FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt has seen all the polls and decided to make up his own Top 10 coming out of an interesting Week 12 of college football action. With the season winding down, every game counts, and Klatt’s insights provide a fresh perspective on the current landscape of college football.
Klatt’s Unique Perspective on the Top Teams
While Klatt agrees with the College Football Playoff’s Top 3 of Oregon, Ohio State, and Texas, he diverges from the committee’s rankings as he evaluates the rest of the field. Klatt places greater value on the strength of schedules and playoff resumes, particularly favoring a group of two-loss SEC teams over others with better records. This approach highlights the competitive nature of the SEC and the challenges teams face throughout the season.
Oregon’s Top Spot: A Hesitant Choice
As if there was any doubt, Klatt made it clear that he didn’t “feel great about” placing Oregon at the top. Despite the Ducks being undefeated, their recent performance raised some eyebrows. They scraped by with a hard-fought 16-13 victory against Wisconsin, where the Badgers led for most of the game. The Ducks had to rally in the fourth quarter, with Jordan James tying the game and kicker Atticus Sappington sealing the win with a late field goal. This shaky performance left Klatt questioning their standing as the number one team.
Ohio State: A Team to Watch
Klatt feels much more confident about the Buckeyes, especially with their upcoming Big Ten showdown against undefeated Indiana. This matchup is crucial for both teams, serving as a “Prove-It” game. Ohio State’s impressive resume gives them an edge, and a strong performance could solidify their position in the playoff race. With a powerful offense ready to showcase its talents, a convincing win could also jeopardize Indiana’s playoff aspirations.
The Longhorns’ Path to the Playoff
The Longhorns remain in control of their destiny, needing to win their final two regular-season games to secure a spot in the SEC Championship Game. This would almost guarantee them a place in the 12-team College Football Playoff. However, their recent offensive inconsistencies, especially in a game against Arkansas, raise concerns. The looming rivalry with Texas A&M adds another layer of pressure, making every game a must-win for Texas.
Indiana’s Surprising Success
Despite facing criticism for a weak strength of schedule, Indiana continues to surprise and impress. Under the guidance of coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have emerged as one of the best stories of the season, landing them in Klatt’s Top 5. However, their upcoming clash against Ohio State in Columbus will be their first real test. With ESPN’s College GameDay spotlighting the matchup, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams.
Penn State: A Strong Contender
The Nittany Lions have maintained their status among the elite teams in college football, despite suffering a loss to Ohio State three weeks ago. Since that defeat, they have dominated their opponents, outscoring Washington and Purdue by a staggering 84-16. Klatt values their all-around success, placing them ahead of several two-loss SEC teams that have struggled against one another. This speaks volumes about the depth and competitiveness of the Big Ten.
Georgia’s Resilience
Fresh off a convincing 31-17 victory over Tennessee, the Bulldogs have emerged as the top two-loss team in Klatt’s rankings. This performance showcased a complete game from Georgia’s offense, prompting Klatt to elevate them above Ole Miss and Alabama. Despite earlier setbacks, Klatt appreciates Georgia’s overall body of work, indicating that their potential is still very much alive.
Ole Miss vs. Alabama: A Close Call
In a surprising twist, Klatt moved Ole Miss ahead of Alabama, despite the Crimson Tide’s dominant win over Mercer. The Rebels, under Lane Kiffin, remain in contention for a first-round playoff bye, but they must finish the regular season strong against Florida and Mississippi State. Meanwhile, Alabama, despite their impressive offensive display, faces challenges ahead, including a crucial matchup against in-state rival Auburn.
Tennessee’s Struggles
After a disappointing performance in Athens, the Vols have dropped in Klatt’s rankings but remain in the Top 10. The return of star QB Nico Iamaleava was anticipated, yet he struggled to find his rhythm. Tennessee’s ability to bounce back in their final two games against UTEP and Vanderbilt will be critical for their playoff aspirations.
Notre Dame: Holding Steady
Much like Texas and Ole Miss, Notre Dame had a week off but remains in Klatt’s Top 10. However, their position is precarious as they prepare for upcoming games against Army and USC. Coach Marcus Freeman faces a pivotal moment; a win against a surprising Black Knights team could significantly impact their playoff hopes and future rankings.
Just missed out: Miami Hurricanes, Boise State Broncos, Texas A&M Aggies, Colorado Buffaloes.
