College Football Rankings 2014: Power Ranking All 128 Teams for Week 14

This past weekend of college football won't go down as the greatest in the sport's history, but it was still one that gave us plenty of rankings-altering results. Wins, losses, good performances and bad led to shake-ups all over the Bleacher Report power rankings.

These 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 14 and then give us your take in the comments section.

Nos. 128-91

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In losing seasons, the chance for major celebrations are few and far between. Wake Forest found a way to party, though, after beating Virginia Tech 6-3 in double overtime for its first ACC win of the season.

Scoreless after regulation, the Demon Deacons got field goals of 49 and 39 yards from Mike Weaver, the latter the game-winner. Weaver had missed three kicks during regulation, including one at the buzzer.

• 128. Eastern Michigan (2-9, 1-6 Mid-American)
  
• 127. Georgia State (1-10, 0-7 Sun Belt)
• 126. SMU (0-10, 0-6 American)
• 125. New Mexico State (2-9, 1-6 Sun Belt)
• 124. Idaho (1-9, 1-6 Sun Belt)
• 123. Kent State (1-9, 0-6 Mid-American)
• 122. Troy (3-8, 3-4 Sun Belt)
• 121. UNLV (2-10, 1-6 Mountain West)
• 120. Miami, Ohio (2-9, 2-5 Mid-American)
• 119. Tulsa (2-9, 2-5 American)
• 118. Connecticut (2-8, 1-5 American)
• 116. (tie) Southern Mississippi (3-8, 1-6 Conference USA)
• 116. (tie) Massachusetts (3-8, 3-4 Mid-American)
• 115. Army (4-7)
• 114. Florida International (4-8, 3-5 Conference USA)
• 113. Buffalo (4-6, 2-4 Mid-American). The Bulls' home game last week against Kent State was first postponed, then canceled, because of heavy snow. Without making up that game, Buffalo won't be able to reach bowl eligibility.
  
• 112. UTSA (3-8, 2-5 Conference USA)
• 111. Florida Atlantic (3-8, 2-5 Conference USA)
• 110. New Mexico (3-8, 1-6 Mountain West)
• 109. Tulane (3-8, 2-5 American)
• 108. North Texas (4-7, 2-5 Conference USA)
• 107. Louisiana-Monroe (4-7, 3-4 Sun Belt)
• 106. South Florida (4-7, 3-4 American)
• 105. Wake Forest (3-8, 1-6 ACC)
• 104. Ball State (4-7, 3-4 Mid-American)
• 103. Old Dominion (5-6, 3-4 Conference USA)
• 102. Ohio (5-6, 3-4 Mid-American)
• 101. San Jose State (3-8, 2-5 Mountain West)
• 100. Hawaii (4-8, 3-4 Mountain West).  The Warriors got a 20-yard touchdown pass from Ikaika Woolsey to Marcus Kemp as time expired to win 37-35 over visiting UNLV. The teams combined for 27 points in the final five minutes of play, with UNLV going ahead 35-31 with 15 seconds left.
• 99. Wyoming (4-7, 2-5 Mountain West)
• 98. Akron (5-6, 3-4 Mid-American)
• 97. Texas State (6-5, 4-3 Sun Belt)
• 95. (tie) Vanderbilt (3-8, 0-7 SEC)
• 95. (tie) South Alabama (6-5, 5-3 Sun Belt)
• 94. Appalachian State (6-5, 5-2 Sun Belt). The Mountaineers won their fifth straight game, shocking defending conference champ Louisiana-Lafayette 35-16 on the road. Marcus Cox ran for 151 yards and two touchdowns, giving Appalachian State a shot at a bowl bid, but as a transitional FBS member only if all other eligible teams get slotted for bowl games. 
• 93. Kansas (3-8, 1-7 Big 12)
• 92. UAB (5-6, 3-4 Conference USA)
• 91. Colorado (2-9, 0-8 Pac-12)

Nos. 90-61

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David Reisner's 36-yard field goal with eight seconds left gave Illinois a 16-14 win over Penn State, putting the Fighting Illini within one game of bowl eligibility.

Reisner, who kicked three field goals, missed a 50-yard try earlier in the fourth quarter, before making the winning kick. The victory sets up a showdown at rival Northwestern on Saturday, with the winner getting a likely bowl bid.

• 90. UTEP (6-5, 4-3 Conference USA)
  
• 89. Middle Tennessee (6-5, 5-2 Conference USA)
• 88. Indiana (3-8, 0-7 Big Ten)
• 87. Central Michigan (7-5, 5-3 Mid-American)
• 86. Iowa State (2-8, 0-7 Big 12)
• 85. Purdue (3-8, 1-6 Big Ten)
• 83. (tie) Western Kentucky (6-5, 3-4 Conference USA)
• 83. (tie) Bowling Green (7-4, 5-2 Mid-America0
• 82. Syracuse (3-8, 1-6 ACC)
• 81. Fresno State (5-6, 4-3 Mountain West)
• 80. Illinois (5-6, 2-5 Big Ten)
• 79. Arkansas State (6-5, 4-3 Sun Belt)
• 78. Washington State (3-8, 2-6 Pac-12)
• 77. Air Force (8-3, 4-3 Mountain West)
• 76. Louisiana-Lafayette (7-4, 6-1 Sun Belt)
• 75. Temple (5-5, 3-3 American)
• 74. San Diego State (6-5, 4-3 Mountain West)
• 73. Rutgers (6-5, 2-5 Big Ten)
• 72. Georgia Southern (8-3, 7-0 Sun Belt)
• 71. Texas Tech (4-7, 2-6 Big 12)
• 70. Oregon State (5-6, 2-6 Pac-12)
• 69. Rice (7-4, 5-2 Conference USA)
• 68. Navy (5-5)
• 67. Nevada (6-5, 3-4 Mountain West)
• 66. Western Michigan (8-3, 6-1 Mid-American). The Broncos won their sixth straight, beating Central Michigan 32-20 on the road to stay tied for first place with Northern Illinois and Toledo in the West Division. Western Michigan, which was 1-11 a year ago, hosts NIU on Friday.
• 64. (tie) Pittsburgh (5-6, 3-5 ACC)
• 64. (tie) Oklahoma State (5-6, 3-5 Big 12)
• 62. (tie) Virginia (5-6, 3-4 ACC). The Cavaliers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 30-13 home win over Miami (Florida) to set up a rivalry game with Virginia Tech that will also give the winner bowl eligibility. Virginia's last bowl appearance was in 2011. 
• 62. (tie) North Carolina State (6-5, 2-5 ACC)
• 61. Toledo (7-4, 6-1 Mid-American)

Nos. 60-51

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East Carolina wide receiver Justin Hardy became the FBS career receptions leader in the Pirates' 34-6 home win over Tulane.

Hardy caught nine passes for 104 yards, giving him 355. That's six more than former Oklahoma wideout Ryan Broyles had from 2008-11. His 4,153 career receiving yards puts him 13th on the all-time list.

• 60. Michigan (5-6, 3-4 Big Ten)
  
• 59. Houston (6-4, 4-2 American)
• 57. (tie) Kentucky (5-6, 2-6 SEC)
• 57. (tie) California (5-6, 3-6 Pac-12)
• 56. Northwestern (5-6, 3-4 Big Ten)
• 55. Northern Illinois (9-2, 6-1 Mid-American)
• 54. Virginia Tech (5-6, 2-5 ACC)
• 53. North Carolina Tar Heels (6-5, 4-3 ACC). The Tar Heels beat rival Duke 45-20 on the road, getting bowl-eligible while also knocking the Blue Devils out of the ACC title game in the process. Marquise Williams had 374 yards of total offense with four touchdowns in the victory. 
• 52. Penn State (6-5, 2-5 Big Ten)
• 51. East Carolina (7-3, 4-2 American)

50. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

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Average rating: 48.67

Week 13 result: Lost 30-27 (in OT) at Old Dominion

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Rice

Louisiana Tech (7-4, 6-1 Conference USA) had its five-game win streak snapped on the road against transitioning FBS member Old Dominion, which after Tech scored a field goal in overtime won it on a David Washington touchdown catch from Taylor Heinicke.

The Bulldogs, who must beat defending C-USA champ Rice to clinch the West Division and face Marshall for the conference title, intercepted four Old Dominion passes but also committed two turnovers of their own. Cody Sokol threw for 217 yards and a touchdown, while Kenneth Dixon ran for 106 with a TD.

49. Boston College Eagles

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Average rating: 48.33

Week 13 result: Lost 20-17 at Florida State

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Syracuse

Boston College (6-5, 3-4 ACC) became the latest team this season to hang with the defending national champions, only to lose in the final moments. The Eagles had a chance to take the lead with 4:37 left but Alex Howell missed a 43-yard field goal, and Florida State kicked its own field goal to win with three seconds left.

The Eagles got a touchdown pass and a TD run from quarterback Tyler Murphy, but he ran for only 48 yards after coming in with 1,006 yards and nine scores.

47. (tie) Maryland Terrapins

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Average rating: 45.5

Week 13 result: Won 23-16 at Michigan

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Rutgers

Maryland (7-4, 4-3 Big Ten) scored twice in the fourth quarter to rally past Michigan for its fifth road victory this season.

The Terrapins got touchdown runs from quarterback C.J. Brown and running back Wes Brown after managing just three field goals through the first three quarters. C.J. Brown ran for 87 yards to go with 165 passing yards.

Maryland won despite allowing Michigan to gain 292 rushing yards.

47. (tie) BYU Cougars

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Average rating: 45.5

Week 13 result: Won 64-0 vs. Savannah State

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at California

BYU (7-4) posted its first shutout in more than two years, overwhelming an overmatched FCS opponent for its highest point total since 2001.

The Cougars outgained winless Savannah State 487-63, forcing three turnovers while racing out to a 51-0 lead. Christian Stewart had six total touchdowns in the first half, rushing for two TDs and getting 196 yards with four TDs on 12-of-17 passing.

46. Washington Huskies

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Average rating: 44.0

Week 13 result: Won 37-13 vs. Oregon State

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Washington State

Washington (7-5, 3-5 Pac-12) locked up bowl eligibility with an impressive performance in its home finale, getting a balanced offensive attack that featured four long touchdown plays.

The Huskies gained 226 of their 481 yards on those four TDs, with Cyler Miles throwing a 54-yard TD pass to Jaydon Mickens in the first quarter and connecting with Darrell Daniels for a 68-yard TD pass in the fourth. Mickens added a 38-yard rushing TD, while Dwayne Washington ran for 100 yards, including a 68-yard scoring run in the first.

45. UCF Knights

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Average rating: 43.67

Week 13 result: Won 53-7 vs. SMU

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 28 at South Florida

UCF (7-3, 5-1 American) stayed in contention for a second consecutive conference title, dominating winless SMU in all facets of the game.

The Knights gained 490 yards, including 236 on the ground, with Micah Reed rushing for 112 yards and Dontravious Wilson gaining 80 yards with two touchdowns. Justin Holman threw for 228 yards and two TDs.

UCF held SMU to 116 yards and four first downs while forcing five turnovers, and also got a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown from Michael Easton.

44. Miami (Florida) Hurricanes

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Average rating: 40.5

Week 13 result: Lost 30-13 at Virginia

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Pittsburgh

Miami (6-5, 3-4 ACC) lost its second straight game, giving up 30 straight points after leading 7-0 after the first quarter.

The Hurricanes allowed 195 rushing yards, while Duke Johnson managed only a season-low 88 yards after six straight 100-yard games. Brad Kaaya threw for 263 yards and a touchdown, but he was intercepted once and sacked four times.

43. Tennessee Volunteers

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Average rating: 40.0

Week 13 result: Lost 29-21 vs. Missouri

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Vanderbilt

Tennessee (5-6, 2-5 SEC) saw its offensive momentum—and two-game win streak—end at home at the hands of East Division-leading Missouri, meaning for the Volunteers to become bowl-eligible it will need to win at rival Vanderbilt.

Joshua Dobbs was held in check after three games of offensive proliferation, throwing for 195 yards and a touchdown with an interception but rushing for only 13 yards. The Vols had only 279 yards of total offense, including 31 on a fake field goal touchdown pass from Patrick Ashford to Alex Ellis.

42. Utah State Aggies

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Average rating: 39.0

Week 13 result: Won 41-7 vs. San Jose State

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Boise State

Utah State (9-3, 6-1 Mountain West) won its fifth straight game to remain tied atop the Mountain Division, getting 200 yards of total offense and four touchdowns from quarterback Kent Myers.

Myers, the Aggies' fourth different starting quarterback this season, ran for 92 yards and three TDs. The Aggies gained 313 yards on the ground, including 124 and a TD from JoJo Natson.

Utah State held San Jose State to 252 yards of total offense.

41. Iowa Hawkeyes

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Average rating: 38.0

Week 13 result: Lost 26-24 vs. Wisconsin

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 28 vs. Nebraska

Iowa (7-4, 4-3 Big Ten) was able to move the ball against Wisconsin better than most teams have this season, but the Hawkeyes didn't have enough offense to offset what Badgers running back Melvin Gordon did.

Gordon ran for 200 yards and two touchdowns, part of 266 rushing yards for Wisconsin. Iowa came in allowing 147.8 yards per game on the ground.

Jake Rudock threw for 311 yards and two TDs, also rushing for a score, as Iowa fought back from a 19-3 deficit to pull within two points twice in the fourth quarter.

40. South Carolina Gamecocks

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Average rating: 36.5

Week 13 result: Won 37-12 vs. South Alabama

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Clemson

South Carolina (6-5, 3-5 SEC) secured a likely seventh straight bowl bid with a nonconference win ahead of its annual in-state rivalry, scoring 20 points in just over 14 minutes in the second half to break open a 17-9 game at the half.

Dylan Thompson threw for 237 yards and a touchdown, while he also caught a seven-yard TD pass from receiver Pharoh Cooper. The Gamecocks ran for 210 yards, getting 77 from Brandon Wilds.

Both teams turned it over five times, but South Carolina converted one of its takeaways into immediate points when Brison Williams returned a second-quarter interception 21 yards for a touchdown.

39. Texas Longhorns

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Average rating: 36.33

Week 13 result: Bye

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 27 vs. TCU

Texas (6-5, 5-3 Big 12) is riding a three-game win streak that featured road wins at Texas Tech and Oklahoma State and only 36 total points allowed. The Longhorns have hit their stride and are a dangerous team, with that defense locking down and the offense slowly coming around.

Up to 28th in yards allowed and 14th in passing defense, Texas is allowing its young offense to develop and become more effective, particularly with quarterback Tyrone Swoopes. The sophomore is coming off his best game yet, completing 24 of 33 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 12 TD passes against only six interceptions this season.

38. Cincinnati Bearcats

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Average rating: 35.67

Week 13 result: Won 41-0 at Connecticut

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Temple

Cincinnati (7-3, 5-1 American) kept alive its hope for at least a share of the conference title, posting its first shutout victory since last September.

The Bearcats held Connecticut to 129 yards, far below the 487.1 yards per game they allowed in their first nine games, while forcing three turnovers.

Gunner Kiel threw for 161 yards and three touchdowns, and Rodriguez Moore ran for 108 and a TD.

37. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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Average rating: 34.0

Week 13 result: Lost 31-28 vs. Louisville

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at USC

Notre Dame (7-4) lost its third straight game overall and second consecutive at home, with Kyle Brindza continuing his recent kicking struggles by missing a potential game-tying 32-yard field goal in the final seconds.

The Fighting Irish allowed 30 or more points for a school-record sixth straight game, allowing Louisville to run for 229 yards, which included a pair of rushing touchdowns by quarterback Reggie Bonnafon. Notre Dame ran for only 99 yards, and Everett Golson was held to 236 yards and a touchdown with an interception on 16-of-24 passing.

Golson has turned it over 20 times in the past eight games.

36. Duke Blue Devils

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Average rating: 33.2

Week 13 result: Lost 45-20 vs. North Carolina

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Wake Forest

Duke (8-3, 4-3 ACC) lost out on a shot at a second straight Coastal Division title, falling behind 38-7 as its defense failed to hold down the Tar Heels in losing for the second week in a row.

The Blue Devils allowed 592 yards to North Carolina, including 316 on the ground. Duke would have won the Coastal had it won out thanks to a tiebreaker over Georgia Tech, but with the loss fell into a tie for second with UNC.

Anthony Boone threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns but he committed two turnovers, including a fumble that UNC returned for a first-quarter score.

34. (tie) West Virginia Mountaineers

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Average rating: 32.63

Week 13 result: Lost 26-20 vs. Kansas State

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Iowa State

West Virginia (6-5, 4-4 Big 12) lost its third straight game, and in the process saw starting quarterback Clint Trickett go down with a concussion.

The Mountaineers rallied from a 20-3 deficit behind Skyler Howard, a sophomore who threw for 198 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-23 passing in just his second game of action. West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen said Howard will start the regular-season finale, regardless of Trickett's status.

West Virginia turned it over four times, dropping its turnover margin to minus-15 for the season.

34. (tie) Memphis Tigers

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Average rating: 32.63

Week 13 result: Won 31-20 vs. South Florida

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Connecticut

Memphis (8-3, 6-1 American) won its fifth straight, moving closer to its first conference title in more than 40 years.

The Tigers got four total touchdowns from quarterback Paxton Lynch, who threw for 232 yards and two TDs while rushing for a pair of scores. Memphis ran for 238 yards, 189 of that coming from Brandon Hayes.

Memphis has a half-game lead over Cincinnati and UCF atop the American standings. A win in its finale will give it a share of its first conference title since 1971.

33. Stanford Cardinal

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Average rating: 31.67

Week 13 result: Won 38-17 at California

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 28 at UCLA

Stanford (6-5, 4-4 Pac-12) locked up a sixth straight season of bowl eligibility, dominating rival California on the road behind four rushing touchdowns from Remound Wright and five forced turnovers.

The Cardinal intercepted each of Cal's quarterbacks twice, holding Jared Goff to 182 yards on 16-of-31 passing after Goff came in averaging 339.8 passing yards per game.

Wright ran for 92 yards and scored from inside five yards four times, helping Stanford improve its red-zone scoring. Kevin Hogan threw for 214 yards and added 46 rushing yards and a TD.

32. Texas A&M Aggies

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Average rating: 31.3

Week 13 result: Bye

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 27 vs. LSU

Texas A&M (7-4, 3-4 SEC) will be playing in a bowl game, despite its struggles in the second half of the season, which will enable its many young contributors extra practice time to develop. Which destination the Aggies get could depend on how they fare in the finale against LSU, a team their young defense could feast on but against whom their offense may struggle to move the ball.

A&M has been in a funk at home of late, losing two of three at Kyle Field, with the only win a five-point victory against Sun Belt team Louisiana-Monroe.

Another victory guarantees the Aggies a third straight season of at least eight wins for the first time since 1997-99.

31. USC Trojans

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Average rating: 28.9

Week 13 result: Lost 38-20 at UCLA

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Notre Dame

USC (7-4, 6-3 Pac-12) lost to its rival for the third straight season, the most since losing eight in a row from 1991-98, and fell out of the race for the South Division title.

The Trojans led 7-0 early, thanks to a 17-yard Anthony Sarao interception return. After that, though, USC couldn't slow down the Bruins' offense and allowed 461 yards.

Cody Kessler had his worst game of the season, throwing for only 214 yards with a touchdown and interception while getting sacked six times. Javorius Allen ran for 60 yards and a TD, his second straight subpar game after six consecutive 100-yard rushing performances.

30. Utah Utes

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Average rating: 28.7

Week 13 result: Lost 42-10 vs. Arizona

Week 14 matchup: Oct. 29 at Colorado

Utah (7-4, 4-4 Pac-12) suffered its worst loss of the season, getting blown out at home for the second time in three games after giving the ball away four times to Arizona.

Two of those turnovers led directly to touchdowns, one on a fumble return and another on an interception. Utah quarterbacks were picked off three times, negating a 142-yard rushing effort from Devontae Booker.

The Utes gave up 520 yards, including 218 rushing yards to Arizona running back Nick Wilson.

29. Florida Gators

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Average rating: 28.5

Week 13 result: Won 52-3 vs. Eastern Kentucky

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Florida State

Florida (6-4, 4-4 SEC) played its final home game under outgoing coach Will Muschamp, sending him off in style with a dominant victory over an FCS team to secure bowl eligibility.

The Gators got four touchdowns from Jeff Driskel, three through the air along with 164 yards on 9-of-11 passing along with a rushing score, while Treon Harris threw two TD passes. Both Demarcus Robinson and Quinton Dunbar caught two TD passes.

Florida held Eastern Kentucky to 142 yards.

27. (tie) Boise State Broncos

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Average rating: 28.0

Week 13 result: Won 63-14 at Wyoming

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Utah State

Boise State (9-2, 6-1 Mountain West) dominated on the road, gaining 558 yards to stay in a three-way tie for the Mountain Division title.

Grant Hedrick threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns on 12-of-19 passing, while Jay Ajayi ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns and added a 73-yard TD catch. The Broncos ran for 312 yards while holding Wyoming's run game to 80 yards.

Boise, on a six-game winning streak, wins the division with a victory over Utah State.

27. (tie) Arkansas Razorbacks

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Average rating: 28.0

Week 13 result: Won 30-0 vs. Ole Miss

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 28 at Missouri

Arkansas (6-5, 2-5 SEC) had a 17-game conference losing streak two weeks ago. Now it's won back-to-back league games, both by shutout, and is bowl-eligible heading into a finale where it can affect the East Division championship.

Quite a turnaround for the Razorbacks, who were 3-9 last season and until the past two weeks seemed to find new ways to lose late in close games.

"It's fun to see the things I knew were coming come full circle into what we see today," Arkansas coach Bret Bielema told reporters (h/t CoachingSearch.com) afterward.

The back-to-back shutouts are the first such consecutive blankings for Arkansas since 1992, with the Ole Miss shutout helped by forcing six turnovers. Rohan Gaines returned an interception 100 yards for a score in the third quarter.

If Arkansas beats Missouri on Friday it would knock the Tigers out of first in the SEC East, giving the division to Georgia.

26. Nebraska Cornhuskers

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Average rating: 27.6

Week 13 result: Lost 28-24 vs. Minnesota

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 28 at Iowa

Nebraska (8-3, 4-3 Big Ten) lost its second straight, giving up a 10-point lead and then coughing up the ball near the goal line with less than two minutes left on what would have been a go-ahead scoring drive.

In other words, par for the course when the Cornhuskers play in big games under coach Bo Pelini, according to USA Today's Dan Wolken:

"Nebraska losing to ranked teams has become so routine and predictable, you barely even need to watch with just two wins in its last 10," Wolken wrote. 

A week after getting blown out at Wisconsin, Nebraska controlled this one until the final 20 minutes. Minnesota took the lead with 3:25 left, but the 'Huskers drove down the field and looked to be set to re-take the lead, then receiver De'Mornay Pierson-El was stripped of the ball at the 2-yard line with 1:19 left.

25. Colorado State Rams

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Average rating: 26.4

Week 13 result: Won 58-20 vs. New Mexico

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 28 at Air Force

Colorado State (10-1, 6-1 Mountain West) won its ninth straight game behind a school-record 698 yards, remaining tied for the Mountain Division with Boise State and Utah State.

Garrett Grayson threw for 389 yards and three touchdowns, while Dee Hart ran for 230 yards and five TDs on 20 carries. Rashard Higgins returned from a one-game absence because of injury to catch 10 passes for 167 yards and two TDs.

The Rams, who forced four New Mexico turnovers, can win the Mountain with a victory at Air Force and a Utah State win over Boise State. CSU beat Utah State this season but lost to Boise.

24. LSU Tigers

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Average rating: 25.9

Week 13 result: Bye

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 27 at Texas A&M

LSU (7-4, 3-4 SEC) has lost two straight and managed a mere 23 points over its past three games, including a 17-0 loss at Arkansas last time out. The Tigers have fallen to 86th in total offense, mostly because of a passing game that ranks 112th and has completed only 49.4 percent of its throws.

Being able to keep the score low has saved LSU numerous times this season, as it ranks 12th in total defense and gives up only 16.4 points per game. Yet because of the offensive struggles the Tigers are at risk of their worst regular-season record since 2008.

23. Minnesota Golden Gophers

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Average rating: 25.7

Week 13 result: Won 28-24 at Nebraska

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Wisconsin

Minnesota (8-3, 5-2 Big Ten) won at Nebraska for the first time in 54 years, continuing its best season since 2003 and now has a chance to win the West Division title in the regular-season finale.

The Golden Gophers rallied from a 10-point deficit with two touchdowns in the final 17 minutes of play, going ahead with 3:25 left on Mitch Leidner's two-yard TD run. Leidner ran for 110 yards and two scores, helping fill the gap when running back David Cobb went down with a hamstring injury after managing 80 yards and a TD himself.

It was Minnesota's first road win over a ranked team since 2000, and sets up Saturday's game at Wisconsin as a West Division championship. The Golden Gophers have never played in the Big Ten title game, last having a share of the conference crown in 1967.

22. Louisville Cardinals

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Average rating: 23.5

Week 13 result: Won 31-28 at Notre Dame

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Kentucky

Louisville (8-3, 5-3 ACC) beefed up its resume for a better bowl invite, possibly even the Orange Bowl as the ACC's best team after Florida State, by winning at Notre Dame in a game it controlled nearly throughout despite the score.

It also helped that Notre Dame missed a short field goal in the final seconds.

The Cardinals ran for 229 yards, led by 136 and a touchdown from Brandon Radcliff, while Reggie Bonnafon threw for 180 yards and a TD and scored twice on the ground.

Louisville held Notre Dame to 335 yards, including only 99 on the ground. The Cardinals rank third nationally in rushing defense, allowing 88.5 yards per game.

21. Clemson Tigers

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Average rating: 23.4

Week 13 result: Won 28-0 vs. Georgia State

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. South Carolina

Clemson (8-3, 6-2 ACC) posted its second shutout of the season, as its top-ranked defense held Georgia State to only 155 yards while forcing four turnovers.

Freshman running back Tyshon Dye had 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Cole Stoudt bounced back from last week's three-interception effort in a loss to Georgia Tech by completing 19 of 29 passes for 132 yards and a TD with an interception.

Clemson held Georgia State to only 40 rushing yards.

20. Marshall Thundering Herd

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Average rating: 22.2

Week 13 result: Won 23-18 at UAB

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 28 vs. Western Kentucky

Marshall (11-0, 7-0 Conference USA) won its 12th straight game despite failing to top 30 points for the first time this season, scoring a defensive touchdown midway through the fourth quarter for the road victory.

Ra'Shawde Myers recovered a UAB fumble in the end zone with 7:35 left for the go-ahead score after the Blazers went up 18-17 four minutes earlier.

The Thundering Herd gained 515 yards, getting 284 passing yards and two touchdowns from Rakeem Cato. Cato has thrown a TD in 43 straight games, an FBS record. Devon Johnson added 171 rushing yards to give him 1,573 for the season.

19. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

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Average rating: 18.0

Week 13 result: Bye

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Georgia

Georgia Tech (9-2, 6-2 ACC) won big last weekend despite not being on the field. Duke's home loss to North Carolina gave the Yellow Jackets the Coastal Division title, their fourth division crown, and a shot at defending national champion Florida State in the ACC title game on Dec. 6.

Before that, though, comes the in-state battle with Georgia that has resulted in five straight losses. Though it won't have an effect on the conference final, being able to beat the Bulldogs could help Tech's chances of landing a spot in the Orange Bowl as the ACC representative even with a loss to Florida State.

Tech's option run game has been solid all season, ranking fourth nationally at 327.9 yards per game. Running back depth took a hit in the Jackets' last game when Broderick Snoddy broke his leg against Clemson, but quarterback Justin Thomas can pick up the slack by either keeping it more or passing it. Thomas has 2,223 yards of total offense that includes 15 passing touchdowns.

18. Oklahoma Sooners

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Average rating: 17.4

Week 13 result: Won 44-7 vs. Kansas

Week 14 matchup: Bye

Oklahoma (8-3, 5-3 Big 12) knew it had a good one in freshman running back Samaje Perine, but now it has a record-holder after Perine ran for an FBS single-game best 427 yards in the demolition of Kansas.

A week after Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon set the FBS record with 408 yards, Perine surpassed that mark on his 34th carry, a 42-yard run with 12:16 left in the fourth quarter. He scored five times, and has 1,428 yards and 19 scores for the season, including 640 yards and eight TDs in the past two games.

"Perine was touched (on TD runs) only four times by a Kansas defender, and none of the contact resembled even the slightest of threats to bring him down," Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports wrote. "Hell, on two of the runs he wasn't touched at all."

The Sooners ran for 510 yards, and held Kansas to 103 yards, including only 19 on the ground.

17. Missouri Tigers

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Average rating: 17.2

Week 13 result: Won 29-21 at Tennessee

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 28 vs. Arkansas

Missouri (9-2, 6-1 SEC) earned its 10th straight road win, keeping its hold on first place in the East Division behind key plays on defense and strong second-half play from quarterback Maty Mauk.

Mauk connected with Jimmie Hunt on a 73-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter, then added a 13-yard TD pass to Bud Sasser to build the Tigers' lead to 29-13. Mauk threw for 230 yards despite completing only 12 of 25 passes.

The Tigers' defense slowed down mobile Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs, holding him to 13 rushing yards after he'd gained 289 in the previous three games.

Missouri wins the East Division with a win against Arkansas. A loss drops it into a tie with Georgia for first place, but Georgia would get the berth into the SEC title game because it won at Missouri earlier this season.

15. (tie) Ole Miss Rebels

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Average rating: 16.2

Week 13 result: Lost 30-0 at Ole Miss

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Mississippi State

Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3 SEC) has gone from being in the driver's seat to win the West Division and possibly play for a national title a month ago to taking a three-game SEC losing streak into its finale against rival Mississippi State. The Rebels have fallen apart after a 7-0 start, its offense hampered by six turnovers, including four from Bo Wallace.

"The Rebels were down 10-0 less than halfway through the first quarter and things spiraled out of control from there," wrote Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports.

With the offense giving it away constantly—one interception was returned 100 yards by Arkansas for a touchdown—Ole Miss' defense couldn't carry the load despite allowing only 311 yards and forcing field goals on a trio of red-zone possessions.

15. (tie) Arizona Wildcats

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Average rating: 16.2

Week 13 result: Won 42-10 at Utah

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 28 vs. Arizona State

Arizona (9-2, 6-2 Pac-12) saw its star quarterback leave the game at halftime with an ankle injury, but that didn't slow down its momentum in a huge road win to set up a shot at the South Division title.

Anu Solomon threw for 158 yards and ran for a touchdown before sitting out the second half, when the Wildcats turned a 21-10 lead into a blowout behind freshman running back Nick Wilson and a relentless defense. Wilson ran for 218 yards and three TDs, including a 75-yard scoring run, and Arizona forced four turnovers while recording two defensive TDs.

Dan Pettinato scored on a 31-yard fumble return in the second quarter, then in the fourth Tra'Mayne Bondurant brought back an interception 39 yards for a score.

"That quiets the crowd and turns the momentum to our side," Pettinato told Daniel Berk of the Arizona Daily Star. "As an offense, it has to get you down to see the defense score."

Arizona can win the South with a victory over rival Arizona State and a UCLA loss to Stanford.

14. Arizona State Sun Devils

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Average rating: 14.8

Week 13 result: Won 52-31 vs. Washington State

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 28 at Arizona

Arizona State (9-2, 6-2 Pac-12) was outgained by 292 yards, yet thanks to five turnovers was able to rally from a 21-7 deficit to win its home finale and remain tied for first place in the South Division.

Taylor Kelly threw for 232 yards and four touchdowns on 15-of-25 passing, while D.J. Foster scored three times on the ground with rushing yards.

ASU allowed 601 passing yards and three TDs to Washington State quarterback Luke Falk, but the Sun Devils intercepted him four times.

The Sun Devils, defending division champions, win the South with a victory at Arizona and a UCLA loss to Stanford.

13. Auburn Tigers

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Average rating: 14.0

Week 13 result: Won 31-7 vs. Samford

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Alabama

Auburn (8-3, 4-3 SEC) went scoreless for more than 23 minutes and trailed 7-0 against its FCS opponent before coming alive and cruising in its last game before the Iron Bowl at Alabama.

The Tigers got a 23-yard touchdown run from Quan Bray less than a minute after falling behind, the first of three rushing TDs for them on the night. Auburn ran for only 200 yards, below its average of 272.8 yards per game, but had a balanced attack led by 129 and a TD from Cameron Artis-Payne.

Nick Marshall completed 11 of 18 passes for 171 yards and a TD, and Auburn held Samford to 238 yards.

12. Wisconsin Badgers

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Average rating: 13.6

Week 13 result: Won 26-24 at Iowa

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Minnesota

Wisconsin (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten) gets to play for the West Division title at home this weekend after holding off Iowa on the road, getting another huge game from Melvin Gordon a week after Gordon (briefly) set the single-game rushing record.

Gordon ran for 200 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries, giving him an FBS-leading 2,109 yards and 15 TDs. That's the 10th-most yardage in FBS history, putting him within reach of Barry Sanders' record of 2,628 if the Badgers get to play 14 games.

"It was Gordon's fifth 200-yard rushing day of the season and he ended the game tied with Heisman winner Ron Dayne for the UW (and Big Ten) single-season rushing record with 2,109 yards," wrote Tom Oates of the Wisconsin State Journal. "But the most important thing was that when Gordon's team needed him, he was there for it."

Wisconsin is on a six-game winning streak, and clinches the West Division with a victory over Minnesota.

11. Kansas State Wildcats

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Average rating: 11.2

Week 13 result: Won 26-20 at West Virginia

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Kansas

Kansas State (8-2, 6-1 Big 12) continues to hold the conference's fate in its hands, having helped out both Baylor and TCU by winning at West Virginia on Thursday. The victory also keeps the Wildcats tied for first place in the Big 12, with the ability to take the title if they win out.

The win over West Virginia required Jake Waters to take everything on himself, but without the ability to balance things out with running. K-State ran for only three yards as a team, with Waters managing only 13 yards on 12 carries, but he made up for it with 400 yards and a touchdown on 22-of-34 passing.

"That is why you play, to go out there and have them call your number," Waters told Kellis Robinett of the Kansas City Star.

Tyler Lockett had 321 all-purpose yards, returning a punt 43 yards for a touchdown while also catching 10 passes for 196 yards.

10. UCLA Bruins

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Average rating: 7.6

Week 13 result: Won 38-20 vs. USC

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 28 vs. Stanford

UCLA (9-2, 6-2 Pac-12) once again took down its crosstown rival, and in doing so stayed in line for the South Division title.

"UCLA runs L.A., if you guys didn't hear last year," quarterback Brett Hundley told The Associated Press (h/t ESPN) after the Bruins' third straight win over the Trojans.

Despite trailing 7-0 early after Hundley's first pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown, UCLA controlled nearly the entire game. Hundley threw for 326 yards and three TDs, including a 57-yard TD pass to Thomas Duarte midway through the first quarter for a 14-7 lead. Hundley also ran for a score in the second half, giving him 28 total scores this season.

The Bruins shut down USC's offense, holding it to 276 yards and forcing a pair of turnovers. During its five-game win streak, UCLA has held four opponents to 366 yards or fewer.

UCLA wins the South Division with a Friday victory over Stanford, against whom it has lost six straight.

9. Michigan State Spartans

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Average rating: 9.7

Week 13 result: Won 45-3 vs. Rutgers

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Penn State

Michigan State (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten) wrapped up its home schedule with a no-doubter, jumping out to a 35-0 lead while gaining 520 yards.

The Spartans got 254 passing yards and two touchdowns from quarterback Connor Cook, while Jeremy Langford and Nick Hill both ran for two touchdowns and combined for 185 of the team's 242 rushing yards.

MSU held Rutgers to 234 yards and forced three turnovers. The Spartans rank eighth in yards allowed, at 299 per game.

8. Ohio State Buckeyes

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Average rating: 7.6

Week 13 result: Won 42-27 vs. Indiana

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Michigan

Ohio State (10-1, 7-0 Big Ten) struggled for much of its game with last-place Indiana, trailing by six in the second half, before erupting for 28 points in less than a quarter all from the same player.

Jalin Marshall scored on a 54-yard punt return late in the third quarter to put the Buckeyes up 21-20, then in the fourth he caught three touchdown passes from J.T. Barrett. Marshall finished with 151 all-purpose yards.

Barrett threw for 302 yards and four TDs and ran for 78, but he was intercepted twice as well. Ezekiel Elliott added 107 rushing yards and a score.

OSU shut down Indiana's passing game, but it allowed Tevin Coleman to rush for 228 yards and three TDs.

7. Georgia Bulldogs

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Average rating: 7.0

Week 13 result: Won 55-9 vs. Charleston Southern

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Georgia Tech

Georgia (9-2, 6-2 SEC) tuned up for its annual finale against in-state rival Georgia Tech with a seemingly effortless win over an FCS team, gaining 580 yards while jumping out to a 38-0 lead.

The Bulldogs ran for 270 yards, with Nick Chubb gaining 113 yards with two touchdowns on just nine carries. Chubb, a true freshman, has run for 1,152 yards and 11 TDs, getting 928 yards in the past six games since replacing Todd Gurley as the starting tailback.

Hutson Mason threw for 187 yards and three TDs, on 10-of-12 passing, and Georgia held the Buccaneers to 211 yards.

6. TCU Horned Frogs

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Average rating: 6.0

Week 13 result: Bye

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 27 at Texas

TCU (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) is locked in a three-way tie for first place but is not in control of its own destiny to win the Big 12. Even if the Horned Frogs win out they'd likely end up knotted with Baylor or Kansas State for the top spot and the conference would then declare co-champions despite tiebreakers.

More pressing at the moment, though, is having to visit Austin on Thanksgiving night. The road hasn't been as kind to TCU as playing at home, with its last three road games decided by a total of eight points, including a come-from-behind 34-30 win at lowly Kansas last time out.

Ranked second nationally in scoring and fourth in total offense, the Frogs have been able to score on everyone. But their defense has slipped to 54th in yards allowed, putting even more pressure on the offense to win games.

5. Baylor Bears

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Average rating: 5.2

Week 13 result: Won 49-28 vs. Oklahoma State

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Texas Tech (in Arlington, Texas)

Baylor (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) jumped out to a 28-7 lead and then cruised to a 14th straight home victory, the longest active streak in the nation, while remaining tied atop the conference with Kansas State and TCU.

Bryce Petty threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns (along with two interceptions) and ran for a 21-yard score to ice the game in the fourth quarter. The Bears ran for 317 yards, getting three TDs and 106 yards from Devin Chafin and 113 yards with a TD from Shock Linwood.

Baylor ranks No. 1 in the country in scoring (50 points per game) and total offense (584.5 yards per game).

4. Florida State Seminoles

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Average rating: 5.0

Week 13 result: Won 20-17 vs. Boston College

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Florida

Florida State (11-0, 8-0 ACC) won its 27th straight game, but once again had to come from behind and make a late rally, winning on Roberto Aguayo's 26-yard field goal with three seconds remaining. FSU has managed to drop in the rankings the last few weeks despite continuing to win, because its results aren't particularly impressive in the eyes of poll voters, computers or the playoff selection committee.

"Florida State became the 30th team to start 11-0 in the last 10 seasons," according to ESPN.com. "Among those teams, though, only the 2013 Northern Illinois team trailed or were tied in the second half of more games to this point than FSU."

How FSU is winning seems to matter to the committee, but the reality is the Seminoles haven't lost since Dec. 1, 2012. It finds ways to get the job done, like in this one when they slowed down Boston College quarterback Tyler Murphy and forced BC into a field goal it missed before FSU kicked its own game-winner.

3. Mississippi State Bulldogs

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Average rating: 4.2

Week 13 result: Won 51-0 vs. Vanderbilt

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Ole Miss

Mississippi State (10-1, 6-1 SEC) shook off the memories of its first loss of the season with a dominant home win over Vanderbilt, its second shutout win of the season and first in conference play since 1999.

Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes and ran for another, giving him 36 total scores this season, while Joe Morrow caught two TDs and running back Josh Robinson had a receiving score to go with 63 rushing yards.

The Bulldogs held Vanderbilt to 228 yards and forced three turnovers, with Christian Holmes scoring on a 51-yard fumble return.

MSU can win the SEC West with a win at Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl and an Alabama loss to Auburn.

2. Oregon Ducks

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Average rating: 2.8

Week 13 result: Won 44-10 vs. Colorado

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 at Oregon State

Oregon (10-1, 7-1 Pac-12) had no trouble cruising past Colorado in its home finale, a game that might also have been quarterback Marcus Mariota's final contest in Autzen Stadium.

The Heisman-contending junior threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns on 24-of-32 passing and also ran for 73 yards and a score. For the year he has accounted for 42 TDs (including nine on the ground and one via a reception) and has 3,700 yards of total offense.

Royce Freeman rushed for 105 yards and two TDs, giving the freshman 1,050 yards and 16 scores.

The Ducks held Colorado to 226 yards after allowing 456.7 yards per game coming in.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

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Average rating: 1.2

Week 13 result: Won 48-14 vs. Western Carolina

Week 14 matchup: Nov. 29 vs. Auburn

Alabama (10-1, 6-1 SEC) got a tougher challenge than expected early on from its annual November pushover opponent, leading only 17-14 midway through the second quarter before taking over and cruising in its final tune-up before the Iron Bowl.

The Crimson Tide gained 612 yards, getting 222 passing yards and two touchdowns from Blake Sims while Derrick Henry ran for 92 yards and two TDs and added a receiving score. Amari Cooper suffered a minor knee injury early, but not before catching three passes to tie the school career record of 194.

The Tide, which held Western Carolina to minus-8 rushing yards, win the SEC West by beating Auburn.

Statistical information from CFBStats.com.

Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.