College Football Rankings 2014: Latest Standings and Predictions for Week 13
After a dramatic Week 11 full of unexpected and season-altering results, Week 12 had a tough act to follow. Well, it certainly delivered, as the nation's pecking order shifted in substantial fashion once again.
The Top 25 doesn't remotely resemble what it did just one week ago, as upset victories and close calls plagued the best teams in the country. Not only do we have a new No. 1 squad, but we also have several new teams in this week's standings due to the collapse of previously ranked schools.
So, which teams currently comprise the Top Four? Which dropped out of the Top 25 altogether? Are there any new teams in the playoff mix? The answers to those questions may surprise you. Here's a look at each poll released on Sunday, followed by a few predictions for key Week 13 games.
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Week 13 Predictions
Florida State's No. 1 Ranking Is Short-Lived
The Seminoles may be the nation's top-ranked team heading into Week 13, but let's face it: Their recent games have been rather ugly. Florida State continues to somehow muster late-game magic to earn wins, but there will come a time when that runs out. It may be in Week 13 against Boston College.
Jameis Winston and Co. have been slow out of the gate over the past several weeks. This has led to very close calls against Notre Dame, Louisville, Virginia and Miami. If that trend continues against the Eagles, the end result should be similar.
Here's a look at Winston's lopsided numbers before and after halftime this season, via ESPN Stats & Info:
Boston College has a very solid running game that ranks 12th in the nation, averaging 264.0 yards per game. Dual-threat quarterback Tyler Murphy and running back Jon Hilliman have combined for more than 1,600 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Combine that with a defense that's only allowing an average of 21.9 points per game, and you get a team that can control the pace of a game.
Even if the Seminoles win, Boston College will keep things very close. That won't look good in the eyes of the selection committee. With Alabama and Oregon having very favorable contests in Week 13, expect one—or both—of them to leapfrog the Seminoles.
Ohio State Makes a Playoff Statement
How impressive have the Buckeyes been of late? They followed up a 55-point showing against Illinois with a 49-point performance against a stout Michigan State defense and, most recently, a brilliant game by quarterback J.T. Barrett in a Week 12 victory over Minnesota.
Barrett was on fire Saturday against the Golden Gophers. He threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns, but even more impressively, he rushed for 189 yards and another score. That rushing total was a new team record, and he now owns the most touchdowns in a single season in school history, according to ESPN College Football:
The freshman signal-caller is sure making his case for Heisman consideration, and that will continue in Week 13 against a porous Indiana defense. Ranked 106th in the nation and allowing 33.6 points per game, the Hoosiers gave up 429 yards of offense and 45 points to Rutgers in Week 12. Barrett and Co. must be chomping at the bit to get their hands on that defensive unit.
Expect to see another huge performance from Ohio State's quarterback this coming Saturday, as the Buckeyes roll to a huge victory and give the selection committee something to think about before the Week 14 rankings are released.
USC Takes Down UCLA
The Trojans have been on a roll of late, and UCLA is meeting its in-state rival at the wrong time. Aside from a loss during a defensive struggle with Utah, USC's offense has exploded, putting up 56, 44 and 38 points in its other three most recent games. That offense will get a shot at the Bruins' 79th-ranked defense in Week 13.
Quarterback Cody Kessler has been fantastic lately. He's coming off a huge game against California, throwing for 371 yards and four touchdowns. Kessler has a knack for getting out of the gate quickly, and that could cause problems for an inconsistent UCLA squad.
According to Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, Kessler's efficiency puts him in some elite company:
While the Bruins are riding a four-game winning streak entering this contest, they haven't been able to dispose of opponents easily, winning in a few close shootouts. The fact this team was taken down to the wire by the likes of Colorado and California recently isn't a good sign with an impending matchup against a more prolific offense.
Brett Hundley has been playing very well recently, showcasing his ability to create yards with both his arm and his legs, but his skill set will be severely tested against a USC defense that's allowing an average of just 23.3 points per game.
This game should be a close battle between two very good quarterbacks, but the Trojans are the more well-rounded team, and that will be the difference-maker in this one.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
