College Football Rankings 2014: Final NCAA Overview of Week 13 Standings
We may not have another week featuring a clash between two Top Four teams, but the turmoil of the 2014 college football season will continue. Conference games run amok across the nation at this time of year, and those fierce rivalries always lead to some unexpected results.
While none of the Top Four in Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Mississippi State will be facing ranked opponents in Week 13, none are immune to defeat. Close calls won't be good enough, either. The Seminoles are undefeated but are ranked behind two one-loss teams, proving the College Football Playoff selection committee is taking strength of wins into heavy consideration.
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Will we see the Top Four remain the same for another week, or will a surging team like Ohio State or Baylor find its way in? Before many more expected changes within the nation's Top 25 take place, here's one final look at the current standings heading into Week 13.
College Football Playoff committee rankings can be viewed at CollegeFootballPlayoff.com.
Complete CFB standings can be viewed at ESPN.com.
Top Week 13 Storylines
Top Four Watch
The Crimson Tide enter Week 13 as the new No. 1 team in the nation in the eyes of the College Football Playoff selection committee thanks to their decisive win over Mississippi State.
Don't expect Alabama to be moving from its top-ranked position any time soon, as a contest with the Western Carolina Catamounts is in store for Saturday. While Western Carolina does hold a 7-4 record, it hasn't exactly had a difficult schedule, and that was apparent when looking back at the team's 51-0 loss to Chattanooga on November 1.
The Oregon Ducks catapulted into the No. 2 position despite spending last week on a bye. The Ducks hammered a stout Utah defense for 51 points one week prior, firmly establishing their offensive dominance. Expect them to continue that trend this week against a Colorado team giving up an average of 38.6 points per game.
Can the Seminoles earn an impressive win? They haven't been able to pull away from opponents lately, and that resulted in a drop down the rankings despite an undefeated record. Here's a very telling statistic, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Info:
This week, Florida State will try its hand against an unpredictable Boston College team.
The Eagles have had their fare share of good games this year. They defeated USC back in September while rushing for a total of 452 yards. However, they've also disappointed at other times and are coming off a bad loss to Louisville. We'll see which version of this team shows up against Florida State.
Mississippi State was handed its first loss of the season by Alabama in Week 12. This Saturday, the Bulldogs have a great chance for redemption against a Vanderbilt team ranked 119th in the nation in scoring offense and 102nd in scoring defense. Expect Dak Prescott and Co. to have a field day here.
Battle of Fringe Teams
It's coming down to the wire for teams on the outside looking in. Several worthy squads are just beyond the periphery of College Football Playoff eligibility, and each will need a strong performance to warrant any kind of chance to break through that barrier.
With No. 5 TCU inactive this week, one of the trailing teams could potentially leapfrog into that position if it gives a strong enough performance.
No. 6 Ohio State is a very likely candidate. Freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett has been playing out of his mind lately, notching two consecutive wins against ranked opponents. His 189 rushing yards in Week 12 against Minnesota set a new school record for a quarterback. With 38 total touchdowns on the season, he set another, even more impressive, record, via ESPN College Football:
All of a sudden, Barrett is in contention for the Heisman, and the Buckeyes are in contention for a playoff berth. This week they face an Indiana team that is giving up a massive amount of points each week, allowing an average of 33.6 per game. Expect Ohio State to take advantage and impress the selection committee with some gaudy numbers.
Just behind the Buckeyes is Baylor. It would be a tragedy to count out the Bears' top-ranked scoring offense at this time of year. After all, quarterback Bryce Petty's offense is averaging a whopping 50.1 points per game. We could be in for a laughable number here, as the Bears take on an Oklahoma State defense ranked 91st in the nation, allowing 30.0 points per contest.
If the Buckeyes and the Bears can put up enormous offensive numbers, and win by large margins, the selection committee will be left with an interesting decision at the No. 5 spot for Week 14.
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