Image Courtesy: Los Angeles Times
College Football Playoff Top 12
1.Ohio State 10-0 (7-0) Big Ten This week: Rutgers (5-5) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
2.Indiana 11-0 (8-0) Big Ten This week: Off
3.Texas A&M 10-0 (7-0) SEC This week: Samford (1-10) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, SECN+)
4.Georgia 9-1 (7-1) SEC This week: Charlotte (1-9) (Saturday, 12:45 PM ET, SECN)
5.Texas Tech 10-1 (7-1) Big 12 This week: Off
6.Ole Miss 10-1 (6-1) SEC This week: Off
7.Oregon 9-1 (6-1) Big Ten This week: USC (8-2) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
8.Oklahoma 8-2 (4-2) SEC This week: Missouri (7-3) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
9.Notre Dame 8-2 Independents This week: Syracuse (3-7) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, NBC)
10.Alabama 8-2 (6-1) SEC This week: Eastern Illinois (3-8) (Saturday, 2 PM ET, SECN+)
11.BYU 9-1 (6-1) Big 12 This week: @ Cincinnati (7-3) (Saturday, , )
12.Utah 8-2 (5-2) Big 12 This week: Kansas State (5-5) (Saturday, , )
Projected College Football Playoff Bracket (How the College Football Playoff bracket is seeded)
First Round
Lubbock
5.Texas Tech
12.Tulane
Norman
8.Oklahoma
9.Notre Dame
Oxford
6.Ole Miss
11.Miami
Eugene
7.Oregon
10.Alabama
Quarterfinals
Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
4.Georgia
5.Texas Tech/12.Tulane
Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Ohio State
8.Oklahoma/9.Notre Dame
Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
3.Texas A&M
6.Ole Miss/11.Miami
Cotton Bowl (Arlington)
2.Indiana
7.Oregon/10.Alabama
Biggest risers and fallers in the CFP Top 25 this week:
Risers
8.Oklahoma 8-2 (4-2) SEC Week 12: #11 (Defeated 4.Alabama 23-21)
20.Tennessee 7-3 (3-3) SEC Week 12: #23 (Defeated New Mexico State 42-9)
Fallers
10.Alabama 8-2 (6-1) SEC Week 12: #4 (Lost to 11.Oklahoma 23-21)
17.Texas 7-3 (4-2) SEC Week 12: #10 (Lost to 5.Georgia 35-10)
Dropped Out
Louisville 7-3 (4-3) ACC Week 12: #20 (Lost to Clemson 20-19)
Iowa 6-4 (4-3) Big Ten Week 12: #21 (Lost to 17.USC 26-21)
Pittsburgh 7-3 (5-1) ACC Week 12: #22 (Lost to 9.Notre Dame 37-15)
South Florida 7-3 (4-2) American Week 12: #24 (Lost to Navy 41-38)
Cincinnati 7-3 (5-2) Big 12 Week 12: #25 (Lost to Arizona 30-24)
New
21.Illinois 7-3 (4-3) Big Ten Week 12: NR (Defeated Maryland 24-6)
22.Missouri 7-3 (3-3) SEC Week 12: NR (Defeated Mississippi State 49-27)
23.Houston 8-2 (5-2) Big 12 Week 12: NR (Off)
24.Tulane 8-2 (5-1) American Week 12: NR (Defeated Florida Atlantic 35-24)
25.Arizona State 7-3 (5-2) Big 12 Week 12: NR (Defeated West Virginia 25-23)
Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)
Saturday, November 22
Louisville (7-3) @ SMU (7-3)
12 PM ET, ESPN2
Louisville travels to Dallas off of a crushing 20-19 loss to Clemson to face an SMU squad who is rested off of a bye week. The Cardinals now have two losses in ACC play and have to hope for chaos to get themselves back in contention for the conference title. They could help themselves out by giving the Mustangs a second conference loss if they were to come out victorious on Saturday afternoon. Louisville will attempt to avenge their 2024 loss to SMU in this game.
The Cardinals’ defense will attempt to turn in a similar performance this week to keep the SMU offense off the board. Linebacker TJ Quinn (72 tackles, 3 passes defended, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack) and defensive lineman Clev Lubin (46 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble) will attempt to control the Mustang ground game. They will attempt to stop TJ Harden (613 yards and 6 TDs) and Chris Johnson Jr. (316 yards and 3 TDs) from having success running the ball on Saturday afternoon.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings has thrown for over 2,800 yards, 21 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Jennings will look to get the ball to wide receivers Jordan Hudson (595 yards and 4 TDs), Romello Brinson (582 yards and 3 TDs), and Yamir Knight (460 yards and 4 TDs), who all have a shot to explode for good games against the Cardinals. Defensive backs D’Angelo Hutchinson’s and JoJo Evans Jr.’s combined eight passes defended and two interceptions will be vital against the SMU passing game.
Louisville quarterback Miller Moss has had an up and down season throwing 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He must rely on his group of receivers including Chris Bell (871 yards and 6 TDs) and Caullin Lacy (542 yards and 2 TDs) to be successful and defeat SMU. Louisville safeties Isaiah Nwokobia (37 tackles, 7 passes defended, and 2 interceptions) and Ahmad Moses (73 tackles, 5 interceptions, 1 pass defended, and 1 sack) will look to shut Moss down.
The tailback duo of Isaac Brown, who has rushed for 782 yards and five touchdowns and Keyjuan Brown, who has rushed for 592 yards and six touchdowns will be relied on to have success so Moss’ passing game opens up. Linebackers Brandon Booker (46 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 0.5 sacks) and Alexander Kilgore (45 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) are crucial in leading the SMU front against Louisville’s talented running backs.
In what should be a close game, SMU will protect their home field and defeat Louisville on Saturday afternoon. The Mustangs’ offense will outscore the Cardinals’ and they will keep themselves in contention for a second consecutive berth in the ACC Championship game.
Projected Score: SMU 31, Louisville 21
22.Missouri (7-3) @ 8.Oklahoma (8-2)
12 PM ET, ABC
The most important game in the SEC this week takes place in Norman just a week after Oklahoma went to Tuscaloosa and defeated then No. 4 Alabama at their homecoming game. The Sooners still have two losses so they must avoid losses against Missouri this Saturday and LSU on Nov. 29 if they want to appear in the College Football Playoff. Missouri will look to ruin Oklahoma’s season with a victory on Saturday afternoon.
Tiger running back Ahmad Hardy has been one of the best at his position in the country this season, going for 1,346 yards and 15 scores thus far this season. Oklahoma linebackers Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke have the job of stopping Hardy with their combined 110 tackles, six passes defended, and five sacks.
Quarterback Matt Zollers (402 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 interception) enters his third game as the starter behind center. Continuing to throw the football to wide receivers Kevin Coleman Jr. (600 yards and 1 TD), Marquis Johnson (340 yards and 2 TDs), Donovan Olugbode (318 yards and 2 TDs) will be difficult against a strong Oklahoma defense but it will be necessary to defeat the Sooners. Defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (48 tackles and 1 interception) will lead the Sooners’ secondary against Zoller and his receiving core.
Missouri safeties Santana Banner (41 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) and Marvin Burks Jr. (39 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) will be vital in stopping wide receivers Isaiah Sategna (718 yards and 5 TDs) and Deion Burks (454 yards and 2 TDs) down the field. The man getting them the ball is quarterback John Mateer, who has only thrown eight touchdowns to seven interceptions but he helped lead his team to a win over Alabama last Saturday.
Linebackers Josiah Trotter (61 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defended) and Khalil Jacobs (37 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 passes defended) will look to stop Oklahoma running backs Tory Blaylock (402 yards and 4 TDs) and Xavier Robinson (366 yards and 4 TDs).
Oklahoma’s defense will help them avoid a letdown after a big win over Alabama by defeating Missouri. The Sooners will stop Hardy consistently and move a week closer to making the College Football Playoff if they continue to be victorious versus Mizzou and LSU.
Projected Score: Oklahoma 24, Missouri 17
15.USC (8-2) @ 7.Oregon (9-1)
3:30 PM ET, CBS
ESPN’s College GameDay returns to Eugene for the second time this season for a huge Big Ten battle between USC and Oregon. The Trojans and Ducks are both red hot with four straight conference wins each. The winner of Saturday afternoon’s game will keep themselves in contention for a potential shot at playing in the Big Ten Championship game with No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana both undefeated in league play. USC’s impressive offense will be tested against Oregon’s tough defense on the road at Autzen Stadium this weekend.
Will Jayden Maiava (2,868 yards and 18 passing TDs) rise to the occasion against Oregon’s defense like he has done for much of the season? Oregon’s secondary, led by Dillon Thieneman (49 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Aaron Flowers (44 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception), will make it difficult for Maiava but his talented group of receivers will make it easier. That group includes Makai Lemon (1,090 yards and 8 TDs), Ja’Kobi Lane (585 yards and 4 TDs), and tight end Lake McRee (389 yards and 2 TDs) will be a hard group for the Duck secondary to defend.
Tailbacks King Miller has rushed for 719 yards and five touchdowns and Waymond Jordan has rushed for 576 yards and five more scores. Linebackers Bryan Boettcher (77 tackles, 3 passes defended, 1 sack, and 1 interception) and Teitum Tuioti (47 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended) will look to stop Miller and Jordan.
Quarterback Dante Moore (2,190 yards and 21 passing TDs) will look to match Maiava’s performance on Saturday afternoon by getting the ball to receivers Dakorien Moore, Malik Benson, Gary Bryant Jr., Jeremiah McClellan, and tight end Kenyon Sadiq have combined 18 touchdowns through 10 games this season.USC safeties Bishop Fitzgerald (51 tackles, 5 interceptions, 3 passes defended, and 1 sack) and Christian Pierce (44 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 sack) will be important in shutting down the Oregon passing game.
Linebackers Eric Gentry’s and Desman Stephens II’s 124 combined tackles will help lead the Trojans’ front seven against the Ducks’ rushing attack. Their rushing attack is headed by three running backs Noah Whittington (623 yards and 5 TDs), Jordon Davison (461 yards and 12 TDs), and Dierre Hill Jr. (424 yards and 4 TDs).
The battle between USC and Oregon should be the game of the day on Saturday. The Trojans’ improved defense will help them upset the Ducks and give them win number nine on the season. USC would likely move into the projected College Football Playoff field in next Tuesday’s rankings released.
Projected Score: USC 34, Oregon 31
Pittsburgh (7-3) @ 16.Georgia Tech (9-1)
7 PM ET, ESPN
While Saturday’s blowout loss to Notre Dame did not eliminate Pittsburgh from the College Football Playoff conversation because it was not an ACC loss, the Panthers will have to bounce back against Georgia Tech on the road if they want to keep their name in the hat for the ACC Conference Championship game and Playoff conversations on Saturday night.
The Yellowjackets had to stage a massive comeback to beat Boston College last Saturday to advance to 9-1 on the season. If Georgia Tech keeps winning, beginning against Pittsburgh on Saturday, they will control their own destiny to make the College Football Playoff.
In their loss to Notre Dame on Nov. 15, Pittsburgh true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel completed just 16 of 33 passes for 126 yards, no passing touchdowns, and an interception. He will have to step up against Georgia Tech’s defense if they want to come out victorious and get the ball to the only three targets who had above 20 receiving yards: Desmond Reid (63 yards), Kenny Johnson (27 yards), and Malachi Thomas (21 yards and 1 TD). Georgia Tech defensive backs Clayton Powell-Lee (57 tackles an 2 passes defended) and Omar Daniels (38 passes defended and 1 interception) will look to hold the Panther receivers down like they were a week ago.
Notre Dame’s defense held Pitt to just 70 rushing yards too. They will need more out of their leading rushers Ja’Kyrian Turner and Desmond Reid, who combined for just 50 yards last Saturday. Linebackers Kyle Efford (66 tackles and 2 passes defended) and EJ Lightest (54 tackles) will attempt to stop Turner and Reid from having big performances.
While their offense gave them just 15 points against the Fighting Irish, the Panther defense cannot give up 37 points and expect to win a game, especially as they face veteran quarterback Haynes King (2,259 yards, 807 rushing yards, and 24 combined TDs) at his house on Saturday night. So, it will be up to linebackers Rasheem Biles (61 tackles, 3 passes defended, 2.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions) and Braylan Lovelace (61 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) will be crucial in dealing with not only King’s dual threat abilities but also running backs Malachi Hosley (625 yards and 7 TDs) and Jamal Haynes (454 yards and 4 TDs).
King will also attempt to get the ball to wide receivers Eric Rivers (516 yards and 1 TD), Isiah Canion (359 yards and 2 TDs), Malik Rutherford (323 yards and 3 TDs), and Jordan Allen (293 yards) to have success in this game. Defensive backs Kavir Bains-Marquez’s and Cruce Brookins’ combined 5 passes defended and 3 interceptions will be crucial against the Yellow Jackets’ passing game.
While I think Pittsburgh will play better on Saturday, Georgia Tech will protect their home field and clinch their spot in the ACC Championship game with a win. The game should be close for most of the game, but the Yellow Jackets will defeat the Panthers with their veteran signal-caller King outperforming the freshman Heintschel.
Projected Score: Georgia Tech 35, Pittsburgh 24
11.BYU (9-1) @ Cincinnati (7-3)
8 PM ET, FOX
After dominating TCU last Saturday night, BYU controls its own destiny to make the Big 12 Championship if they win their last two games against Cincinnati and UCF. The Cougars will head on the road to face the Bearcats, who took their second Big 12 loss last weekend to Arizona. Cincinnati will look to bounce back and give BYU their second loss of the season when they meet on Saturday night at Nippert Stadium.
The Cougars have relied on signal-caller Bear Bachmeier (2,177 passing yards, 479 rushing yards, 23 overall TDs) all season. They will have to do that again as they travel to face Cincinnati’s defense on the road. To be successful, Bachmeier will have to continue to get the ball to wide receivers Chase Roberts (702 yards and 5 TDs), Parker Kingston (639 yards and 4 TDs), and tight end Carsen Ryan (371 yards and 3 TDs) if they want to come out victorious on Saturday night. It will be up to Cincinnati safeties Trevon Gola-Hollard (64 tackles and 3 passes defended) and Christian Harrison (52 tackles, 7 passes defended, and 1 interception) will have to stop them consistently to give BYU their second loss.
Tailback LJ Martin, who has rushed for 912 yards and six touchdowns this season, will look to help Bachmeier and the BYU passing game against Cincinnati. Linebackers Jake Golday (92 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended) and Jonathan Thompson (53 tackles and 1 sack) will look to make sure that does not happen.
Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby has thrown for 2,218 yards, rushed for 483 yards, and has 31 overall touchdowns. BYU safeties Faletau Satuala and Tanner Wall have combined for six interceptions through ten games. They will look to do that to shut the Cincinnati passing game, including receivers Cyrus Allen (572 yards and 10 TDs), Jeff Caldwell (416 yards and 4 TDs), and Caleb Goodie (380 yards and 2 TDs).
Linebackers Isaiah Glasker (50 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 1 passes defended) and Jack Kelly (43 tackles, 7 sacks, and 1 pass defended) will look to get to Sorsby and sack him and handle Tawee Walker’s (652 yards and 4 TDs) rushing attack.
BYU’s offensive attack will overpower the Cincinnati defense, winning them the game. The Cougars’ victory would be the Bearcats’ third consecutive loss effectively ending any last shot of them making the Big 12 Championship game. BYU would stay in the College Football Playoff hunt ranked No. 11 or higher depending on this weekend’s results on the gridiron.
Projected Score: BYU 38, Cincinnati 21
