Its own offense sputtered, managing just 180 yards with Ameer Abdullah held to 69 rushing yards on 18 carries. Tommy Armstrong Jr. accounted for two TDs, one on the ground and one through the air, but was just 6-of-18 passing for 62 yards with an interception.
17. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
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Average rating: 18.6
Week 12 result: Won 28-6 vs. Clemson
Week 13 matchup: Bye
Georgia Tech (9-2, 6-2 Pac-12) put itself in position to potentially win the Coastal Division, as well as get a shot at the Orange Bowl, with a defense-driven win over Clemson in a key ACC cross-division clash to wrap up conference play.
The Yellow Jackets win the Coastal if Duke loses one of its final two games. If not, Tech could still get a bid to the Orange Bowl as the top-ranked team from the ACC beyond likely playoff entrant Florida State after knocking off a Clemson team that was lined up to be that ACC representative beforehand.
Tech held Clemson to 190 yards and intercepted Cole Stoudt three times, two of which were brought back for touchdowns by Jamal Golden and Chris Milton.
The Yellow Jackets have won four straight, taking those by an average of 29.5 points.
16. Arizona Wildcats
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Average rating: 18.2
Week 12 result: Won 27-26 vs. Washington
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Utah
Arizona (8-2, 5-2 Pac-12) pulled off a last-second win thanks to a 47-yard field goal by Casey Skowron, who had a big day all-around while making up for a late miss earlier this season.
Skowron, who missed a field goal in the final seconds of a home loss to USC last month, also scored on an 18-yard run on a fake field goal just before halftime. His game-winner came just after missing a kick that didn't count because Washington had called timeout to try to ice him.
The Wildcats led 21-17 at halftime with two touchdowns in the final 1:39 before the half (including Skowron's score), but then trailed 27-21 entering the fourth quarter. They recovered a fumble by the Huskies with 1:23 left, setting up Skowron's game-winner.
Nick Wilson ran for 104 yards and two TDs, while Anu Solomon threw for 242 yards but was intercepted twice and completed only 17 of 39 passes.
15. Arizona State Sun Devils
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Average rating: 15.6
Week 12 result: Lost 35-27 at Oregon State
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Washington State
Arizona State (8-2, 5-2 Pac-12) blew a 10-point halftime lead to knock itself out of the playoff race, while also putting its chances of a second straight South Division title in jeopardy.
The Sun Devils scored 21 straight points to lead 24-14 at halftime, but in the second half couldn't slow down Oregon State's offense. They allowed a 67-yard touchdown pass from Sean Mannion to Jordan Villamin with 10:55 left to fall behind 28-27, then with 1:38 remaining Taylor Kelly's pass was intercepted and returned 35 yards for the final score.
Kelly threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns but he was intercepted twice. D.J. Foster had 116 all-purpose yards, while Jaelen Strong caught nine passes for 103 yards. ASU allowed Oregon State, which came in rushing for 97.7 yards per game, to have two running backs combine for 273 yards and two TDs.
14. Auburn Tigers
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Average rating: 15.0
Week 12 result: Lost 34-7 at Georgia
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Samford
Auburn (7-3, 4-3 SEC) had some bad breaks to lose at home to Texas A&M last week, but at Georgia it was a flat-out beating the Tigers suffered, something they hadn't experienced in coach Gus Malzahn's two seasons.
Held to 292 yards and only a score on its opening possession, Auburn was run over by Georgia's rushing attack and had its own potent run game stuffed. Cameron Artis-Payne scored on a 26-yard run, but finished with just 86 yards on 20 carries as the Tigers ran for 150 yards.
Nick Marshall couldn't pick up the slack, throwing for 112 yards and an interception on 11-of-23 passing while adding 41 rushing yards.
The Tigers gave up 30-plus points for the fifth straight game, after allowing only 14.4 points per game during a 5-0 start.
13. UCLA Bruins
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Average rating: 12.8
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. USC
UCLA (8-2, 5-2 Pac-12) is now in control of its own destiny for the South Division title, thanks to Arizona State's loss at Oregon State, but the Bruins will need to win out against rivals USC and Stanford at home.
The Bruins have lost twice this season at home, but they're on a four-game win streak since dropping back-to-back games to Utah and Oregon.
Brett Hundley has thrown for 2,547 yards and 17 touchdowns and has run for 564 yards and seven scores, while Paul Perkins has run for 1,169 yards and six TDs. Hundley became UCLA's career TD pass leader last time out, sitting with 70.
12. Wisconsin Badgers
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Average rating: 12.4
Week 12 result: Won 59-24 vs. Nebraska
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Iowa
Wisconsin (8-2, 5-1 Big Ten) had its season start with a loss to LSU in which it didn't use prolific running back Melvin Gordon as much as expected. That hasn't been the case since, and after his record-setting performance on Saturday there's little doubt the Badgers will run behind Gordon from here on out.
Gordon set the FBS single-game rushing record with 408 yards on 25 carries, topping LaDainian Tomlinson's 1999 mark of 406 with his fourth touchdown of the game. That 26-yard run came on the final play of the third quarter, meaning Gordon set the mark without playing a full game.
"Among the 408 yards were five runs of 40 or more yards, giving him an FBS-best 15 such gains on the season," wrote Paul Myerberg of USA Today. "Entering the weekend, no single team in the nation had more than 13 runs of 40-plus yards."
Now with 1,909 yards and 23 rushing TDs, Gordon is the FBS leader in both categories. He anchored a run attack that gained 581 yards, helping rally from an early 17-3 lead with 56 straight points.
The Badgers are now in the driver's seat for the Big Ten's West Division, but only have a one-game lead over Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska and still have to play the first two of those.
11. Kansas State Wildcats
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Average rating: 11.6
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 20 at West Virginia
Kansas State (7-2, 5-1 Big 12) remains in contention for the conference title, but faces a very tough weeknight test by playing on the road against a West Virginia team that has beat Baylor and played Alabama, Oklahoma and TCU very tough.
The Wildcats have been led by quarterback Jake Waters' 2,575 yards of total offense and 20 total touchdowns, while receivers Tyler Lockett and Curry Sexton had combined for 113 catches for 1,601 yards and 10 TDs.
K-State ranks 30th in the country in total defense, allowing 346.8 yards per game.
10. Michigan State Spartans
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Average rating: 10.4
Week 12 result: Won 37-15 at Maryland
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Rutgers
Michigan State (8-2, 5-1 Big Ten) shook off a slow offensive start to cruise past Maryland on the road, bouncing back from last week's home loss to Ohio State.
The Spartans led 9-0 on a trio of Michael Geiger field goals, then after Maryland pulled within 9-7 they scored 21 straight points thanks to a pair of Jeremy Langford runs and a 22-yard interception return TD by C.J. Williamson.
Langford ran for 138 yards and two TDs, giving him 1,116 yards and 15 scores this season. Nick Hill added a 33-yard TD run, while Connor Cook threw for 240 yards on 14-of-31 passing.
MSU forced four turnovers and held Maryland to six rushing yards, moving to eighth in rushing defense at 103.7 yards allowed per game.
9. Georgia Bulldogs
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Average rating: 8.0
Week 12 result: Won 34-7 vs. Auburn
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Charleston Southern
Georgia (8-2, 6-2 SEC) dominated on defense to avenge last year's heartbreaking loss to Auburn, and in doing so kept itself alive for the East Division title. The Bulldogs now wrap up the regular season with a pair of nonconference games, but will have to do it without star running back Todd Gurley.
Gurley, who returned from a four-game NCAA suspension for accepting money in exchange for autographs, tore his ACL during the fourth quarter after rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown. The school confirmed Sunday that Gurley was done for the season, finishing with 911 yards and nine TDs in six games.
"Todd's been fantastic," Richt told Seth Emerson of The Telegraph. "Without a doubt one of the best run backs I've ever seen, have ever coached. Practiced hard, played hard. Loved the big games and played his heart out for Georgia. I'm really proud I had an opportunity to coach him."
The loss of Gurley is huge, but the Bulldogs went 3-1 without him thanks to the running of freshman Nick Chubb. Chubb ran for 144 yards and two TDs against Auburn, his fifth straight 100-yard game to give him 1,039 yards and nine scores this season.
Against Auburn, the win was as much about Georgia's running as it was the ability to shut down Auburn's rushing game. The Bulldogs held Auburn to 150 yards on the ground, compared to 286.4 yards per game coming in.
8. Ole Miss Rebels
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Average rating: 7.2
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 at Arkansas
Ole Miss (8-2, 4-2 SEC) has lost its last two conference games, but shut out FCS Presbyterian before the bye. The Rebels can still factor into the West Division title race, though, if they win out at Arkansas and at home against Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl.
Bo Wallace has thrown for 2,556 yards and 22 touchdowns to pace the offense, but Ole Miss has fared so well this season because of its defense. That unit ranks 10th in yards allowed, while its 11.9 points-allowed rate is tops in the nation.
The Rebels are tied for fifth in FBS in turnover margin, at plus-13.
7. Ohio State Buckeyes
47 of 53
Average rating: 6.8
Week 12 result: Won 31-24 at Minnesota
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Indiana
Ohio State (9-1, 6-0 Big Ten) continues to steamroll up the polls and rankings, winning an eighth straight game using the same formula as most of the previous ones: lots of freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett.
Barrett set a school record for touchdowns responsible for in a season, throwing for 200 yards and three TDs and running for 189 yards, which included an 86-yard score. He has accounted for 38 TDs, two more than Braxton Miller had last season, and his rushing tally surpassed Miller's school mark of 186 for a quarterback set in 2012.
An afterthought a little more than a week before the season began, Barrett is now a legitimate Heisman contender, according to Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod:
"If J.T. Barrett's name was Braxton Miller, there's a compelling case that he'd be the Heisman frontrunner right now," Axelrod tweeted on Saturday.
Since losing at home to Virginia Tech, OSU has scored an average of 48.8 points per game.
6. TCU Horned Frogs
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Average rating: 6.0
Week 12 result: Won 34-30 at Kansas
Week 13 matchup: Bye
TCU (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) escaped with a comeback victory at Kansas, but the Horned Frogs likely lost a lot of style points that could knock them out of the College Football Playoff selection committee's top four.
The Frogs trailed by 10 points twice in the third quarter, but then scored two touchdowns in less than a minute to spark the comeback. Aaron Green's 24-yard TD run was followed 50 seconds later by a 69-yard punt return score by Cameron Echols-Luper.
Green ran for 128 yards and two TDs in his second start in place of the injured B.J. Catalon, while Trevone Boykin threw for 330 yards and a TD on 26-of-36 passing along with an interception. It was one of three turnovers for TCU.
5. Baylor Bears
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Average rating: 5.8
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Oklahoma State
Baylor (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) fell a half-game behind TCU for first place in the conference because of the bye, but the Bears still hold the head-to-head tiebreaker and control their own destiny down the stretch.
The Bears remain tops in the country in total offense (585.1 yards per game) and scoring (50.1), doing this despite being the most-penalized team in the country with 9.9 flags for 91.8 yards per game.
Bryce Petty has thrown for 2,421 yards and 21 touchdowns, while Shock Linwood has scored 12 rushing TDs and run for 864 yards.
4. Mississippi State Bulldogs
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Average rating: 4.8
Week 12 result: Lost 25-20 at Alabama
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Vanderbilt
Mississippi State (9-1, 5-1 SEC) saw its 12-game win streak and perfect season come to an end, and now will have to see what that means as far as playoff positioning. The Bulldogs aren't out of it, not with a remaining game against Ole Miss to bump its resume, but after having their offense shut down by Alabama they'll have to work out the kinks before the Egg Bowl in two weeks.
MSU outgained Alabama on Saturday, but in six red-zone possessions it ended up with four scores but only two touchdowns. The other two drives ended with interceptions thrown by Dak Prescott, who was picked off three times despite throwing two TD passes and finishing with 372 yards of total offense.
"We lost the red-zone scoring," Prescott told Michael Bonner of The Clarion-Ledger. "That's something we focus on going into the games. It's part of plan to win. You have to win the red zone scoring to win a big game."
The Bulldogs average 243.2 rushing yards per game, but had 138 at Alabama. It was the second time in three games they failed to top 200 yards on the ground, running for a season-low 128 against Arkansas.
3. Florida State Seminoles
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Average rating: 4.2
Week 12 result: Won 30-26 at Miami (Florida)
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Boston College
Florida State (10-0, 7-0 ACC) did its latest magic act to come back from another deficit, rallying from down 16-0 and 23-7 with a 26-yard Dalvin Cook touchdown run with 3:05 left and then a big interception by Jalen Ramsey.
The Seminoles have won 26 straight games, and this season they have trailed seven times. Three of those games included fourth-quarter deficits, yet FSU keeps finding a way to win late with a blend of big plays and luck. Against Miami, a Jameis Winston pass late in the third quarter was batted into the air and right to Karlos Williams for an 11-yard TD reception.
Winston threw for 304 yards while Cook had 92 rushing yards and two scores. FSU was outgained 492-418, giving up 316 passing yards to freshman Brad Kaaya and 130 rushing yards to Duke Johnson.
FSU is locked into the ACC title game, but before then plays a pair of four-loss teams (Boston College and Florida) at home.
2. Oregon Ducks
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Average rating: 3.4
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Colorado
Oregon (9-1, 6-1 Pac-12) has won five straight and already clinched the North Division, but before that conference title game in December the Ducks must maintain momentum against teams with a combined record of 7-13.
The Ducks rank fifth in the country in total offense, at 531.2 yards per game, with Marcus Mariota accounting for 3,304 yards and 38 total touchdowns to keep himself at or near the top of the Heisman Trophy race. Royce Freeman has run for 945 yards and 14 TDs, part of a run game that averages 232.1 yards per game.
Oregon has scored at least 38 points in all nine of its victories, and in the five-game win streak it has scored an average of 48.4 points per game.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
53 of 53
Average rating: 1.4
Week 12 result: Won 25-20 vs. Mississippi State
Week 13 matchup: Nov. 22 vs. Western Carolina
Alabama (9-1, 6-1 SEC) is back on top of the college football world, as well as our power rankings, after knocking off unbeaten Mississippi State in impressive fashion. The Crimson Tide built a 19-0 lead, then after letting the Bulldogs back into it put together a statement drive that ate up a ton of time in the fourth quarter for an icing score.
Despite not having the most impressive results at times this season, Alabama is winning when it needs to, taking a five-game win streak into its FCS walkover this weekend before ending at home in the Iron Bowl.
The Tide were outgained 428-335, but made plays when it needed to and played best against the pass, according to Yahoo Sports' Pat Forde:
"The most criticized unit on this Alabama team has been its secondary—but the back line of (coach Nick) Saban's defense rose to the big occasion. Cornerback Cyrus Jones had an end-zone interception and battled receiver De'Runnya Wilson effectively all game despite giving up seven inches and 29 pounds. Safety Nick Perry had an interception and a team-high 12 tackles. Fellow safety Landon Collins had the third pick of (MSU quarterback Dak) Prescott—which tied the quarterback's career high for interceptions in a game.
"
For its own production, it came down to quarterback Blake Sims and running back T.J. Yeldon working hard during a 15-play, 76-yard drive that took more than six minutes and was capped by Yeldon's 7-yard run to make it 25-13 with 8:09 left.
Statistical information provided by CFBStats.com.
Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.
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