After a thrilling Week 11 in college football, the landscape has shifted dramatically, prompting college football analyst and former Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell to revise his top 12 rankings. The weekend was nothing short of chaotic, with both Miami and Georgia suffering losses that sent shockwaves through the rankings.
Major Upsets Shake Up the Rankings
The Bulldogs faced a tough defeat, plummeting from No. 6 in Kanell’s rankings last week to unranked this week after a 28-10 loss to Ole Miss. With a record of 7-2 (5-2 SEC), Georgia now finds itself in a precarious position; another loss could dash their hopes for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes managed to cling to a spot in Kanell’s rankings despite their first loss of the season against Georgia Tech. However, they dropped significantly from No. 2 to No. 10. With Miami’s defeat, only four undefeated teams remain in college football, and three of them are now positioned at the top of Kanell’s rankings.
Oregon’s Dominance in the Big Ten
On a brighter note, Oregon continues to impress in its inaugural season in the Big Ten, achieving its 10th victory with a 39-18 win over Maryland. The Ducks are not just winning; they are establishing themselves as the clear favorites to claim the conference title and boast the highest percentage chance of making the College Football Playoff, according to ESPN.
Heisman Hopefuls Shine
Transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been nothing short of sensational, stepping in as the starter and breaking records along the way. Over the weekend, he became the FBS’ all-time leader in passing touchdowns, showcasing his prowess with 2,848 yards passing and 22 touchdowns against just five interceptions this season. He is undoubtedly one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy.
Indiana’s Surprising Season
In a surprising twist, Indiana has emerged as one of the biggest stories of the season, already setting a program record with 10 wins. The Hoosiers faced a nail-biter this past week, narrowly defeating Michigan 20-15. However, questions linger about their schedule, as they have yet to face a ranked opponent. That will soon change when they travel to Columbus to take on Ohio State in a game that could significantly impact their postseason aspirations.
BYU’s Narrow Escape
Over in the Big 12, BYU had a heart-stopping moment as they narrowly avoided a loss against Utah, pulling off a 22-21 victory. The Cougars executed a brilliant 65-yard drive in the final two minutes to set up a game-winning field goal with just three seconds left on the clock. With three games remaining in the conference schedule, BYU sits at the top of the Big 12 standings and is eyeing a spot in the league title game, which could lead them to the CFP.
Ohio State’s Resurgence
The Buckeyes have bounced back impressively, winning three straight since their loss to Oregon a month ago. This past weekend, they delivered a dominant 45-0 shutout against Purdue, including a top 10 victory against Penn State. Their upcoming matchup against Indiana will likely determine which team earns the right to face Oregon for the Big Ten championship. A win in that game would almost guarantee Ohio State a spot in the 12-team playoff field.
Tennessee’s SEC Dominance
In the SEC, Tennessee stands out as the only team in Kanell’s top five. Following Georgia’s loss, the Vols are now tied for the top spot in the SEC standings. Next week, they have a crucial game against Georgia in Athens. A victory there could solidify Tennessee’s playoff position while eliminating Georgia from contention.
Penn State’s Strong Comeback
After a setback against Ohio State, Penn State rebounded with a commanding 35-6 victory over Washington. The Nittany Lions showcased their defensive strength, not allowing a touchdown and rushing for an impressive 266 yards. With remaining games against Purdue, Minnesota, and Maryland, they have a favorable path to potentially finish the season with just one loss, which would bolster their chances for an at-large bid.
Texas Controls Its Destiny
In the Lone Star State, Texas has bounced back from its first loss of the season with two consecutive wins, including a decisive 49-17 victory over Florida. Quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 333 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his return to form. The Longhorns are in control of their destiny as they approach a pivotal matchup against Texas A&M, which could determine their fate in the SEC Championship.
SMU’s Rise in the ACC
With losses from Miami and Clemson, SMU has seized the opportunity to take the lead in the ACC. The Mustangs triumphed over Pittsburgh with a score of 48-25, fueled by a strong rushing performance from Brashard Smith. If they can secure the conference title in their first year, they could achieve their first-ever College Football Playoff berth.
Notre Dame’s Impressive Streak
Finally, Notre Dame has turned things around after a rough start, winning seven straight games since a shocking loss to Northern Illinois. Their recent 52-3 victory over Florida State was a statement win, and they have a chance to add another quality victory against an undefeated Army team in two weeks. However, as an independent, Notre Dame faces challenges in securing an at-large bid, especially due to their earlier loss.
These developments in college football have set the stage for an exhilarating finish to the season. With teams vying for playoff positions and conference titles, every game counts. What will the next week bring? Only time will tell!
