Following Week 12 in college football, the excitement continues to build as Danny Kanell updates his top-dozen rankings with the regular season drawing to a close. With the stakes higher than ever, let’s dive into the latest shifts in the rankings and see how the teams are faring as they head into the final stretch.
Top Teams on the Rise
This week, two losses from teams that were previously in Kanell’s top-five caused a shake-up. Every team, except for the ones holding the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, moved up a position or even two or three. This is what makes college football so thrilling—anything can happen on any given Saturday!
Kanell’s rankings reflect a strong leaning towards the Big Ten, which boasts four teams in his top spots. The conference’s dominance is evident, as each of the top four positions is occupied by teams from the Big Ten. In contrast, the ACC has two representatives, the Big 12 has none, and there’s one independent team making the cut. Interestingly, a Group of Five team also secured a spot, but it might not be the one you expect.
Oregon Holds Steady at No. 1
Despite nearly facing their first loss of the season, Oregon remains at the top of Kanell’s rankings. The Ducks managed to escape with a narrow 16-13 victory against Wisconsin on the road at Camp Randall. Wisconsin led by seven points late in the fourth quarter, but Oregon rallied to score 10 unanswered points, securing their undefeated record at 10-0. This victory not only keeps them at the pinnacle of college football but also puts them on the verge of clinching a spot in the Big Ten Championship.
Indiana Stays Strong at No. 2
Indiana, now at 10-0, holds firm at No. 2 in Kanell’s rankings, even after their second bye week. The Hoosiers made headlines in Bloomington as head coach Curt Cignetti signed an impressive eight-year extension. This commitment sets the stage for a highly anticipated top-five matchup against Ohio State in their next game, which could have significant implications for both the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Ohio State’s Climb to No. 3
Ohio State has jumped into the top three after a commanding 31-7 victory over Northwestern at Wrigley Field. The Buckeyes overcame an early deficit, scoring 31 unanswered points, including two touchdowns each from Quinshon Judkins and Carnell Tate. This performance not only boosts their ranking but also sets the stage for their crucial showdown against Indiana next weekend.
Penn State and Texas Make Their Mark
Penn State has made a notable leap, moving up two spots to No. 4 after a resounding 49-10 win over Purdue, bringing their record to 9-1. This victory positions them well for a potential shot at the Big Ten Championship and an at-large bid in the CFP.
Meanwhile, Texas rounds out the top five following a hard-fought 20-10 win in a rivalry game against Arkansas. The Longhorns’ victory keeps them tied for the top spot in the Southeastern Conference, showcasing their resilience as they aim for a playoff berth.
Miami and SMU on the Move
Despite being idle last week, Miami (9-1) saw the most significant rise in Kanell’s rankings, moving up three spots. The Hurricanes are looking to rebound after their first loss of the season against Georgia Tech, with two crucial games left to secure their place in the ACC Championship and the CFP.
On the other hand, SMU (9-1) has also climbed two spots to become the top team in the ACC, thanks to their 38-28 victory over Boston College. The Mustangs remain undefeated in conference play, and with two games left, they are eyeing a spot in the ACC Championship and potentially the playoffs.
Notre Dame and Ole Miss Keep Their Hopes Alive
Notre Dame (9-1) continues to impress, winning their eighth straight game with a decisive 35-14 victory over Virginia. The Fighting Irish have shown their mettle against tough competition, winning by an average margin of 32.3 points over their last eight games. With two games remaining, they are firmly in the playoff conversation.
Ole Miss (8-2) is now ranked at No. 9 after moving up two spots during their bye week. The Rebels are back in the playoff picture following an impressive upset win over Georgia, and they have two more conference matchups to solidify their postseason aspirations.
Alabama and Georgia Fight for Relevance
Alabama (8-2) climbed two spots after a dominant 52-7 victory over Mercer. The Crimson Tide are regaining their form, looking more like the powerhouse team they were at the season’s start. With three games remaining, they are back in contention for the conference championship and a potential at-large playoff spot.
Georgia (8-2) also made waves with a critical 31-17 victory over Tennessee. Carson Beck delivered a standout performance, leading the Bulldogs to a much-needed win that keeps them in the mix for both the conference and playoff race.
Tulane Rounds Out the Rankings
Finally, Tulane (9-2) secures the No. 12 spot in Kanell’s rankings. After suffering losses to Top-20 opponents, the Green Wave have bounced back with eight consecutive victories, including a 35-0 shutout against Navy. Their strong performance positions them as a potential No. 12 seed in the CFP, showcasing the depth and talent of Group of Five teams.
As the regular season winds down, the excitement in college football is palpable. With so much at stake, every game counts, and the rankings will continue to evolve. Who will rise, and who will fall? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the passion and intensity of college football are on full display!
