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Legendary Alabama football coach Nick Saban is retiring, he announced on Wednesday night. Saban, arguably the best college football head coach off all-time, won seven national championships during his time on the gridiron, six with Alabama (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020) and one with LSU (2003) earlier in his career. He won 201 conference games during his career, tied with Georgia’s Vince Dooley for second all-time in wins in the SEC all-time. Saban is behind only Bear Bryant, who won 232 games during his time at Kentucky and Alabama. The seventeen year tenure is over for Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. Who do you think the Crimson Tide will hire next?

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*Below each game is a list of each New Year’s six team’s transfers that are headed to other schools*

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
9.Missouri (10-2) vs. 7.Ohio State (11-1)
December 29, 8 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Missouri transfers: QB Gabarri Johnson, LB DJ Wesolak, LB Dameon Wilson, OL EJ N’Doma-Ogar, TE Max Whisner, QB Dylan Laible, LB Xavier Simmons, LB Carmycah Glass, QB Brett Brown, WR Demaryion Houston, OL Ma’Kyi Lee, S Tyler Hibber, OL Valen Erickson
Ohio State transfers: WR Julian Fleming, QB Kyle McCord, LB Reid Carrico, S Kyle Stokes, DE Omari Abor, S Cam Martinez, OT Vic Cutler, RB Evan Pryor, CB Ryan Turner, K Parker Lewis, CB Jyaire Brown, OC Jakob James, RB Chip Trayanum, TE Joe Royer
Ohio State was hit hard by players entering the transfer portal since their third consecutive loss against Michigan. Starting QB Kyle McCord and former five-star wide receiver Julian Fleming will hurt as the Buckeyes have to face a tough Missouri defense that has performed well most of the year. For the Missouri offense, signal caller Brady Cook has shined in head coach Eliah Drinkwitz’s offense, creating big plays to receivers Luther Burden, Theo Wease Jr., and and Mookie Cooper. The Tigers’ record of 10-2 is the best mark they have had since winning the SEC East in back to back years their first two years in the league. The SEC’s leading rusher also resides in Columbia. Cody Shrader rushed for almost 1500 yards and 13 TDs in his first regular season as a major D1 football player. He will be a lot to handle for the Buckeyes defense, who is led by talented senior linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. In the final season of divisions in the SEC, Missouri finished as the runners up to Georgia. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day confirmed Devin Brown will replace Kyle McCord as the starting quarterback against Missouri. After McCord beat Brown out for the starting job early on in the season, he has not played a meaningful snap. It will be helpful for Ohio State’s offense if receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is expected to be drafted in the top three in April’s NFL Draft, decides to play in Dallas. The result of this season’s Cotton Bowl will be dependent Ohio State’s playmakers, including tailback TreVeyon Henderson, receiver Emeka Egbuka, and tight end Cade Stover making it easier for Devin Brown. If not, Missouri will be able to control this game with Cody Shrader’s tough running game. Projected Score: Missouri 35, Ohio State 27

Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl
11.Ole Miss (10-2) vs. 10.Penn State (10-2)
December 30, 12 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Ole Miss transfers: WR Larry Simmons, WR Jeremiah Dillon, WR JJ Henry, WR Bralon Brown, OL Cedric Melton, LB Reginald Hughes, DB Demarko Williams, TE Kyirin Heath, K Caden Costa, WR Rayf Vinson,
Penn State transfers: P Alex Bacchetta, WR Cristian Driver
Two 10-2 teams come into Atlanta for this season’s Peach Bowl. Ole Miss’ second ten win season in three years while Penn State continues to finish third in the Big Ten East under Michigan and Ohio State under head coach James Franklin. Lane Kiffin’s team has a ton of momentum in the transfer portal but on the field, they are hard to stop. The strength of the Rebels is Kiffin’s offense while Nittany Lion defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s unit has caused problems for their opponents all season. Theirdefense, led by linebacker Kobe King and safety Kevin Winston Jr., will have their toughest test of the season against the Rebels offense, led by the terrific backfield duo of quarterback Jaxson Dart and tailback Quinshon Judkins. If Winston Jr. and the rest of the secondary let Dart get the ball to his talented receivers, Tre Harris and Dayton Wade, it will be tough for the Penn State defense to help their offense win this game. On offense for the Nittany Lions is quarterback Drew Allar, has avoided turnovers, but his offense has not been able to score consistently against Big Ten defenses. It will be up to running back Kaytron Allen and receiver Keandre Lambert Smith will look to score often against an Ole Miss defense that has been up and down this season. In his first season as defensive coordinator, Pete Golding has definitely improved that side of the ball for the Rebels, but he must trust defensive leaders Trey Washington and Ashanti Cistrunk to make big plays against the Allar led offense. Projected Score: Ole Miss 38, Penn State 27

Capital One Orange Bowl
5.Florida State (13-0) vs. 6.Georgia (12-1)
December 30, 4 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Florida State transfers: WR Winston Wright, OT Colin King, QB AJ Duffy, TE Markeston Douglas, TE Preston Daniel, RB CJ Campbell, LB Dylan Brown-Turner, OL Qae’Shon Sapp, OL Daughtry Richardson, DL Ayobami Tifase, DE Patrick Payton, OT Bless Harris, OG Thomas Shrader, K Tyler Keltner, DL Malcolm Ray, DL Dylan Brown, DB Dwayne Wells Jr., LB DJ Lundy, RB Rodney Hill
Georgia transfers: QB Brock Vandagriff, CB Smoke Bouie, DL Jonathan Jefferson, OT Austin Blaske, DE CJ Madden, LB Darris Smith, WR Jackson Meek, QB Tate Rodemaker
Florida State believed they should have gotten into this season’s College Football Playoff. Before this season, no undefeated Power Five conference champion had ever been left out of the playoff. But, the selection committee believed the Seminoles looked like “a different team” during two tough performances for the Seminoles’ offense against Florida and Louisville without star quarterback Jordan Travis due to injury. As a result, running back Trey Benson, receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, tight end Jaheim Bell, defensive linemen Jared Verse and Fabien Lovett have opted out of the Orange Bowl for the 2024 NFL Draft. Many of those players have to believe if the first thirteen wins of their season don’t matter, a potential fourteen win would not matter either. Georgia, on the other hand, was the selection committee’s number one team since their second ranking reveal, but Alabama upended them in the SEC Championship. The loss ended the Bulldogs 29-game winning streak. Will they be up for what could be a meaningless bowl game for them? In an interview, Kirby Smart says his team will definitely be up for the game. Backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker, who did not play the ACC Championship against Louisville due to injury, is expected to enter transfer portal. Without much offensive experience or firepower for the Seminoles, it will be a tough challenge to beat the reigning back to back national champions. Third string quarterback Brock Glenn must rely on playmakers not sitting the game out, including tight end Kyle Morlock and receiver Ja’Khi Douglas to advance the ball down the field in this one. FSU had one of the best defenses this season. The Seminoles still have leading tacklers Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach to rely on against the Carson Beck led Georgia offense. Beck’s favorite target Brock Bowers is undecided on whether he will play in this game but if he does, his offense will be able to drive down the field more easily on the Seminoles’ defense. If Bowers and Ladd McConkey, who has been injured on and off this season, are not able to go, it will be up to tailback Daijun Edwards and fellow receiving targets Dominic Lovett and Marcus Rosemy-Jackson to win this pivotal game as both teams go into the off-season. Projected Score: Georgia 38, Florida State 17

VRBO Fiesta Bowl
8.Oregon (11-2) vs. 23.Liberty (13-0)
January 1, 1 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Oregon transfers: WR Ashton Cozart, S Bryan Addison, WR Kris Hutson, CB Daymon David, WR Josh Delgado, CB Trikweze Bridges, DL Tevita Pome’e, QB Ty Thompson, RB Dante Dowdell
Liberty transfers: CB Preston Hodge, DT Kendy Charles, S Jaylon Jimmerson, LB Jordan Norwood, DE Bryan Whitewood, DT Tysheik Galloway, DE Amari Williams, QB Johnathan Bennett, LB Aakil Washington
Oregon missed out on this season’s College Football Playoff after losing to Washington during the regular season and the Pac-12 Championship. On the other hand, Liberty went undefeated in their first season in Conference USA. And, despite their weak strength of schedule, the Flames received an invitation, as the Group of Five’s top ranked team, to the Fiesta Bowl. Oregon’s quarterback Bo Nix put up terrific numbers this season, finishing third in Heisman voting back on December 9. He will play his last collegiate game in Phoenix. Nix will will look to get the ball to talented tailback Bucky Irving and wideouts Troy Franklin and Tez Johnson so the Ducks can dominate the Flames. Like Nix, Liberty signal caller Kaidon Salter’s has had an awesome season, passing for over 2,700 yards and 31 TDs in addition to rushing for 1,322 yards and 12 touchdowns. Salters’ favorite targets CJ Daniels, Treon Sibley, and 16 touchdown running back Quinton Cooley have made it much easier on him. They ran into a tough Oregon defense, led by defensive backs Tysheem Johnson and Evan Williams and coached by defensive minded head man Dan Lanning. A great opportunity for Liberty will come up short against Oregon. Projected Score: Oregon 42, Liberty 24

CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game
1.Michigan (13-0) vs. 4.Alabama (12-1)
January 1, 5 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Michigan transfers: RB CJ Strokes
Alabama transfers: QB Tyler Buchner, WR Thaiu Jones-Bell, CB Isaiah Hastings, WR Ja’Corey Brooks, DL Anquin Barnes
The stage is set for the final Rose Bowl Game in the four team playoff era. It is too bad that the final game is not a classic Big Ten-Pac-12 match up but it is a close second with the two winningest college football programs of all-time, Alabama and Michigan. The Wolverines dominated Big Ten play all season after playing a weak nonconference schedule while Alabama, ranked number 8 headed into the SEC Championship against 1.Georgia, became one of two teams to make the playoff after being ranked below number six in the penultimate rankings after defeating the Bulldogs (7.Texas was the other this season). The Wolverines will rely on tailbacks Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards to establish quarterback JJ McCarthy’s passing offense to leading receivers Roman Wilson and Colston Loveland. Establishing the running game will be very important to get in the endzone against talented Alabama defenders Caleb Downs, Dallas Turner, and Jihaad Campbell. The Alabama pass rush has been fantastic all season long so it will be important for the Michigan offensive line to give McCarthy time to throw the ball down field. Similarly for the Alabama offense, it will be important to run the ball with Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams so Jalen Milroe can make the deep throw to receivers Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond easier on himself. Milroe is also a runner himself so the Michigan defense will need to have spies throughout the game watch out for both designed runs and when he escapes the pocket late. The Wolverines may be the one seed but they are 0-2 in the semifinals with losses to Georgia and TCU over the last two seasons. If I am a betting man, the result of Alabama’s first playoff game since losing to Georgia in the 2022 national championship will not be a loss. Projected Score: Alabama 24, Michigan 20

CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl
2.Washington (13-0) vs. 3.Texas (12-1)
January 1, 8:45 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Washington transfers: QB Dylan Morris, CB Vincent Nunley
Texas transfers: CB X’Avion Brice, S Jalen Catalon, OL Sawyer Goran-Welch, CB BJ Allen Jr., WR Casey Cain, CB Larry Turner-Gooden, WR Isaiah Neyor
Kalen DeBoer’s Washington and Steve Sarkisian’s Texas matched up in last season’s Alamo Bowl. The Huskies defeated the Longhorns, 27-20. This season, both teams wanted to reach new heights. Washington went undefeated, dominating the first half of their Pac-12 schedule, defeating top ten Oregon 36-33 at the midway point of the season, and avoiding losses in close wins over the last five weeks of the regular season. In a rematch with the Ducks in the final Pac-12 title game ever, the Huskies used a strong fourth quarter to win. A statement week 2 win by the Longhorns in Tuscaloosa over Alabama proved they could be of national relevance again and a true College Football Playoff contender. Outside of one setback against Oklahoma, the Texas used a balanced attack to reach the playoff. Washington quarterback Michael Penix’s awesome season awarded him second place in Heisman Trophy voting. Penix did not do it alone. Dillon Johnson (running back), Rome Odunze (receiver), and Ja’Lynn Polk (receiver) have made things that much easier on Penix’s run as the Huskies’ quarterback. Their defense, however, has not played well this season. Texas Quinn Ewers’ matured quarterback play has helped the Longhorns one loss run this season. Terrific running back CJ Baxter and receivers Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, who has experience in the playoff in the past with Georgia, will pose the Husky defense many problems on New Year’s Day. The Longhorn defense will have their own problems with Penix and his offense, too. Senior linebacker Jaylan For and freshman linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. have posed problems for opposing teams all season long. Stopping Washington’s offense regularly in this game will be a feat only a few teams accomplish during the 2023 season. This will be what determines if the Longhorns can avenge their loss to the Huskies last December. Projected Score: Texas 34, Washington 31

Image Courtesy: On3.com

The 12-team College Football Playoff will be a reality next December. The top six conference champions and the top six at large teams make up the event. But, what would the field look like in 2023? Here’s a look:

The first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff “will take place the week ending Saturday, December 21, at either the home field of the higher-seeded team or at another site designated by the higher-seeded institution”. In 2023, the first round would take place on Friday, December 22 and Saturday, December 23. Here is what the opening round would look like this season:

Eugene
8.Oregon (11-2)
9.Missouri (10-2)

Tallahassee
5.Florida State (13-0)
12.Liberty (13-0)

Athens
6.Georgia (12-1)
11.Penn State (10-2)

Columbus
7.Ohio State (11-1)
10.Ole Miss (10-2)

Quarterfinal and semifinal action “will be played in bowls on a rotating basis”. The 2024 quarterfinals taking place “in the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl” and the “Cotton and Orange Bowl” will host the semifinals. The quarterfinals would take place on New Year’s Eve (Sunday, December 31, 2023) and New Year’s Day (Wednesday, January 1, 2024). The semifinals would occur on Friday, January 5 and Saturday, January 6. Let’s see what the 2023 event would look like with those bowls in place as the hosts:

Quarterfinals
Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Michigan (13-0)
8.Oregon/9.Missouri

Peach Bowl (Atlanta)
4.Alabama (12-1)
5.Florida State/12.Liberty

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
3.Texas (12-1)
6.Georgia/11.Penn State

Fiesta Bowl (Glendale)
2.Washington (13-0)
7.Ohio State/10.Ole Miss

Cotton Bowl (Arlington)
1.Michigan/8.Oregon/9.Missouri
4.Alabama/5.Florida State/12.Liberty

Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
2.Washington/7.Ohio State/10.Ole Miss
3.Texas/6.Georgia/11.Penn State

This January, the national championship game will be played in Houston. The first ever twelve team playoff title will be in Atlanta in 2025 and then in Miami in 2026.

Houston (January 22)
Winner
Winner

Image Courtesy: Inkl

The last four team playoff will end what has been a crazy 2023 college football season. The question is always asked will this season’s playoff be the four “most deserving” or the “four best” teams this season? Based on the way the CFP committee has ranked the teams this season, I believe they will put the four “most deserving” teams in the playoff. This is because in the past, they have never left out an undefeated Power 5 champion and have done all throughout November. All undefeated Power 5 conference champions should be in: Michigan, Washington, and Florida State (like where they have been ranked for much of the season). But will all three be in this season? We will find out early this afternoon. The Wolverines went undefeated throughout the season having head coach Jim Harbaugh suspended twice. They have not blinked with Sherrone Moore leading them to a 6-0 record. Running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards have helped their quarterback JJ McCarthy, get the ball to receiver Roman Wilson and tight end Colston Loveland. The Huskies locked up their playoff spot when they defeated Oregon for a second time in the final Pac-12 Championship game, 34-31. They may have only beaten unranked Arizona State, 15-7, Stanford, 42-33, and Washington State, 24-21, but they proved the doubters wrong with their win on Friday over the Ducks. Quarterback Michael Penix tailback Dillon Johnson, wide receivers Rome Odunze, and Ja’Lynn Polkcontinue to prove Washington’s offensive strengths but it will be up to their defense, headed by cornerback Dominique Hampton to get them a win in the semifinal round to potentially get to the national championship game. But, for the Seminoles, the question has to be asked. Do the Seminoles really get in without their quarterback, Jordan Travis who was lost for the season due to injury? The Seminoles scraped by Florida and Louisville without him and do not look like a playoff offense without him. If the committee were to pick them to make it, it would be because of their offensive playmakers Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson, Trey Benson, and defensive playmakers Jared Verse, Tatum Bethune, Kalen DeLoach, and DJ Lundy. The next question is how to rank one loss conference champions, Alabama and Texas. The answer may be tougher to answer but this season, it is not. Despite Alabama’s win over top ranked Georgia in the SEC title game, the Longhorns defeated the Crimson Tide back on September 9, so they do warrant what would likely be the fourth spot. Texas has been dominant the past two weekends, defeating rival Texas Tech 57-7 and then defeating Oklahoma State on Saturday, 49-21. Texas’ defense has dominated opponents the last month with linebacker Jaylan Ford and have scored with relative ease with signal-caller Quinn Ewers, running back CJ Baxter, and receivers Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. Without winning a conference title, it is hard to see Georgia making the field, attempting to win a third consecutive national championship. This season’s scenarios are why a 12-team playoff will be fun to see play out next season and beyond.

Here are the four teams I believe that will be in this season’s College Football Playoff:
1.Michigan 13-0 (9-0) Big Ten Champion
2.Washington 13-0 (9-0) Pac-12 Champion
3.Florida State 13-0 (8-0) ACC Champion
4.Texas 12-1 (8-1) Big 12 Champion
Outside looking in:
5.Alabama 12-1 (8-0) SEC Champion
6.Georgia 12-1 (8-0) SEC Runner-Up

Final Projected College Football Playoff and New Year’s Six Games
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
Alabama vs. Oregon
December 29, 8 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App

Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl
Missouri vs. Oklahoma
December 30, 12 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App

Capital One Orange Bowl
Ohio State vs. Ole Miss
December 30, 4 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App

VRBO Fiesta Bowl
Arizona vs. SMU
January 1, 1 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App

CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game
1.Michigan (13-0) vs. 4.Texas (12-1)
January 1, 5 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App

CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl
2.Washington (13-0) vs. 3.Florida State (13-0)
January 1, 8:45 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App

My preview of these six games will come out on the afternoon of December 28th.

Image Courtesy: Sports Illustrated

CFP Top 6
1.Georgia 12-0 (8-0) SEC This week: 8.Alabama (11-1) (Atlanta) (Saturday, 4 PM ET, CBS)
2.Michigan 12-0 (9-0) Big Ten This week: 16.Iowa (10-2) (Indianapolis) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, FOX)
3.Washington 12-0 (9-0) Pac-12 This week: 5.Oregon (11-1) (Las Vegas) (Friday, 8 PM ET, ABC)
4.Florida State 12-0 (8-0) ACC This week: 14.Louisville (10-2) (Charlotte) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, ABC)
5.Oregon 11-1 (8-1) Pac-12 This week: 3.Washington (12-0) (Las Vegas) (Friday, 8 PM ET, ABC)
6.Ohio State 11-1 (8-1) Big Ten This week: Off

Biggest risers and fallers in the CFP Top 25 this week:

Risers
2.Michigan 12-0 (9-0) Big Ten Week 13: #3 (Defeated 2.Ohio State, 30-24)
4.Florida State 12-0 (8-0) ACC Week 13: #5 (Defeated Florida, 24-15)
5.Oregon 11-1 (8-1) Pac-12 Week 13: #6 (Defeated 16.Oregon State, 31-7)
19.NC State 9-3 (6-2) ACC Week 13: #22 (Defeated North Carolina

Fallers
6.Ohio State 11-1 (8-1) Big Ten Week 13: #2 (Lost to 3.Michigan, 30-24)
14.Louisville 10-2 (7-1) ACC Week 13: #10 (Lost to Kentucky, 38-31)
20.Oregon State 8-4 (5-4) Pac-12 Week 13: #16 (Lost to 6.Oregon, 31-7)
25.Kansas State 8-4 (6-3) Big 12 Week 13: #19 (Lost to Iowa State, 42-35)

Dropped Out

New

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)
Pac-12 Championship
3.Washington (12-0) vs. 5.Oregon (11-1) (Las Vegas) (Friday, 8 PM ET, ABC)
With every Power Five conference with a chance to have a representative in this season’s College Football Playoff, these conference championship games are so much more important. Back on October 14, Washington defeated Oregon 36-33. The final Pac-12 Championship game as we know it may feature the most points between two teams in conference history because of quarterbacks Michael Penix (Washington) and Bo Nix (Oregon). Washington has won close games against Arizona State 15-7, Stanford 42-33, Utah 35-28, and Oregon State 22-20 since beating the Ducks while Oregon has defeated Utah 35-6, California 63-19, Arizona State 49-13, and rival Oregon State 31-7 during that time period. Simply put Bo Nix (3,906 yards and 37 TDs) and his tailback Bucky Irving (1,043 yards and 10 TDs) have been one of the best backfield duos in the country with receiver Troy Franklin (1,349 yards and 14 TDs) helping them out. But, it has truly been their defense, led by defensive backs Evan Williams (71 tackles and 4.5 sacks) and Tysheem Johnson (59 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack) that has turned things around to give them this rematch against the Huskies. Washington receiver Rome Odunze, who has 66 catches for over 1206 yards and 11 TDs, has been Michael Penix’ (3,695 yards and 30 TDs) favorite target this season. Washington running back Dillon Johnson (879 yards and 11 TDs) has allowed them to open up the playbook and have a balanced offense, making the defense bite on Penix’s play action passes more often. Cornerback Dominique Hampton (80 tackles and 2 interceptions) and linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (72 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception) will look to rattle Nix and the Oregon defense as they look to return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2016. Projected Score: Oregon 38, Washington 35

Big 12 Championship
7.Texas (11-1) vs. 18.Oklahoma State (9-3) (Arlington) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
Many thought a Texas-Oklahoma rematch was coming in the Big 12 title as they both head to the SEC next season with Oklahoma State losing 21-6 in the first half against BYU. However, the Cowboys bounced back in the second half and defeated the Cougars 40-34 in overtime to clinch their berth to Arlington. The key to the game will be Oklahoma State Alan Bowman (2,487 yards, 10 TDs, and 9 INTs) not turning the ball over against the talented Texas defense, led by linebackers Jaylan Ford (88 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack) and Anthony Hill Jr. (57 tackles and 4 sacks). If Bowman turns the ball over and does not get the ball to his favorite target Brennan Presley (656 yards and 5 TDs) it will be hard to establish the run with Ollie Gordon II, who has rushed for 1,414 yards and 15 TDs. On the other side, Texas’ Quinn Ewers (2,709 yards and 17 TDs) and tailback CJ Braxton (552 yards and 3 TDs) must keep their great play going to potentially move on to the College Football Playoff with a win. In addition, the combination of Xavier Worthy (883 yards and 5 TDs) and Adonai Mitchell (704 yards and 9 TDs) will make it tough for linebacker Nickolas Martin (112 tackles, 6 sacks, and 1 interception), safety Kendal Daniels (83 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception), and the rest of the Cowboys defense to stop them consistently. Projected Score: Texas 35, Oklahoma State 21

SEC Championship
1.Georgia (12-0) vs. 8.Alabama (11-1) (Atlanta) (Saturday, 4 PM ET, CBS)
Chaos has to ensue but if Alabama is able to end Georgia’s 29 game winning streak on Saturday afternoon in Atlanta, they can make the College Football Playoff. Because Texas defeated the Crimson Tide back in September, the Longhorns have to lose the Big 12 championship against Oklahoma State for the Crimson Tide to pass them. They must also hope for Washington to give Oregon its second loss in Friday’s Pac-12 title and need Florida State to fall to Louisville in Charlotte in the ACC title. The Crimson Tide used a miracle on 4th and goal from the thirty one yard line to defeat Auburn in the Iron Bowl, which never disappoints. Auburn only brought two pass rushers and gave Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (2,526 yards and 22 TDs) enough time to hit Isaiah Bond (542 yards and 4 TDs) in the end zone to give them the win. Milroe must get top running back Jase McClellan (803 yards and 6 TDs) and former Georgia wideout Jermaine Burton (749 yards and 7 TDs) if they want to get past Georgia’s terrific defense under head coach Kirby Smart. Led by defensive back Tykee Smith (63 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 sacks) and linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. (60 tackles and 3 sacks), the Bulldog defense will look to eliminate Jalen Milroe’s running and turn the Alabama into a one dimensional offense. Georgia led most of the game but was only able to defeat rival Georgia Tech, 31-23. The Georgia offense must continue to rely on its strengths, such as quarterback Carson Beck (3,495 yards and 22 TDs), tailback Daijun Edwards (781 yards and 11 TDs), and tight end Brock Bowers (661 yards and 6 TDs). They will be challenged by the Alabama defense, who can control the line of scrimmage with cornerback blitzes from Caleb Downs (95 tackles and 2 interceptions) and from linebacker Jihaad Campbell (61 tackles and 0.5 sacks). The last SEC Championship between the east division and west division championship (and before Texas and Oklahoma enter the league) should be a dandy in Atlanta. Projected Score: Georgia 31, Alabama 28

ACC Championship
4.Florida State (12-0) vs. 14.Louisville (10-2) (Charlotte) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, ABC)
Florida State played a better second half against Florida in Gainesville to defeat the Gators 24-19 without staring quarterback Jordan Travis. Instead, backup Tate Rodemaker threw for 134 yards, running back Trey Benson rushed for 95 yards and 3 TDs, and Johnny Wilson caught six passes for 64 yards to keep themselves undefeated and in the College Football Playoff chase. After that performance, however, the Seminoles must prove against Louisville, who comes off a seven point loss to rival Kentucky, that they are worthy of a spot in the playoff with a dominant performance, because there are eight teams still alive to make it entering the weekend. Linebackers Tatum Bethune (63 tackles) and Kalen DeLoach (63 tackles, 7 sacks, and 1 interception) must get to quarterback Jack Plummer (2,952 yards and 21 TDs) and limit the production of tailback Jawhar Jordan (1,076 yards and 13 TDs) and receiver Jamari Thrash (801 yards and 6 TDs) to keep the Cardinals’ offense at bay. To knock the Seminoles out of the playoff, the Louisville defense must stop their offense with linebacker TJ Quinn (75 tackles 1 interception, and 0.5 sacks) and defensive back Cam’Ron Kelly (63 tackles and 2 interceptions). A win for the Seminoles puts them in position to win a national championship but they must be convincing in Charlotte on Saturday night. Projected Score: Florida State 21, Louisville 17

Big Ten Championship
1.Michigan (12-0) vs. 16.Iowa (10-2) (Indianapolis) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, FOX)
Michigan matches up with Iowa for the third consecutive season. The Wolverines won 42-3 in 2021 and 43-22 in 2022. Michigan went 3-0 without Jim Harbaugh on the sideline due to his sign-stealing suspension. They dominated on the ground but struggled to find the passing game until they faced Ohio State, when they got their third consecutive win over the Buckeyes. Unless Iowa finds an offensive identity (something they have not done much over the last decade), Michigan should be well on their way to a third consecutive College Football Playoff berth, looking for their first win in the event. With Harbaugh back, and JJ McCarthy (2,483 yards and 19 TDs) playing well, they should be the favorites to win their semifinal match up assuming they beat the Hawkeyes. It is the running back duo of Black Corum (976 yards and 20 TDs), Donovan Edwards (354 yards and 3 TDs), and receiver Roman Wilson (648 yards and 11 TDs) hard to beat. Linebackers Junior Colson (71 tackles) and Michael Barrett (45 tackles and 2 sacks) will not be easy on Iowa’s running back duo Leshon Williams (779 yards and 1 TD) and Kaleb Johnson (415 yards and 3 TDs) because signal-caller Deacon Hill has only thrown for 976 yards and 5 TDs. Defensively, they are fantastic. Linebackers Jay Higgins has 141 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception and Nick Jackson who has 91 tackles and 4 sacks. They will challenge Michigan’s offense early but the Wolverines will find enough momentum off of their own defense to create great field position. Then, the running game will solidify another playoff spot for Harbaugh’s team. Projected Score: Michigan 38, Iowa 20

Image Courtesy: Sports Illustrated

CFP Top 6
1.Georgia 11-0 (8-0) SEC This week: @ Georgia Tech (6-5) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
2.Ohio State 11-0 (8-0) Big Ten This week: @ 3.Michigan (11-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
3.Michigan 11-0 (8-0) Big Ten This week: 2.Ohio State (11-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
4.Washington 11-0 (8-0) Pac-12 This week: Washington State (5-6) (Saturday, 4 PM ET, FOX)
5.Florida State 11-0 (8-0) ACC This week: @ Florida (5-6) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
6.Oregon 10-1 (7-1) Pac-12 This week: 16.Oregon State (8-3) (Friday, 8:30 PM ET, FOX)

Biggest risers and fallers in the CFP Top 25 this week:

Risers
4.Washington 11-0 (8-0) Pac-12 Week 12: #5 (Defeated 11.Oregon State, 22-20)
15.Arizona 8-3 (6-2) Pac-12 Week 12: #17 (Defeated 22.Utah, 42-18)
20.Oklahoma State 8-3 (6-2) Big 12 Week 12: #23 (Defeated Houston, 43-30)

Fallers
5.Florida State 11-0 (8-0) ACC Week 12: #4 (Defeated North Alabama, 58-13)
16.Oregon State 8-3 (5-3) Pac-12 Week 12: #11 (Lost to 5.Washington, 22-20)
21.Tennessee 7-4 (3-4) SEC Week 12: #18 (Lost to 1.Georgia, 38-10)

Dropped Out
North Carolina 8-3 (4-3) ACC Week 12: #20 (Lost to Clemson, 31-20)
Utah 7-4 (4-4) Pac-12 Week 12: #22 (Lost to 17.Arizona, 42-18)
Kansas 7-4 (4-4) Big 12 Week 12: #25 (Lost to 21.Kansas State, 31-27)

New
22.NC State 8-3 (5-2) ACC Week 11: NR (Defeated Virginia Tech, 35-28)
24.Clemson 7-4 (4-4) ACC Week 11: NR (Defeated 20.North Carolina, 31-20)
25.Liberty 11-0 (7-0) Conference USA Week 11: NR (Defeated UMass, 49-25)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)
Texas Tech (6-5) @ 7.Texas (10-1) (Friday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire talked in the pre-season about sending the Texas Longhorns off to the SEC with a loss. The Red Raiders expected to have a better season but they can still send the Longhorns out of College Football Playoff contention with a win. Behren Morton (1,410 yards and 12 TDs) leads Texas Tech at quarterback. He is joined in the backfield by tremendous running back Tahj Brooks, who has scampered for nearly 1,400 yards and 9 TDs and on the outside by four great receivers, Xavier White (470 yards and 1 TD), Jerand Bradley (431 yards and 4 TDs), Myles Price (410 yards and 5 TDs), and Coy Eakin (283 yards and 1 TD). The Red Raider defense, led by linebacker Ben Roberts (87 tackles, 1 interceptions, and 0.5 sacks) and defensive back CJ Baskerville (64 tackles and 1 interception) will have to deal with Texas’ great receivers, Xavier Worthy (834 yards and 4 TDs) and Adonai Mitchell (669 yards and 9 TDs). Filling in for starting running back Jonathan Brooks (1,139 yards and 10 TDs) is talented freshman CJ Baxter (507 yards and 3 TDs). Quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has thrown for over 2,500 yards and 16 TDs, will look to keep Texas’ national title hopes alive by avoiding an upset loss to Texas Tech. Ewers’ defense has played fantastic this season, headed by a group of linebackers, Jaylan Ford (80 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack) and Anthony Hill (53 tackles and 3 sacks). The last Texas-Texas Tech game before the Longhorns head to the SEC should be a barnburner as the ‘Horns look to clinch a bid to next Saturday’s Big 12 title game. Projected Score: Texas 28, Texas Tech 21

16.Oregon State (8-3) @ 6.Oregon (10-1) (Friday, 8:30 PM ET, FOX)
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has things rolling in Eugene. The Ducks must avenge their loss to Oregon State to get another shot at Washington in next Friday’s Pac-12 Championship game. If not, Arizona will make it to Las Vegas if they defeat Arizona State on Saturday. QB Bo Nix has separated himself as a Heisman contender, throwing for 3,539 yards and 35 TDs and just two interceptions. His running back Bucky Irving (1,002 yards and 10 TDs) receivers Troy Franklin (1,221 yards and 13 TDs) and Tez Johnson (805 yards and 9 TDs) make it that much easier for Nix to prove himself as a contender for college football’s top award. His defense must step up against an Oregon State offense that gave Washington fits in the second half last Saturday. Defensive backs Evan Williams (65 tackles and 4.5 sacks) and Tysheem Johnson (54 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack) lead the Ducks on that side of the ball. Oregon State will look to keep Oregon out of the Pac-12 Championship game like they did in 2022, with a great game from QB DJ Uiagalelei (2,418 yards and 20 TDs) and tailback Damien Martinez (1,147 yards and 9 TDs). Receivers Silas Bolden (662 yards and 4 TDs) and Anthony Gould (633 yards and 2 TDs) must help their quarterback get in the end zone against the Ducks’ talented secondary. Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (95 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions) and defensive back Akili Arnold (61 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 0.5 sacks) must be able to defend against Nix and the red hot Oregon offense. Projected Score: Oregon 38, Oregon State 27

Kentucky (6-5) @ 10.Louisville (10-1) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
Can Kentucky take Louisville out of the College Football Playoff race with a win over the Cardinals? If the Cardinals win out be defeating Kentucky and Florida State in the ACC Championship next week, they can crash the playoff. To eliminate the Cardinals from the discussion, Wildcats signal caller Devin Leary (2,234 yards and 20 TDs) cannot turn the ball over. The Kentucky offense has to get running back Ray Davis (990 yards and 12 TDs) going against Louisville’s terrific defense, led by linebacker TJ Quinn (73 tackles, 1 interception, and 0.5 sacks). Defensive back Maxwell Hairston (59 tackles and 5 interceptions) will be responsible for terrific Louisville receiver Jamari Thrash has been terrific this season, with 741 yards and 6 TDs. His quarterback Jack Plummer, has thrown for 2,710 yards and 19 TDs. He too has dealt with turnover problems. Tailback Jawhar Jordan (1,009 yards and 11 TDs) should make it easier for Plummer against their instate rival. The battle for Kentucky is huge as the Cardinals dream of a New Year’s Bowl game and the Wildcats look to avoid moving to 6-6. Projected Score: Louisville 27, Kentucky 24

2.Ohio State (11-0) @ 3.Michigan (11-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
The biggest game of the college football season up to this point is again “The Game” in 2023. Ohio State has not beaten the Michigan the last two seasons after dominating the series the previous fifteen seasons. The importance of tailback TreVeyon Henderson (794 yards and7 TDs) in this game is huge. Henderson’s running ability should help set up Kyle McCord’s (2,899 yards and 22 TDs) passing game against the terrific Michigan defense. The awesome group of Ohio State receivers must be better than they were in the last two showdowns against the Wolverines. Marvin Harrison Jr., who has 62 catches, 1,093 yards, and 13 TDs while his partner Cade Stover has 38 catches for 534 yards and 5 TDs. Buckeyes linebackers Tommy Eichenberg (73 tackles and 1 sack) and Steele Chambers (62 tackles and 1 interception) will look to close run gaps against two of the best backs in the country, Blake Corum (880 yards and 20 TDs) and Donavan Edwards (323 yards and 3 TDs). Like Henderson for Ohio State, they will look to set up struggling signal-caller JJ McCarthy (2,335 yards and 18 TDs) and the Wolverines’ passing game. Defense will win this game for Michigan for a third consecutive season. Defensive back Makari Paige (30 tackles) must help stop Ohio State’s talented receiving core led by Harrison, Stover, and Emeka Egbuka. Projected Score: Michigan 24, Ohio State 21

8.Alabama (10-1) @ Auburn (6-5) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Can Auburn bounce back from a loss to New Mexico State and even make the “Iron Bowl” competitive against red hot Alabama? It does not look like Peyton Thorne (1,580 yards and 14 TDs) and the Auburn offense can establish themselves against Alabama with their struggles against New Mexico State a week ago. Tailback Jarquez Hunter, who has rushed for 772 yards and 7 TDs so far this season, will look to help Thorne score points on the talented Alabama defense. Jalen Milroe has been on another level since escaping the Arkansas game with a three point win, throwing for 2,267 yards and 19 TDs and rushing for 332 yards and 12 more touchdowns. Receivers Jermaine Burton (642 yards and 6 TDs), Isaiah Bond (467 yards and 3 TDs), and Kobe Prentice (282 yards and 2 TDs) have been the beneficiaries of Milroe’s success this season. Defensive back Caleb Downs (90 tackles and 2 interceptions) and linebacker Jihaad Campbell (57 tackles, 1 interception, and 0.5 sacks) will look to shut down the Auburn defense. A win for the Crimson Tide puts them a win away from potentially locking up a College Football Playoff bid if they can get some help with Texas losing either tomorrow or in next Saturday’s Big 12 title game, assuming the Longhorns make it to Arlington. Projected Score: Alabama 38, Auburn 20

Washington State (5-6) @ 4.Washington (11-0) (Saturday, 4 PM ET, FOX)
After it was announced in the last week that the Apple Cup will continue at least through the 2028 season, Washington and Washington State must focus on this Saturday’s battle, the last between the two as common Pac-12 rivals. The Cougars want to send Washington out of the Pac-12 with their first loss of the season, lowering their chances to make a College Football Playoff. Washington State finally returned to the win column after six consecutive losses against Colorado. Their offense will have to go score for score with Washington’s phenomenal unit. They definitely have the quarterback, in Cameron Ward, who has thrown for almost 3,500 yards and 22 TDs. Receivers Josh Kelly (817 yards and 7 TDs), Lincoln Victor (772 yards and 4 TDs), and Kyle Williams (757 yards and 5 TDs)) will have to play big if they want to beat the Huskies. They do not have a running back over 300 rush yards this season so it will be difficult to establish the run game even against an under average Washington defense. Of course, quarterback Michael Penix (3,695 yards and 30 TDs) and receivers Rome Ondunze (1,206 yards and 11 TDs) and Ja’Lynn Polk (943 yards and 8 TDs) lead the way. But, the defense, headed by cornerback Dominique Hampton (80 tackles and 2 interceptions) and linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (72 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception), must continue quality defensive performances like they had a week ago against Oregon State in Salem. A win for the Huskies puts them one win away from potentially locking up the Pac-12’s third College Football Playoff bid (and Washington’s second) and their first since 2016, when they did it in 2016. Projected Score: Washington 38, Washington State 27

5.Florida State (11-0) @ Florida (5-6) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
Florida will look to protect “The Swamp” and gain bowl eligibility by defeating Florida State on Saturday night. The Seminoles lost star quarterback Jordan Travis (2,755 yards and 20 TDs) last Saturday due to a leg injury in the first quarter of their win over North Alabama. Tate Rodemaker took over for Travis, leading the Seminoles to 58 unanswered points. But, the challenge gets tougher for Rodemaker, (376 yards and 5 TDs) if he wants his team to make the College Football Playoff. He must lead his team over the Gators on the road and next week against a top ten Louisville team in the ACC Championship game next Saturday. Running back Trey Benson (743 yards and 11 TDs) and sure handed receivers Keon Coleman (615 yards and 11 TDs) and Johnny Wilson (532 yards and 2 TDs) will be very important in getting Rodemaker acclimated enough to defeat a rival on the road. Linebackers Kalen DeLoach (59 tackles and 7 sacks) and Tatum Bethune (56 tackles) will look to get to quarterback Max Brown (106 yards), who replaces Graham Mertz (2,903 yards and 20 TDs), who is out with a collarbone injury. With the inexperience at quarterback, the tailback duo of Trevor Etienne (710 yards and 8 TDs) and Montrell Johnson (710 yards and 4 TDs) must step up so receivers Ricky Pearsall (948 yards and 4 TDs) and Eugene Wilson III (502 yards and 6 TDs) can be successful in this game. If the Florida defense, led by safety Jordan Castell (58 tackles and 1 interception) and linebacker Shemar James (55 tackles and 1 sack), they will have a chance to end the Seminoles’ playoff chances. Projected Score: Florida State 27, Florida 17

Image Courtesy: James Madison University Athletics

CFP Top 6
1.Georgia 10-0 (7-0) SEC This week: @ 18.Tennessee (7-3) (3:30 PM ET, CBS)
2.Ohio State 10-0 (7-0) Big Ten This week: Minnesota (5-5) (4 PM ET, BTN)
3.Michigan 10-0 (7-0) Big Ten This week: @ Maryland (6-4) (12 PM ET, FOX)
4.Florida State 10-0 (8-0) ACC This week: North Alabama (3-7) (6:30 PM ET, CW Network)
5.Washington 10-0 (7-0) Pac-12 This week: @ 11.Oregon State (8-2) (7:30 PM ET, ABC)
6.Oregon 9-1 (6-1) Pac-12 This week: @ Arizona State (3-7) (4 PM ET, FOX)

Biggest risers and fallers in the CFP Top 25 this week:

Risers
1.Georgia 10-0 (7-0) SEC Week 11: #2 (Defeated 9.Ole Miss, 52-17)
9.Missouri 8-2 (5-2) SEC Week 11: #14 (Defeated 13.Tennessee, 36-7)
15.LSU 7-3 (5-2) SEC Week 11: #19 (Defeated Florida, 52-35)
16.Iowa 8-2 (5-2) Big Ten Week 11: #22 (Defeated Rutgers, 22-0)
17.Arizona 7-3 (5-2) Pac-12 Week 11: #21 (Defeated Colorado, 34-31)

Fallers
2.Ohio State 10-0 (7-0) Week 11: #1 (Defeated Michigan State, 38-3)
12.Penn State 8-2 (5-2) Big Ten Week 11: #10 (Lost to 3.Michigan, 24-15)
13.Ole Miss 8-2 (5-2) SEC Week 11: #9 (Lost to 2.Georgia, 52-17)
18.Tennessee 7-3 (3-3) SEC Week 11: #13 (Lost to 14.Missouri, 36-7)
22.Utah 7-3 (4-3) Pac-12 Week 11: #18 (Lost to 5.Washington, 35-28)
23.Oklahoma State 7-3 (5-2) Big 12 Week 11: #15 (Lost to Central Florida, 45-3)
25.Kansas 7-3 (4-3) Big 12 Week 11: #16 (Lost to Texas Tech, 16-13)

Dropped Out
N/A

New
N/A

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)

Appalachian State (6-4) @ James Madison (10-0) (Saturday, 2 PM ET, ESPN+)
ESPN’s College GameDay heads to James Madison to see the undefeated Dukes face Appalachian State. Despite James Madison’s terrific season, “is ineligible for a bowl game under NCAA guidelines, and under Sun Belt rules can’t play in the conference championship as the school plays its second year in a transition from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Football Bowl Subdivision” per The Virginia Pilot. Despite all of that for the Dukes, they are not ranked in the College Football Playoff top 25. Quarterback Jordan McCloud has thrown for almost 3,000 yards, 26 TDs, rushed for 458 yards, and 6 TDs. McCloud has two great running backs by him, including Kaelon Black (531 yards and 1 TD) and Ty Son Lawton (310 yards and 6 TDs). Receivers Reggie Brown (903 yards and 8 TDs) and Elijah Sarratt (841 yards and 4 TDs) make it easier for McCloud as reliable targets. Their front seven continues to dominate with linebackers Aiden Fisher (80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 interception) and Jailin Walker (45 tackles and 1.5 sacks), as well as defensive linemen Jalen Green (50 tackles, 15.5 sacks, and 1 interceptions) and Mikail Kamara (42 tackles and 6.5 sacks). Because of this NCAA ruling, Appalachian State is still in play to win the Sun Belt East over the Dukes, as they are a half game behind Coastal Carolina (5-2) with a 4-2 conference record. Mountaineer QB Joey Aguilar has been as good as McCloud this season, also throwing for 26 touchdowns so far this season. Aguilar’s offensive weapons, tailback Nate Noel (766 yards and 5 TDs), receiver Kaedin Robinson (541 yards and 6 TDs), and fellow receiver Christian Horn (456 yards and 5 TDs) continue to be great as they try to appear in another Sun Belt title game. Former Arkansas linebacker Andrew Parker Jr. (86 tackles and 2 sacks) must continue his great play if Appalachian State wants to beat James Madison. Projected Score: James Madison 34, Appalachian State 24

22.Utah (7-3) @ 17.Arizona (7-3) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, P12N)
Barring potential collapses from Washington and Oregon, the two squads will have a rematch in December 1st’s Pac-12 title game. S0, Arizona and Utah must focus on controlling what they can control to keep themselves in the conversation by winning. The Wildcats are led by their signal caller, Noah Fifita, who has thrown for over 1,700 yards and 16 TDs while his running backs Jonah Coleman (744 yards and 3 TDs) and DJ Williams (347 yards and 4 TDs) continue to shine for Arizona. Receivers Tetairoa McMillan (860 yards and 8 TDs) and Jacob Cowing (534 yards and 10 TDs) are reliable for Fifita while defenders Jacob Manu (84 tackles and 5.5 sacks) and Dalton Johnson (54 tackles and 1 sack) must get through the Utah offensive line to Bryson Barnes (1,197 yards and 10 TDs) to help their team win this game. Running back Ja’Quinden Jackson (627 yards and 4 TDs) and receiver Devaughn Pele (482 yards and 2 TDs) must continue to be great against a great Arizona defense. The Utes’ defense is pretty great themselves, using talented linebackers Levani Damuni (60 tackles) and Karene Reid (54 tackles and 1 interception) to get to the quarterback consistently. Utah may not be able to win a third consecutive Pac-12 Championship but they can keep Arizona from continuing their success with a win over the Wildcats. Projected Score: Utah 27, Arizona 20

1.Georgia (10-0) @ 18.Tennessee (7-3) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Perceived to be the two favorites to win the SEC East in the final season of divisions in the conference entering the season, Georgia has lived up to the gigantic hype like usual but Tennessee was killed last Saturday by Missouri, who only lost to the Bulldogs by nine the previous weekend in Athens. Georgia’s offense absolutely obliterated Ole Miss’ defense last weekend for 611 yards with Kendall Milton carrying the ball just nine times for almost 130 yards and 2 TDs and receiver Ladd McConkey going for 81 yards and a touchdown on four catches. Their first year starting quarterback, Carson Beck, continues to thrive in Kirby Smart’s system, going 18-25 for 306 yards and 2 TDs. On the other side of the ball, Smart’s patented defense held the high scoring Rebels to just 17 points, CJ Smith made nine tackles and a sack and Tykee Smith made six tackles. Tennessee’s offense must show up with the great way this Georgia defense is playing right now. Joe Milton (2,283 yards and 16 TDs) has not lived up to the pre-season hype he garnered but top tailback Jaylen Wright continues to attract attention as he almost reaches the 900 yard mark with three touchdowns by his name through ten games this season. The Vols’ receivers, Squirrel White, 609 yards and 2 TDs, and Ramel Keyton, 469 yards and 4 TDs, must be excellent Saturday if they want to play spoiler. Similar to the Bulldogs’ defense, their offense is thriving as well. So, linebacker Elijah Herring, who has an incredible sixty-four tackles on the season, will be important to shutting down Beck and the Georgia offense. Projected Score: Georgia 42, Tennessee 24

21.Kansas State (7-3) @ 25.Kansas (7-3) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, FS1)
With Kansas State (5-2) tied with four teams for second in the Big 12, the Wildcats have a lot to play for the last two weeks of the season. Kansas, on the other hand, is 4-3 in conference and will have to pull off a miracle to show up in the conference championship game. Jason Bean (1,431 yards and 10 TDs) has been phenomenal since replacing star Jalon Daniels under center. The running back combo of Devin Neal (965 yards and 8 TDs) and Daniel Hishaw Jr. (552 yards and 8 TDs) has definitely made Bean’s life easier in addition to the great play of receivers Lawrence Arnold, who has made 33 catches for 559 yards and 2 TDs, and Quinten Skinner, who has made 21 catches for 421 yards and 2 TDs. Safety Kenny Logan Jr. (70 tackles and 1 interception) and linebacker Rich Miller (51 tackles and 2 sacks) will look to make Will Howard (2,190 yards and 21 touchdowns) and the Wildcat offense’s life hard on Saturday. Tailback DJ Giddens (859 yards and 7 TDs) and receiver Phillip Brooks (554 yards and 5 TDs) have starred next to Howard in this offense. Defensively for K-State, it will be up to linebacker Austin Moore (54 tackles and 1.5 sacks) to stop the Jayhawks running game. A win for the Wildcats puts them in great position to get a rematch with Texas in the Big 12 Championship game, assuming both teams win out. Projected Score: Kansas 35, Kansas State 31

5.Washington (10-0) @ 11.Oregon State (8-2) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
Led by their tremendous offense, Washington must make it through two more regular season games before they complete an undefeated season entering the Pac-12 title game. They must avoid a loss to a pesky Oregon State team, who has climbed all the way to number 11 in the CFP poll, led by former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (2,254 yards and 20 TDs). The Beavers could do something very funny by beating the Pac-12’s top two teams, the Huskies and their instate rival, number six Oregon on Thanksgiving Saturday, which would end the Pac-12’s College Football Playoff hopes in their final season as the conference everyone knows. The Beavers have had great success leaning on their running game and defense. Damien Martinez makes it look easy at that position, carrying the ball for over 1,000 yards and 7 TDs on just 155 carries. Linebacker Easton Macarenas-Arnold (88 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions) and defensive back Akili Arnold (58 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 0.5 sacks) must get to Heisman front runner Michael Penix with ease if they want to stop the awesome Husky offense. Receivers Rome Odunze (1,100 yards and 9 TDs) and Ja’Lynn Polk (943 yards and 8 TDs) make it look easy for the Washington offense. With Washington’s defense not being great, this primetime Pac-12 battle will come down to the Kalen DeBoer’s offense going up against Jonathan Smith’s great defense. Projected Score: Washington 31, Oregon State 24

Image Courtesy: Chatsports.com

CFP Top 6
1.Ohio State 9-0 (6-0) Big Ten This week: Michigan State (3-6) (7:30 PM ET, NBC)
2.Georgia 9-0 (6-0) SEC This week: 9.Ole Miss (8-1) (7 PM ET, ESPN)
3.Michigan 9-0 (6-0) Big Ten This week: @ 10.Penn State (8-1) (12 PM ET, FOX)
4.Florida State 9-0 (7-0) ACC This week: Miami (6-3) (3:30 PM ET, ABC)
5.Washington 9-0 (6-0) Pac-12 This week: 18.Utah (7-2) (3:30 PM ET, FOX)
6.Oregon 8-1 (5-1) Pac-12 This week: USC (7-3) (10:30 PM ET, FOX)

Biggest risers and fallers in the CFP Top 25 this week:

Risers
12.Oregon State 7-2 (4-2) Pac-12 Week 10: #16 (Defeated Colorado, 26-19)
15.Oklahoma State 7-2 (5-1) Big 12 Week 10: #22 (Defeated 9.Oklahoma, 27-24)
16.Kansas 7-2 (4-2) Big 12 Week 10: #21 (Defeated Iowa State, 28-21)

Fallers
17.Oklahoma 7-2 (4-2) Big 12 Week 10: #9 (Lost to 22.Oklahoma State, 27-24)
19.LSU 6-3 (4-2) SEC Week 10: #14 (Lost to 8.Alabama, 42-28)
20.Notre Dame 7-3 (0-0) Independents Week 10: #15 (Lost to Clemson, 31-23)
25.Kansas State Week 10: #23 (Lost to 7.Texas, 33-30)

Dropped Out
UCLA 6-3 (3-3) Pac-12 Week 10: #19 (Lost to Arizona, 27-10)
USC 7-3 (5-2) Pac-12 Week 10: #20 (Lost to 5.Washington, 52-42)
Air Force Week 10: #25 (Lost to Army, 23-3)

New
21.Arizona 6-3 (4-2) Pac-12 Week 10: NR (Defeated 19.UCLA, 27-10)
22.Iowa 7-2 (4-2) Big Ten Week 10: NR (Defeated Northwestern, 10-7)
24.North Carolina 7-2 (3-2) ACC Week 10: NR (Defeated Campbell, 59-7)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)
3.Michigan (9-0) @ 10.Penn State (8-1) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
Will Michigan continue its dominant season with all of the rumblings about their sign stealing investigation? As I am writing, Jim Harbaugh and his team have not been penalized (Update: It is expected the NCAA will not allow Harbaugh to coach on the sideline the rest of the regular season, however, he can coach practice during the week) in any way by the Big Ten or the NCAA as they enter the toughest stretch of their season with the 10.Nittany Lions (8-1), Maryland (5-4) next Saturday, and 1.Ohio State (9-0) on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Michigan uses a dominant run game led by two of the nation’s best tailbacks, Blake Corum (649 yards and 16 TDs) and Donavan Edwards (232 yards and 2 TDs) to help power the passing game with quarterback JJ McCarthy (2,134 yards and 18 TDs). Due to the Wolverines not playing many top opponents nationally, McCarthy’s top targets Roman Wilson (589 yards and 10 TDs), Cornelius Johnson (422 yards and 1 TD), and Colston Loveland (419 yards and 4 TDs) have not gotten the recognition they deserve. Defensively, Michigan is powered by the linebacking trio of Junior Colson (49 tackles), Michael Barrett (33 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 sack), and Ernest Hausmann (30 tackles). If they are able to get through the Penn State offensive line easily, Drew Allar (1,895 yards and 20 TDs) and his offense will struggle like they did in their dismal performance against Ohio State’s offense. Similar to the Wolverines, Penn State’s run game with Kaytron Allen (573 yards and 4 TDs) and Nick Singleton (480 yards and 7 TDs) is very important to their offensive success against a talented defense from Ann Arbor. Allar’s must get the ball to his favorite receiver, KeAndre Lambert-Smith (645 yards and 4 TDs), if the Nittany Lions want to win this game. Defensively, linebackers Curtis Jacobs (36 tackles and 1 sacks) and Abdul Carter (35 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception). If Michigan avoids a loss in State College, they will be headed for a collision course with Ohio State for a third consecutive Big Ten title appearance. Projected Score: Michigan 38, Penn State 27

Miami (6-3) @ 4.Florida State (9-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
Miami has simply not been the same team it was when it dominated Texas A&M in the second half back in September and lost in the final seconds against Georgia Tech after fumbling on a rushing play instead of taking a knee. Now, they have to travel to face arch rival Florida State in Doak S. Campbell Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Hurricanes’ QB Tyler Van Dyke has a 16-11 touchdown to interception throw through the air. Van Dyke’s weapons have been solid still, with running back Henry Parrish Jr. rushing for nearly 500 yards and 4 TDs so far this season and receivers Jacolby George and Xavier Restrepo catching a combined 9 touchdowns. On the other side, Florida State has struggled to wins late in ACC play. Even without top receivers Keon Coleman (538 yards and 9 TDs) and Johnny Wilson (415 yards and 2 TDs) in their win over Pittsburgh, Jordan Travis (2,469 yards and 19 TDs) continues to shine. Trey Benson continues to pace the running back room, rushing for 641 yards and 8 TDs so far this season. If Kalen DeLoach (49 tackles and 5 sacks) and Tatum Bethune (45 tackles) can sack Van Dyke with ease, the Florida State home crowd will overwhelm the Hurricanes. Projected Score: Florida State 34, Miami 20

13.Tennessee (7-2) @ 14.Missouri (7-2) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Missouri competed with Georgia between the hedges from whistle to whistle but fell 30-21. Tennessee dominated UConn 59-3 a week ago. The Vols’ trio of running backs including Jaylen Wright (826 yards and 3 TDs), Jabari Small (415 yards and 2 TDs), and Dylan Sampson (405 yards and 7 TDs) look to set up quarterback Joe Milton (2,016 yards and 15 TDs). Tennessee’s defense will have to stop Mizzou signal-caller Brady Cook (2,471 yards and 16 TDs) and star receiver Luther Burden III (958 yards and 7 TDs) with tremendous linebackers Elijah Herring (58 tackles) and Aaron Beasley (51 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interceptions). Outside of Cook and Burden, look out for tailback Cody Schrader (919 yards and 10 TDs) and receiver Theo Wease Jr. (530 yards and 5 TDs) to perform well against an up and down Volunteer defense. Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper (53 tackles) and defensive back Joseph Charleston (48 tackles) will lead Missouri’s unit on that side of the ball. If Tennessee wins this game, they will head to Athens to face Georgia and make things interesting in the SEC East. If not, Missouri will finish second in the division barring a collapse to finish the season from the Bulldogs. Projected Score: Missouri 35, Tennessee 28

18.Utah (7-2) @ 5.Washington (9-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, FOX)
Can Utah put together a worthy offensive performance to take down Washington’s red hot offense on the road? While it seems unlikely, the Utes have won back to back Pac-12 titles but this season, they are without starting quarterback Cam Rising, who makes it all go for them. Instead, Utah has had to rely on a trio of running backs, Ja’Quinden Jackson (598 yards and 2 TDs), Jayden Glover (359 yards and 2 TDs), and Sione Vaki (243 yards and 2 TDs) who also plays safety and has 44 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 sack on the year. Backup quarterback Bryson Barnes (930 yards and 8 TDs) has settled in, leading a game winning drive against USC, but must turn the ball over less. Linebacker Levani Damuni (48 tackles) and safety Cole Bishop (46 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 sacks) must continue their great seasons if they want to stop Washington’s terrific offense from running up and down the field on them. Huskies’ signal-caller Michael Penix continues to have a Heisman-like season, throwing for over 3,200 yards and 26 TDs. His offense has struggled in close wins over Arizona State and Stanford but woke up in their win over USC in a shootout. Like his quarterback, receiver Rome Odunze (989 yards and 7 TDs), he is having a great season. Cornerback Dominique Hampton (64 tackles and 1 interception) must help keep Utah’s offense at bay. Washington’s defense is not great but against Barnes and the Utah offense, it will be important to get many stops to keep their undefeated season alive. Projected Score: Washington 31, Utah 17

9.Ole Miss (8-1) @ 2.Georgia (9-0) (7 PM ET ESPN)
Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (567 yards and 4 TDs), one of the best players in college football, could return for the second ranked Bulldogs this weekend. Bowers is a game time decision with a sprained ankle injury that has kept him out two weeks so far. With him on the road to a return and Georgia’s quest for a third consecutive national title on the horizon, Georgia has a lot to play for with Tennessee and Georgia Tech still left to go as well. Bulldogs QB Carson Beck has improved throughout the season, throwing for nearly 2,800 yards and 16 TDs. Against what has been an under average defense for Ole Miss, Beck can get it to Bowers, former Missouri star Dominic Lovett (398 yards and 4 TDs), and the veteran Ladd McConkey (337 yards and 1 TD). The Ole Miss offensive line must protect Jaxson Dart (2,467 yards and 16 TDs) from linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. (44 tackles and 3 sacks) and defensive back Tykee Smith (40 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 sacks). Dart must get the ball to receivers Tre Harris (749 yards and 7 TDs), Jordan Watkins (627 yards and 3 TDs), and Dayton Wade (602 yards and 3 TDs) with the Rebels’ defensive inconsistencies under first year coordinator Pete Goulding.
Projected Score: Georgia 42, Ole Miss 27