Week 12 CFBRanking Top 26

By
Kyle Huesmann
-
(Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports)

Week 12 CFBRanking Top 26

1. LSU

Last Week: W over Alabama 46-41

The Tigers reeled in the biggest win of any team this year, beating Alabama by 5 and actually led 33-13 at half. The win easily secured their spot at #1 in my poll heading into Week 12. Up next they will look to avoid a let down as they travel to Ole Miss.

2. Ohio State

Last Week: W over Maryland 73-14

The Buckeyes destroyed the Terps and continued their tear across the Big 10. Next up will be an easy win at Rutgers next week.

3. Clemson

Last Week: W over NC State 55-10

Clemson is on a roll now and outside of the close call vs North Carolina they have won every game by 14+. Next up is a big home game vs upset minded Wake Forest, who is looking for an Orange Bowl spot.

4. Minnesota

Last Week: W over Penn State 31-26

Rowing the Boat into the Top 4! Minnesota earned their ranking with a huge win at home vs Penn State. Up next is a trip to Iowa City to face the Iowa Hawkeyes. Top 10 teams go to die in Kinnick Stadium, so their work will be cut out for them.

5. Oregon

Last Week: Bye

The Ducks took a bye week to rest up and watch a couple of top teams lose. Up next is a home game against Arizona. However, the last 2 games (at ASU and vs Oregon St) could become traps.

6. Georgia

Last Week: W over Missouri 27-0

The Bulldogs easily took down the Kelly Bryantless Tigers last weekend. This weekend they have a huge road game at Auburn to try and add to their list of ranked wins.

7. Alabama

Last Week: L vs LSU 46-41

Alabama only lost by 5, but they did not look a Top 4 team. Their best win could end up being over a 4 loss Auburn in the Iron Bowl. The Tide travel to Miss State this week, but must be flawless the rest of the way.

8. Utah

Last Week: Bye

The Utes got a bye week to rest up and get ready for the improved UCLA Bruins this weekend. Utah must win out and beat Oregon in the Pac 12 Title to have a shot at the playoff. However, beating UCLA is the first step.

9. Penn State

Last Week: L vs Minnesota 31-26

We saw it coming…..well I did. Penn State ran into the Minnesota hype train and got smashed out of the way. They aren’t out of the CFP race, but must beat Ohio State in 2 weeks. First however, they must avoid a let down at home vs a ranked Indiana team this week.

10. Baylor

Last Week: W over TCU 29-23 3OT

Baylor continues to survive in close games, but it doesn’t help that they should be winning those games by more. They have wins by 8, 2, 3, 3 and 6, which is why, despite being undefeated, they are this low. They can get a big jump if they can knock off Oklahoma at home this week.

11. Oklahoma

Last Week: W over Iowa State 42-41

That was almost really bad for the Sooners. Oklahoma blew a 42-21 lead and had to stop a late 2-pt try for the win. Up next is a trip to Baylor and another defensive performance like the last two may lead to a loss and the end of their slim CFP chances.

12. Florida

Last Week: W over Vanderbilt 56-0

The Gators blew out Vanderbilt as expected to move to 8-2. Up next is a trip to Missouri and if they can get to 10-2, they can still make a NY6 appearance.

13. Michigan

Last Week: Bye

Michigan had a bye week to rest up and get ready for their rival Michigan St. The Wolverines are likely looking at 9 wins. We will see what Michigan fans think of that about Jim Harbaugh, who still can’t get that Big 10 Title/CFP appearance.

14. Auburn

Last Week: Bye

Auburn had a bye week to get ready for two Top 7 teams in their last 3 games and must win one to avoid an 8-4 record. First up is Georgia at home. Can their offense get enough points to match their solid defense?

15. Wisconsin

Last Week: W over Iowa 24-22

Wisconsin just ran the ball right at Iowa all night and held off a 2-pt conversion late to win and knock Iowa out of the West race. Up next is a trip to Nebraska and a shot to push the Huskers to 6 losses.

16. Cincinnati

Last Week: W over UConn 48-3

The Bearcats took care of business easily and stayed in front for the G5 NY6 bid. Up next is a trip to South Florida. But that last game of the season at Memphis looms with large NY6 implications.

17. Notre Dame

Last Week: W over Duke 38-7

The Irish easily took down the Blue Devils on the road to move to 7-2. Up next is a home game against upset-minded and ranked Navy. ND still has a shot at a NY6 bid, but needs to win out.

18. Memphis

Last Week: Bye

The Tigers got a bye week to rest up after the big win over SMU and now travel to Houston to try to stay right behind Cincinnati for that NY6 bid.

19. Boise State

Last Week: W over Wyoming 20-17

The Broncos just barely hung on to get to 8-1. They are currently third in the G5 NY6 bid lineup. However, if Cincinnati and Memphis split in the regular season/AAC Title then that could open the door for Boise St. Up next the Broncos get New Mexico at home.

20. Indiana

Last Week: Bye

The Hoosiers got a bye week to prepare for a road trip to Penn State to get to 8-2. Indiana gets Penn State off a tough loss and in a possible let down spot, but QB Michael Pennix is out for the Hoosiers.

21. Appalachian State

Last Week: W over South Carolina 20-15

The Mountaineers took a big leap into the Top 26 as they knocked off SEC opponent South Carolina. App State needs a good amount of help to get the G5 NY6 bid, but an 11-1 season is still possible. Up next is a trip to a surprise team in Georgia State.

22. SMU

Last Week: W over East Carolina 59-51

SMU was able to comeback and get a win off of their loss to Memphis, but the defense continues to be a concern as they allowed 51 points. Up next is a bye week to try to figure things out before a trip to Navy.

23. Navy

Last Week: Bye

Navy got a bye week to prepare for a huge game on the road vs Notre Dame. The Midshipmen have been a huge surprise, surging to 6-2 record, but still have 2 ranked teams left to face, plus rival Army.

After a tough loss to Wisconsin, Iowa will look to retain the Floyd of Rosedale trophy vs Minnesota – (photo: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports)
24. Iowa

Last Week: L vs Wisconsin 24-22

The Hawks took too long to get the offense going in Madison and came up about 1 yard short on the 2-pt attempt to tie it. With their West hopes gone, they will look to knock off Top 4 Minnesota and keep the Floyd of Rosedale in Iowa City.

25. Texas

Last Week: W over Kansas State 27-24

The Longhorns snuck out an upset win over Kansas State after trailing 14-0 early. Up next is a trip to Iowa State, who continues to lose close games. But Ames is different and could be trouble for the Horns.

26. Oklahoma State

Last Week: Bye

The Cowboys took a bye and found themselves in the 26th spot this week. Up next is a home game against Kansas to move to 7-3.

-Next Teams Up-

Air Force

Last Week: Game at New Mexico moved to Nov 23rd

Louisiana Tech

Last Week: W over North Texas 52-17

Virginia

Last Week: W over Georgia Tech 33-28

Texas A&M

Last Week: Bye

Wake Forest

Last Week: L vs Virginia Tech 36-17

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