Post-Week 10 CFB Top 25
1) LSU (8–0) ( — )
Bye week
2) Ohio State (8–0) ( — )
Bye week
3) Alabama (8–0) ( — )
Bye week
4) Penn State (8–0) ( — )
Bye week
5) Clemson (9–0) ( — )
Can someone please tell me why an elite Power 5 program played an FCS team in Week 10? THIS is the problem with College Football; it’s not the playoff format or how many teams make the playoff, its unbalance scheduling and 2019 Clemson is the epitome of that and that is why they are on the outside looking in. However, there is no reason Clemson shouldn’t run the table and win the ACC, which would put them in the playoff.
6) Georgia (7–1) (+2)
A victory over Florida allows Georgia to leap frog not only the Gators, but also Oregon, who had an impressive win themselves at USC. Georgia’s resume at this point is just a bit stronger than that of Oregon. Given their future opponents and conference outlooks, each of these squads has a shot to sneak into the playoff.
7) Oregon (8–1) ( — )
As mentioned, in what many considered a game to be on upset-watch, the Ducks went into the Coliseum and dominated USC. Oregon will face Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon State to round out the regular season before likely heading to the Pac-12 Championship Game. Even with a Pac-12 Championship, don’t be shocked to see the Ducks left out of this year’s playoff.
8) Florida (7–2) (-2)
Florida hosted Georgia this past weekend and although they were able to hang tight in a loss, this is a huge blow to the Gators, as it puts Georgia in the driver’s seat in the SEC East. This head-to-head matchup gives the tiebreaker to the Bulldogs, and creates a scenario where it will require a miracle for Florida to have a shot in the SEC.
9) Utah (8–1) ( — )
Much like Oregon, many were predicting a potential upset when Utah traveled to take on Washington. In a tight game, Utah ultimately prevailed over the Huskies to improve to 8–1. The Utes hold a one-game lead and the tie breaker over USC in the Pac-12 South. One thing to watch is the matchup between Utah and UCLA in two weeks, as UCLA, too, trails by just one game and an upset victory over Utah could spell doom for the Utes.
10) Oklahoma (7–1) ( — )
Bye week
11) Auburn (7–2) ( — )
Auburn narrowly squeaked past Ole Miss this weekend. As mentioned last week, Auburn has no shot at making this year’s playoff but they certainly have what it takes to play spoiler for a pair of SEC foes, Georgia and Alabama.
12) Baylor (8–0) ( — )
A terrific start for Baylor should not be overlooked but the final month of this season will determine how we remember the 2019 Bears. They travel to TCU this coming week before hosting Oklahoma and Texas. Winning two out of those three, in addition to the season finale at Kansas, would all but ensure a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game for Baylor.
13) Minnesota (8–0) ( — )
Bye week
14) Michigan (7–2) ( — )
After a convincing victory over a Maryland team that has disappointed many this season, Michigan sits at 7–2. Needing three losses for Penn State and two for Ohio State (including vs Michigan), the Wolverines have essentially no shot at winning the Big Ten, but much like Auburn, they certainly have the capabilities to play spoiler for the rival Buckeyes.
15) Notre Dame (6–2) (+1)
Notre Dame is another one of those mid-level ranked teams that barely came out victorious this past weekend. After a narrow win over Virginia Tech, the Fighting Irish move to 6–2.
16) Iowa (6–2) (+1)
Bye week
17) Memphis (8–1) (+6)
In what may have been the most hyped game of the weekend, Memphis beat previously undefeated SMU in a crucial AAC matchup. Memphis, SMU and Navy all sit with one loss in the competitive AAC West. With a victory over Navy early in the season and now SMU, the Tigers control their own destiny.
18) Cincinnati (7–1) ( — )
After barely escaping East Carolina, the Bearcats improve to 7–1 and remain atop the AAC East. Already with a victory over UCF, Cincy would need to lose at least twice and UCF would need to win out for the Knights to take the division. The final two matchups of the season for the Bearcats won’t be easy as they host Temple before heading to Memphis.
19) SMU (8–1) (-4)
As mentioned, the Mustangs loss to Memphis puts them in quite a bind, but their season is far from over. A victory over Navy on Nov. 23rd would put SMU above the Midshipmen in the AAC West standings. However, this weekend’s loss gives the tiebreaker to Memphis, meaning they would have to lose at least once, assuming SMU wins out, for the Mustangs to earn a trip to the AAC Championship Game.
20) Boise State (7–1) (-1)
Boise State took care of business easily this past weekend as they dominated San Jose State. In terms of the Mountain West, the Broncos currently lead the Mountain Division, with an undefeated conference record, as Air Force, Wyoming and Utah State all have one conference loss.
21) Wisconsin (6–2) (-1)
Bye week
22) Kansas State (6–2) ( — )
Coming off the thrill of an upset victory over Oklahoma, the Wildcats carried their momentum into Lawrence and manhandled the in-state rival Jayhawks. Kansas State currently sits third in the crowded Big 12 race, but a loss to Baylor earlier in the season could hurt down the stretch.
23) Texas (5–3) (+1)
Bye week
24) Navy (7–1) (+1)
The Midshipmen rolled over UConn last Friday night, improving to 7–1. As previously mentioned, the AAC West is a three horse race, with Navy currently holding onto the slimmest of leads. Getting to the AAC Championship will be no easy task for Navy as they travel to South Bend to take on Notre Dame before hosting SMU and eventually Army. It will take at least one more win than Memphis has losses down the stretch for Navy to play for an AAC title.
25) Oklahoma State (6–3) (N/A)
The Cowboys make their return to my Top-25 after a victory over TCU. Due to the fact that all three losses have come to conference foes, it is just about impossible to see a scenario where Oklahoma State can play for a Big 12 title.
WEEK 11 GAMES TO WATCH (With CFP Ranking):
#4 Penn State at #17 Minnesota (12:00 EST)
#12 Baylor at TCU (12:00 EST)
#2 LSU at #3 Alabama (3:30 EST)
#16 Kansas State at Texas (3:30 EST)
#18 Iowa at #13 Wisconsin (4:00 EST)
Iowa State at #9 Oklahoma (8:00 EST)
- Tyler Benenati; Sports Throne Contributor
