College Football Playoff 2015: Top Four Predictions After Week 12 NCAA Results
After two consecutive weeks of the same four teams making up the College Football Playoff, Ohio State's loss to Michigan State will shake up the Week 13 rankings.
Since the teams directly trailing Ohio State were victorious Saturday, there shouldn't be much drama in the unveiling of the new Top Four.
However, there are plenty of tough games remaining on the schedule for the projected playoff teams.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Each of these teams appears to control its own destiny, but it would be a surprise if another upset or two didn't shake things up in the final weeks.
Projected Week 13 College Football Playoff Rankings
1. Clemson
For the second straight week, a banged-up Clemson team limped to victory in less-than-dominant fashion.
The Tigers' 33-13 win over Wake Forest certainly wasn't a statement win, but head coach Dabo Swinney's squad has put itself in a position where winning is the only thing that matters.
Clemson played without starting running back Wayne Gallman in this one, so the sloppy offensive performance, which included two interceptions by quarterback Deshaun Watson, can be somewhat forgiven.
At this point, Clemson simply needs to get healthy and keep winning. An undefeated Tigers squad will represent the ACC in the playoff regardless of how it looks down the stretch.
2. Alabama
The only thing head coach Nick Saban was concerned with Saturday was escaping a quasi-bye week against Charleston Southern without any injuries.
Alabama controls its own destiny and deserves to be considered a heavy favorite in the SEC, but its spot in the playoff is certainly not guaranteed.
"Saban: You're only as good as your last play. We obviously have a road game in one of the best rivalry games in the country.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) November 22, 2015"
The Tide travel to Auburn for a tough road rivalry game Saturday. Alabama will certainly be favored, but late-November rivalry games are rarely easy.
Expect Auburn to sell out to stop Heisman candidate Derrick Henry, forcing quarterback Jake Coker to win the game with his arm.
3. Notre Dame
We can be fairly confident in predicting Notre Dame and Iowa to round out the Top Four, but the order will be up for debate. The Irish have held steady ahead of Iowa throughout the CFP committee's initial rankings, but a narrow victory over Boston College could potentially open the Irish's placement back up for debate.
Regardless of whether Notre Dame is ranked third or fourth, it likely controls its own destiny to advance to the playoff.
While the Irish are hurt by their lack of a conference affiliation and therefore no title game to wrap up the season, a season finale at Stanford gives the team a chance to close the season with a statement victory on the road.
4. Iowa
Iowa may have some supporters for a rise to No. 3 due to Notre Dame's close call against Boston College, but ultimately, its victory over lowly Purdue is unlikely to be enough to boost the team up.
The Hawkeyes close out the regular season against Nebraska before facing either Michigan State, Michigan or Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game.
"Is America ready for Iowa in the Top 4???!!! #hawkeyes #ANF
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) November 22, 2015"
Even if Iowa is ranked fourth this week, fans shouldn't worry. By running the table, it will likely have the resume to jump one-loss Notre Dame and settle into No. 3.
That said, Iowa shouldn't look past Nebraska. The Cornhuskers need a victory to become bowl-eligible, are playing their best football of the season and have had their bye week to prepare.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
