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Image Courtesy: Sports Illustrated

CFP Top 12
1.Oregon 11-0 (8-0) Big Ten This week: Washington (6-5) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
2.Ohio State 10-1 (7-1) Big Ten This week: Michigan (6-5) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
3.Texas 10-1 (6-1) SEC This week: @ 20.Texas A&M (8-3) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
4.Penn State 10-1 (7-1) Big Ten This week: Maryland (4-7) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, BTN)
5.Notre Dame 10-1 Independents This week: @ USC (6-5) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
6.Miami 10-1 (6-1) ACC This week: @ Syracuse (8-3) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN)
7.Georgia 9-2 (6-2) SEC This week: Georgia Tech (7-4) (Friday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
8.Tennessee 9-2 (5-2) SEC This week: @ Vanderbilt (6-5) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
9.SMU 10-1 (7-0) ACC This week: California (6-5) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN2)
10.Indiana 10-1 (7-1) Big Ten This week: Purdue (1-10) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, FS1)
11.Boise State 10-1 (7-0) Mountain West This week: @ Oregon State (5-6) (Friday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
12.Clemson 9-2 (7-1) ACC This week: 15.South Carolina (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)

Projected College Football Playoff Bracket (How the College Football Playoff bracket is seeded)

First Round

Athens
8.Georgia
9.Tennessee

Columbus
5.Ohio State
12.Arizona State

State College
6.Penn State
11.Indiana

South Bend
7.Indiana
10.SMU

Quarterfinals

Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Oregon
8.Georgia/9.Tennessee

Fiesta Bowl (Glendale)
4.Boise State
5.Ohio State/12.Arizona State

Peach Bowl (Atlanta)
3.Miami
6.Penn State/11.Indiana

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
2.Texas
7.Indiana/10.SMU

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

Risers
7.Georgia 9-2 (6-2) SEC Week 13: #10 (Defeated Massachusetts 59-21)
8.Tennessee 9-2 (5-2) SEC Week 13: #11 (Defeated UTEP 56-0)
9.SMU 10-1 (7-0) ACC Week 13: #13 (Defeated Virginia 33-7)
12.Clemson 9-2 (7-1) ACC Week 13: #17 (Defeated The Citadel 51-14)
15.South Carolina 8-3 (5-3) SEC Week 13: #18 (Defeated Wofford 56-12)
16.Arizona State 9-2 (6-2) Big 12 Week 13: #21 (Defeated 14.BYU 28-23)
17.Tulane 9-2 (7-0) American Athletic Week 13: #20 (Defeated Navy 35-0)
18.Iowa State 9-2 (6-2) Big 12 Week 13: #22 (Defeated Utah 31-28)

Fallers
10.Indiana 10-1 (7-1) Big Ten Week 13: #5 (Lost to 2.Ohio State 38-15)
13.Alabama 8-3 (4-3) SEC Week 13: #7 (Lost to Oklahoma 24-3)
14.Ole Miss 8-3 (4-3) SEC Week 13: #9 (Lost to Florida 24-17)
19.BYU 9-2 (6-2) Big 12 Week 12: #14 (Lost to 21.Arizona State 28-23)
20.Texas A&M 8-3 (5-2) SEC Week 12: #15 (Lost to Auburn 43-41)
25.Colorado 8-3 (6-2) Big 12 Week 12: #16 (Lost to Kansas 37-21)

Dropped Out
Army 9-1 (7-0) American Athletic Week 13: #19 (Lost to 6.Notre Dame 49-14)

New
24.Kansas State 8-3 (5-3) Big 12 Week 13: NR (Defeated Cincinnati 41-15)

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

Thursday, November 28
Memphis (9-2) @ 17.Tulane (9-2)
7:30 PM ET, ESPN
Tulane has locked up a spot in the American Athletic Conference championship game but it will want to go prevent conference foe Memphis from ending the regular season with a victory. The Green Wave would also stay in contention for the Group of 5’s spot in the College Football Playoff with a win over Army in the conference title game. Green Wave QB Darian Mensah will look to get the ball down field to his trio of terrific receivers Mario Williams, Dontae Fleming, and Yulkeith Brown while running back Makhi Hughes will attempt to build on his 1,291 yard and 15 touchdown season against the Tigers. Linebacker Tyler Grubbs will look to sack Memphis signal-caller Seth Henigan while safety Bailey Despanie will look to pick him off. The Tigers also have a terrific tailback in Mario Anderson Jr., who has rushed for 1,115 yards and 16 touchdowns on the season as well as receivers Roc Taylor and Demeer Blakumsee, who will look to make plays down field for Henigan. This game should be close for three quarters but the Green Wave will extend their lead and defeat the Tigers in the fourth quarter. Projected Score: Tulane 38, Memphis 28

Friday, November 29
Georgia Tech (7-4) @ 7.Georgia (9-2)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
Georgia Tech looks to spoil Georgia’s College Football Playoff chances by giving them their third loss on Friday night on the road in Athens after the Bulldogs clinched a spot in Atlanta at the SEC Championship in Atlanta . The Yellow Jackets come off a win over NC State by a score of 30-29 last Thursday so they are well rested entering this game. The Bulldogs struggled against UMass in the first half, until they turned it up in the second half, winning 59-21. Georgia’s Carson Beck has had an up and down season but he has upped his play of late as has his favorite targets Arian Smith and Oscar Delp. The lack of continuity in the backfield has been an issue for the Bulldogs with Trevor Etienne’s injuries. True freshman Nate Frazier has stepped in for Etienne over the season to provide some stability but it is not the tremendous play the Bulldog coaching staff is used to at the position. The Bulldog defense is not up the standard of the 2021 or 2022 national championship teams helping result in their first multiple loss season in a while. They face former Texas A&M quarterback Haynes King, who wraps up his second regular season in Atlanta playing for Georgia Tech. Jamal Haynes and Chad Alexander split time at running back for the Yellow Jackets while Eric Singleton and Malik Rutherford provide deep threats for King. At the end of the day, if Georgia does not win this game, it will not be a successful season. Kirby Smart’s team must win this game and I think they will against Georgia Tech at home inside Sanford Stadium. Projected Score: Georgia 38, Georgia Tech 21

Saturday, November 30
Michigan (6-5) @ 2.Ohio State (10-1)
12 PM ET, FOX
After “The Game” was a game with College Football Playoff implications the last four seasons, Michigan has only won six games following its national championship in January and the exit of head coach Jim Harbaugh back to the NFL. Ohio State again comes into the weekend with Big Ten title game and College Football Playoff aspirations, looking for its first win over Michigan since 2019. The Buckeyes have relied both on their quarterback, Kansas State transfer Will Howard getting the ball down field to Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate as well as maybe the best tailback duo in the country, former Ole Miss back Quinshon Judkins and Buckeye mainstay TreVeyon Henderson. In most of the seasons Ryan Day’s team has failed to beat “the team up north” and win a national championship, it has been the defense letting him and the team down late in the season. This season, that problem has been solved with second year defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Safeties Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs lead the way for Knowles with an incredible season up to this point. Michigan has struggled to pick a quarterback in Sherrone Moore’s first season as head coach with three quarterbacks splitting snaps throughout the season (Davis Warren, Jack Tuttle, and Alex Orji). Warren has emerged as the go to guy for Moore, throwing for six touchdowns but he has turned the ball over seven times. If the Wolverines want to win in Columbus on Saturday afternoon, they must rely on their ground game with Kalel Mullins and Donovan Edwards. If the ground game gets going, it will be easier for Warren to get the ball down the field to star tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Tyler Morris against the Buckeyes star studded secondary. They dominated Northwestern last Saturday, giving up only six points to the Wildcats in large part due to leading tacklers Ernest Hausmann, Jaishawn Barham, and the Wolverines’ defense. They will have to keep it up against the high-flying Ohio State offense if they want to pull the upset. A loss to Michigan for Ryan Day this season would be a fireable offense in many fans’ opinions but I believe the result will be a Buckeye blowout. Projected Score: Ohio State 42, Michigan 17

8.Tennessee (9-2) @ Vanderbilt (6-5)
12 PM ET, ABC
Like Georgia, a Tennessee loss will knock them out of the College Football Playoff conversation. Vanderbilt can definitely play spoiler but they have struggled of late, losing three of their last four games. It will be up to Commodore signal-caller Diego Pavia to get a bounce back performance at home, even if the stadium may be full of Volunteer fans on Saturday afternoon. Pavia must get the ball down the field to tight end Eli Stowers, receiver Junior Sherrill, and receiver Quincy Skinner Jr. Pavia is also a tremendous rusher, leading the way for the Commodores in rushing yards but his running back Sedrick Alexander, has been a good help this season, giving them five touchdowns. The season may not be what Nico Iamaleava wants it to be so far but he does have his team in prime position for a playoff spot if they can finish the job against Vanderbilt. His tailback Dylan Sampson has been phenomenal this season, rushing for over 1,300 yards and 22 touchdowns on the season. The Vols’ defense must be able to stop the Commodores on the ground to win this game and they can do that with the play of linebacker Arion Carter, who has 58 tackles and defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. who has 34 tackles and 7.5 sacks. If Clark Lea’s team pulls an upset of the Volunteers, bad things would happen in Knoxville. But, I think the Vols edge the Commodores on Saturday afternoon. Projected Score: Tennessee 24, Vanderbilt 21

15.South Carolina (8-3) @ 12.Clemson (9-2)
12 PM ET, ESPN
Clemson will look to protect its home field, defeat its instate rival South Carolina, and appear in the ACC Championship game next weekend with a Miami loss to Syracuse. South Carolina also has an outside shot at getting a spot in the College Football Playoff with a win over the Tigers and some help if a few teams lose in front of them. The Gamecocks are one of the hottest teams in America and it is in big part due to the much improved play of their quarterback LaNorris Sellers, running back Rocket Sanders and their great front seven, led by Demetrius Knight Jr., Bam Martin-Scott, Debo Williams, and Kyle Kennard. Tigers signal-caller Cade Klubnik, who has exploded for 29 passing touchdowns and tailback Phil Mafah (8 touchdowns on the season), have been the drumbeat of Dabo Swinney’s offense this season. They will be challenged at home by Clayton White’s tremendous defense. For the Tiger defense, Dabo Swinney loves his linebackers and his guys Barrett Carter (61 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 5 passes defended) and Wade Woodaz (61 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 passes defended, and 1 interception) have been doing it their entire careers for him. Shane Beamer’s team has been much improved since week one and they will show everyone in Clemson on Saturday afternoon that they are worthy of being in the College Football Playoff. Projected Score: South Carolina 34, Clemson 24

6.Miami (10-1) @ Syracuse (8-3)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN
After SMU clinched a spot in the ACC Championship game last Saturday with a win over Virginia, Miami will look to do the same with a victory over Syracuse on the road in upstate New York. First year head coach Fran Brown, who came over from Texas A&M, has led Syracuse to a successful eight win season up to this point. The Orange will look to play spoiler and up their chances at a better bowl game by defeating the Hurricanes. Cam Ward continues a phenomenal season under center in Coral Gables after transferring from Washington State. The tailback duo of Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher have combined for 14 touchdowns for the Hurricanes while receiver Xavier Restrepo has been Mr. Reliable for Ward this season, scoring 10 touchdowns. Miami linebacker Francisco Maugoia has exploded for 75 tackles, 5 passes defended, 2 sacks, and an interception so he will attempt to make things difficult for Orange quarterback Kyle McCord and his offense. The former Ohio State signal-caller has thrown 26 touchdowns but has turned the ball over 12 times. His running back LeQuint Allen and leading receiver Oronde Gadsden II must be factors for Syracuse to upset Miami and eliminate them from the ACC title game and the College Football Playoff. Projected Score: Miami 35, Syracuse 27

Auburn (5-6) @ 13.Alabama (8-3)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
Everything went wrong for Alabama in Norman against Oklahoma on Saturday night while Auburn pushed all the buttons as they defeated 15.Texas A&M in four overtimes, 43-41, after letting the Aggies back in game after leading 21-0 in the first half. The loss cost Alabama a chance at not only the College Football Playoff but a shot to play in the SEC Championship game. First year head coach Kalen DeBoer’s team has struggled in games where his quarterback, Jalen Milroe, has struggled. Milroe will look to bounce back from his performance last Saturday while Auburn will hope they can get a third consecutive win. He needs to have a better pocket presence and get the ball down the field to receivers Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and tight end CJ Dippre. If he gets a good pocket presence, it would help his chances to get outside of the pocket and continue his rushing prowess as he leads the Crimson Tide with 615 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. Linebackers Jihaad Campbell, Deontae Lawson, and defensive back Malachi Moore will look to end Auburn’s two game winning streak and keep them from going bowling. They will look rattle quarterback Payton Thorne and keep him from getting receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Cam Coleman, who were incredible in their win over the Aggies last Saturday. Tiger running back Jarquez Hunter was also incredible last Saturday night, rushing for 130 yards and 3 TDs. It will be important for Hugh Freeze’s team to get him going to beat the Crimson Tide. The Tigers’ defense has improved the last few weeks as linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr. (71 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble) and safety Jerrin Thompson (60 tackles, 4 passes defended, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack) will look to end Alabama’s regular season ends with four losses. Can Hugh Freeze’s team pull an upset many think he never would to end the season in Bryant-Denny Stadium? Projected Score: Auburn 31, Alabama 28

24.Kansas State (8-3) @ 18.Iowa State (9-2)
7:30 PM ET, FOX
Kansas State is a game back of Iowa State in the Big 12 standings entering Saturday night’s showdown. The Cyclones (6-2) are apart of a four game tie in the Big 12. A win is all Iowa State needs to accomplish to move on to the Big 12 title game because of tiebreaker rules. But, facing the Wildcats will not be an easy chore. Cyclone quarterback Rocco Becht has had an up and down season, passing for 18 touchdowns but he has thrown 8 picks as well. The Cyclone offensive line must make sure the Wildcat defensive line does not get to him so that he can get the ball to receivers Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and tight ends Gabe Burkle and Benjamin Brahmer. The Iowa State secondary is headed by Malik Verdon (74 tackles, 5 passes defended, 1 interception, and 1 sack) and Beau Freyler (67 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 passes defended). They will attempt to stop the young Avery Johnson, who has similar stats to Becht, throwing for just a touchdown (19) and interception (9) more. The Wildcats must trust tailback DJ Giddens to continue his terrific season to help his quarterback get going in this game. In what should be a back and forth affair, expect both the aforementioned Iowa State defense and the Kansas State defense, led by Austin Romaine who has 77 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 pass defended on the year make the Farmageddon Rivalry low scoring to end this regular season for both teams. Projected Score: Iowa State 20, Kansas State 17

Washington (6-5) @ 1.Oregon (11-0)
7:30 PM ET, NBC
Oregon locked up a spot in the Big Ten Championship game in their first season in the conference two weeks ago before their off week last weekend. They will look to maintain their success and keep their number one spot in the College Football Playoff rankings with a victory over rival Washington in a rematch of last season’s Pac-12 Championship game last December. Ex-Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers (14 touchdowns and 7 interceptions on the season) has not been nearly as good in Seattle as he was playing for Mike Leach in Starkville but he has a chance to lead his Huskies to an upset over the top ranked team in the country. The loss would not eliminate the Ducks from anything but would give them negative momentum entering next Saturday’s Big Ten title game in Indianapolis. Rogers’ running back Jonah Coleman has over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns on the season while his leading receiver Denzel Boston (764 yards and 9 touchdowns) must help him out down the field. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel still has his name in contention for the Heisman Trophy but if he still wants to win it, he must continue to perform in this game. Gabriel’s receiving combo of Tez Johnson (8 TDs) and Evan Stewart (5 TDs) have been killing secondaries the entire season. The Duck defense has been phenomenal this season under the direction of Dan Lanning and Tush Lupoi. They will look to give one more quality performance against a Washington offense that has not been nearly as good without Kalen DeBoer in charge and Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback. Projected Score: Oregon 38, Washington 20

3.Texas (10-1) @ 20.Texas A&M (8-3)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
For the first time in thirteen years, Texas will face Texas A&M on Thanksgiving weekend on the gridiron at Kyle Field in College Station. The Longhorns come off a 31-14 win over Kentucky in Austin while Texas A&M lost a four hour, four overtime marathon to Auburn on the road in a game they trailed by three touchdowns. The winner of the Lone Star Showdown on Saturday night goes to the SEC Championship game to face Georgia in Atlanta. Texas signal-caller Quinn Ewers is dealing with an ankle sprain he suffered in the win over the Wildcats last week but he is expected to play. If somehow he can’t play it will be the backup Arch Manning in his place. No matter who it is a quarterback for the Longhorns, they will have to get the ball down the field to tight end Gunnar Helm (544 yards and 5 TDs) and Isaiah Bond (510 yards and 5 TDs). With injuries riddling the room, Texas has trusted three guys to get carries; Quintrevion Wisner, Jaydon Blue, and Jerrick Gibson. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and defensive back Michael Taaffe have been playing great football all season and they will look to extend their arch rival Texas A&M’s losing streak to two by getting to Aggie quarterback Marcel Reed who has thrown for 1,426 yards, rushed for 441 yards, and has 18 total touchdowns. Hill and Taaffe will also have to deal with defending against running backs Le’Veon Moss (765 yards and 10 TDs) and Amari Daniels (640 yards and 8 TDs) in addition receiver Noah Thomas (514 yards and 6 TDs). The lack of Aggie receiving threats may hurt them but the power of the “12th Man” in College Station will help them as they look to upset the third ranked ‘Horns and avenge their last loss to their old rival in 2011. Projected Score: Texas A&M 27, Texas 24

Image Courtesy: Indiana University Athletics

CFP Top 12
1.Oregon 11-0 (8-0) Big Ten This week: Off
2.Ohio State 9-1 (6-1) Big Ten This week: 5.Indiana (10-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
3.Texas 9-1 (5-1) SEC This week: Kentucky (4-6) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
4.Penn State 9-1 (6-1) Big Ten This week: @ Minnesota (6-4) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
5.Indiana 10-0 (7-0) Big Ten This week: @ 2.Ohio State (9-1) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
6.Notre Dame 9-1 Independents This week: 19.Army (9-0) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, NBC)
7.Alabama 8-2 (4-2) SEC This week: @ Oklahoma (5-5) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
8.Miami 9-1 (5-1) ACC This week: Wake Forest (4-6) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
9.Ole Miss 7-2 (4-2) SEC This week: @ Florida (5-5) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
10.Georgia 8-2 (6-2) SEC This week: Massachusetts (2-8) (Saturday, 12:45 PM ET, SECN)
11.Tennessee 8-2 (5-2) SEC This week: UTEP (2-8) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN+/SECN+)
12.Boise State 9-1 (6-0) Mountain West This week: @ Wyoming (2-8) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, CBSSN)

Projected College Football Playoff Bracket (How the College Football Playoff bracket is seeded)

First Round

South Bend
8.Notre Dame
9.Alabama

Columbus
5.Ohio State
12.BYU

State College
6.Penn State
11.Georgia

Bloomington
7.Indiana
10.Ole Miss

Quarterfinals

Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Oregon
8.Notre Dame/9.Alabama

Fiesta Bowl (Glendale)
4.Boise State
5.Ohio State/12.BYU

Peach Bowl (Atlanta)
3.Miami
6.Penn State/11.Georgia

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
2.Texas
7.Indiana/10.Ole Miss

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

Risers
7.Alabama 8-2 (4-2) SEC Week 12: #10 (Defeated Mercer 52-7)
17.Clemson 8-2 (7-1) ACC Week 12: #17 (Defeated Pittsburgh 24-20)
18.South Carolina 7-3 (5-3) SEC Week 12: #21 (Defeated 23.Missouri 34-30)
19.Army 9-0 (7-0) American Week 12: #24 (Off)
20.Tulane 9-2 (7-0) American Week 12: #25 (Defeated Navy 35-0)

Fallers
11.Tennessee 8-2 (5-2) SEC Week 12: #7 (Lost to 12.Georgia 31-17)
14.BYU 9-1 (6-1) Big 12 Week 12: #6 (Lost to Kansas 17-13)

Dropped Out
Kansas State 7-3 (4-3) Big 12 Week 12: #16 (Lost to Arizona State 24-14)
Washington State 8-2 Pac-12 Week 12: #18 (Lost to New Mexico 38-35)
Louisville 6-4 (4-3) ACC Week 12: #19 (Lost to Stanford 38-35)
LSU 6-4 (3-3) SEC Week 12: #22 (Lost to Florida 27-16)

New
21.Arizona State 8-2 (5-2) Big 12 Week 12: NR (Defeated 16.Kansas State 24-14)
22.Iowa State 8-2 (5-2) Big 12 Week 12: NR (Defeated Cincinnati 34-17)
24.UNLV 8-2 (4-1) Mountain West Week 12: NR (Defeated San Diego State 41-20)
25.Illinois 7-3 (4-3) Big Ten Week 12: NR (Defeated Michigan State 38-16)

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

Saturday, November 23
5.Indiana (10-0) @ 2.Ohio State (9-1)
12 PM ET, FOX
Will Indiana prove they are a true playoff team? Or will Ohio State continue their march on to the Big Ten title game with a win? The trip to Columbus is normally tough for every team, but will it be a successful one for the upstart, undefeated Hoosiers? Curt Cignetti’s team has been good all year, especially his quarterback Kurtis Rourke (2410 yards, 21 TDs, and 4 INTs) and leading receiver Elijah Sarratt (685 yards and 6 TDs). The Rourke-led offense will have the pleasure of going against Jim Knowles’ terrific defense, led by safety Sonny Styles (63 tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 passes defended) and linebacker Cody Simon (55 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 2.5 sacks). The Buckeyes offense has continued to progress under first year offensive coordinator Chip Kelly with the tremendous tailback trio of Quinshon Judkins (723 yards and 8 TDs) and TreVeyon Henderson (662 yards and 5 TDs) and receiving combo of freshman Jeremiah Smith (865 yards and 9 TDs) and veteran Emeka Egbuka (612 yards and 8 TDs) helping their quarterback Will Howard (2484 yards, 24 TDs, and 5 INTs) to a terrific season. It will be up to linebacker Aiden Fisher (98 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 1.5 sacks) and the Indiana defense to stop this high powered offense. Cignetti has done a terrific job in under a year in Bloomington so far but they have never seen Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes yet. Projected Score: Ohio State 38, Indiana 21

14.BYU (9-1) @ 21.Arizona State (8-2)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN
BYU was upended by Kansas last Saturday, taking their first loss of the season. Two weeks ago, when the Cougars renewed their instate rivalry with an underachieving Utah team, they almost lost that game too. So, a bounce back will be necessary Saturday afternoon when they head to Tempe and face the red hot Arizona State Sun Devils. The Sun Devils, winners of three games in a row, defeated then 16.Kansas State 24-14 last weekend. A win over the Cougars puts them at worst tied for first place in the Big 12 with Colorado, if the Buffaloes also win this Saturday. Kenny Dillingham’s team is catching fire at the right time freshman signal-caller Sam Leavitt (1906 yards, 17 TDs, 4 INTs), running back Cam Skattebo (1074 yards and 11 TDs) and receiver Jordyn Tyson (833 yards and 9 TDs) leading the Arizona State offense. Defensive backs Myles Rowser (77 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 sack) and Xavion Alford (65 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 2 interceptions) will look to pick off BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who has thrown 19 touchdowns but has struggled with 8 interceptions on the season. A quality running game with tailback LJ Martin (501 yards and 5 TDs) should establish the play action passing game for Retzlaff to get the ball down the field to his favorite target, Chase Roberts, who has 42 catches, 659 yards, and 4 TDs. In what will be a College Football Playoff elimination game, I think Arizona State will protect home field, moving closer to a Big 12 title game appearance in their first season in the league. Projected Score: Arizona State 34, BYU 31

19.Army (9-0) @ 6.Notre Dame (9-1)
7 PM ET, NBC
Notre Dame must avoid a loss to Army or they will not be a College Football Playoff team this season after their week two loss to Northern Illinois. Army could spoil things for the Fighting Irish but a loss for the Black Knights would be their first of the season. Their option offense may have a tough time with Notre Dame’s defense on the road. If the Fighting Irish can get up in this game, they must show all they can do and blow Army out to secure their spot with USC coming up next weekend. Riley Leonard has been dialed in for the Irish since the loss to the Huskies, passing for 1789 yards and 12 touchdowns. Leonard has received help from tailback Jeremiyah Love (720 yards and 12 TDs) and receiver Beaux Collins (390 yards and 2 TDs). For the Black Knights, quarterback Bryson Daily leads the team in passing and rushing. He has thrown for 644 yards, 7 T, 1 INT and has rushed for 1062 yards and an incredible 21 touchdowns. Daily’s running back duo of Kanye Udoh (856 yards and 9 TDs) and Noah Short (439 yards and 2 TDs) will look to help him upset Notre Dame. Linebacker Brett Gerena (34 tackles and 3 sacks), defensive lineman Kyle Lewis (25 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble), and linebacker Elo Modozie (22 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 1 pass defended) will look to make it difficult for the Fighting Irish on offense. This one will be close all the way throughout but Notre Dame must win to keep their playoff hopes alive and I think they do so with a win. Projected Score: Notre Dame 27, Army 20

Image Courtesy: SportingNews.com

CFP Top 12
1.Oregon 10-0 (7-0) Big Ten This week: @ Wisconsin (5-4) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
2.Ohio State 8-1 (5-1) Big Ten This week: @ Northwestern (5-4) (Wrigley Field) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, BTN)
3.Texas 8-1 (4-1) SEC This week: @ Arkansas (5-4) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
4.Penn State 8-1 (5-1) Big Ten This week: @ Purdue (1-8) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
5.Indiana 1o-0 (7-0) Big Ten This week: Off
6.BYU 9-0 (6-0) Big 12 This week: Kansas (3-6) (Saturday, 10:15 PM ET, ESPN)
7.Tennessee 8-1 (5-1) SEC This week: @ 12.Georgia (7-2) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
8.Notre Dame 8-1 Independents This week: Virginia (5-4) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, NBC)
9.Miami 9-1 (5-1) ACC This week: Off
10.Alabama 7-2 (4-2) SEC This week: Mercer (9-1) (Saturday, 2 PM ET, ESPN+/SECN+)
11.Ole Miss 8-2 (4-2) SEC This week: Off
12.Georgia 7-2 (5-2) SEC This week: 7.Tennessee (8-1) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)

Projected College Football Playoff Bracket (How the College Football Playoff bracket is seeded)

Knoxville
8.Tennessee
9.Notre Dame

Columbus
5.Ohio State
12.Boise State

State College
6.Penn State
11.Ole Miss

Bloomington
7.Indiana
10.Alabama

Quarterfinals

Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Oregon
8.Tennessee/9.Notre Dame

Peach Bowl (Atlanta)
4.Miami
5.Ohio State/12.Boise State

Fiesta Bowl (Glendale)
3.BYU
6.Penn State/11.Ole Miss

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
2.Texas
7.Indiana/10.Alabama

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

Risers
5.Indiana 10-0 (7-0) Big Ten Week 11: #8 (Defeated Michigan 20-15)
6.BYU 9-0 (6-0) Big 12 Week 11: #9 (Defeated Utah 22-21)
11.Ole Miss 8-2 (4-2) SEC Week 11: #16 (Defeated 2.Georgia 28-10)
16.Kansas State 7-2 (4-2) Big 12 Week 11: #19 (Off)
17.Colorado 7-2 (5-1) Big 12 Week 11: #20 (Defeated Texas Tech 41-27)
18.Washington State 8-1 (0-0) Pac-12 Week 11: #21
19.Louisville 6-3 (4-2) ACC Week 11: #22 (Off)
20.Clemson 7-2 (6-1) ACC Week 11: #23 (Defeated Virginia Tech 24-14)

Fallers
9.Miami 9-1 (5-1) ACC Week 11: #4 (Lost to Georgia Tech 28-23)
14.Georgia 7-2 (5-2) SEC Week 11: #3 (Lost to 16.Ole Miss 28-10)
22.LSU 6-3 (3-2) SEC Week 11: #15 (Lost to 11.Alabama 42-13)

Dropped Out
Iowa State 7-2 (4-2) Big 12 Week 11: #17 (Lost to Kansas 45-36)
Pittsburgh 7-2 (3-2) ACC Week 11: #18 (Lost to Virginia 24-19)

New
21.South Carolina 6-3 (4-3) SEC Week 11: NR (Defeated Vanderbilt 28-7)
25.Tulane 8-2 (6-0) American Athletic Week 11: NR (Defeated Temple 52-6)

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

Saturday, November 16
20.Clemson (7-2) @ Pittsburgh (7-2)
12 PM ET, ESPN
Clemson heads to Pittsburgh this weekend, looking to lock up a spot in the ACC title game in the coming week. The Tigers have a half game lead over the top ten Miami Hurricanes and are a game back of conference leader SMU, who remains unbeaten in league play. Pitt is two games back of the Mustangs, needing to win out and hope for some losses by teams above them to get to the title game, too. Since opening the season with a loss to Georgia in Atlanta, Dabo Swinney’s team has just one blemish on the resumé, a 33-21 loss to Louisville a few weeks ago. Garrett Riley’s offense has been successful with quarterback Cade Klubnik (2,275 passing yards and 24 TDs), running back Phil Mafah (981 rushing yards and 8 TDs), and receiver Antonio Williams (468 receiving yards and 6 TDs) for the most part this season. The Tigers will want linebacker Wade Woods (61 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception) to get to Panther quarterback Eli Holstein (2174 passing yards and 17 TDs), to force running back Desmond Reid, who has rushed for 670 yards and 4 TDs and receiver Konata Mumpfield (560 receiving yards and 3 TDs) to step up. This game will be close but if Swinney’s team wants to return to the ACC Championship game, they will have to win out from here. Projected Score: Clemson 31, Pittsburgh 24

23.Missouri (7-2) @ 21.South Carolina (6-3)
4:15 PM ET, SECN
The battle between the two SEC squads that call Columbia home (Missouri & South Carolina) is much more important than this 4:15 ET/3:15 CT kickoff might tell you. Both teams are in positions to make last ditch efforts into the College Football Playoff. South Carolina’s Shane Beamer coached himself off the hot seat after a dismal performance to open the season against Old Dominion. Since that slump, the duo of dual threat quarterback LaNorris Sellers, 1450 passing yards, 391 rushing yards, and 13 overall TDs and tailback Rocket Sanders 696 yards and 10 TDs have helped the Gamecocks to bowl eligibility, looking for more this weekend against the Tigers. Missouri has not been as prolific offensively as they were a season ago, mainly due to veteran QB Brady Cook’s injury. As of yesterday’s injury report, Cook is doubtful. So if he can’t go it will be former Notre Dame gunslinger Drew Pyne, who has thrown for 391 yards, 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Pyne must rely on his star studded duo of receivers, including Theo Wease Jr. (552 yards and 3 TDs) and Luther Burden III (505 yards and 4 TDs) if he wants to avoid getting sacked by stud Gamecock edge rushers Kyle Kennard (9.5 sacks) and Dylan Stewart (5.5 sacks) on the season. Projected Score: South Carolina 28, Missouri 24

7.Tennessee (8-1) @ 12.Georgia (7-2)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
After losing their first regular season to a team not named Alabama since 2016 last Saturday against Ole Miss, Georgia must win out the rest of the season to make the College Football Playoff. A home win over a strong team like Tennessee would give them enough juice to get back into the top ten of the rankings and into the playoff bracket. Two years ago, the Volunteers walked into Sanford Stadium as the top team in the playoff rankings only to get blasted by the Bulldogs. If they want to avoid a repeat, redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava (1879 yards and 11 TDs) will have to have his best performance of the season with the help of star Dylan Sampson (1129 yards and 20 TDs) in the backfield and Dont’e Thornton Jr. (505 yards and 4 TDs) down the field. Georgia signal-caller Carson Beck has not been as good as he was a season ago throwing just 17 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions on the season. In large part, Beck’s struggles may be due to the lack of receiving weapons after losing tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Ladd McConkey to the pros. Arian Smith (535 yards and 3 TDs) has been the one bright spot on the outside in Athens this fall needing tailback Trevor Etienne (140 receiving yards) to help out too. Beck and the Bulldog offense must be on against a strong Tennessee defense, led by linebacker Arion Carter (50 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 interception) and defensive end James Pearce Jr. (27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery). A huge game in Athens on Saturday night with huge SEC and College Football Playoff implications. Will Kirby Smart’s team step up and keep themselves in contention or will Tennessee go on the road and get another great win?
Projected Score: Georgia 31, Tennessee 28

Image Courtesy: Fan Insider

College Football Playoff Top 12
1.Oregon 9-0 (6-0) Pac-12 This week: Maryland () (Saturday, 7 PM ET, BTN)
2.Ohio State 7-1 (4-1) Big Ten This week: Purdue () (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
3.Georgia 7-1 (5-1) SEC This week: @ 16.Ole Miss (7-2) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
4.Miami 9-0 (5-0) ACC This week: @ Georgia Tech () (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
5.Texas 7-1 (3-1) SEC This week: Florida () (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
6.Penn State 7-1 (4-1) Big Ten This week: Washington () (Saturday, 8 PM ET, Peacock)
7.Tennessee 7-1 (4-1) SEC This week: Mississippi State () (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
8.Indiana 9-0 (6-0) Big Ten This week: Michigan () (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
9.BYU 8-0 (5-0) Big 12 This week: @ Utah (4-4) (Saturday, 10:15 PM ET, ESPN)
10.Notre Dame 7-1 Independents This week: Florida State () (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
11.Alabama 6-2 (3-2) SEC This week: @ 15.LSU (6-2) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
12.Boise State 7-1 (4-0) Mountain West This week: Nevada (3-7) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, FOX)

Projected College Football Playoff Bracket (How the College Football Playoff bracket is seeded)

First Round

Knoxville
8.Tennessee
9.Indiana

Columbus
5.Ohio State
12.Boise State

Austin
6.Texas
11.Alabama

State College
7.Penn State
10.Notre Dame

Quarterfinals

Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Oregon
8.Tennessee/9.Indiana

Fiesta Bowl (Glendale)
4.BYU
5.Ohio State/12.Boise State

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
3.Miami
6.Texas/11.Alabama

Peach Bowl (Atlanta)
2.Georgia
7.Penn State/10.Notre Dame

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week (No previous CFP Top 25):

Risers
8.Indiana 9-0 (6-0) Big Ten Week 10: #13 (Defeated Michigan State 47-10)
11.Alabama 6-2 (3-2) SEC Week 10: #14 (Off)
12.Boise State 7-1 (4-0) Mountain West Week 10: #15 (Defeated San Diego State 56-24)
13.SMU 8-1 (5-0) ACC Week 10: #20 (Defeated 18.Pittsburgh 48-25)
16.Ole Miss 7-2 (3-2) SEC Week 10: #19 (Defeated Arkansas 63-31)
18.Army 8-0 (6-0) American Athletic Week 10: #21 (Defeated Air Force 21-3)

Fallers
6.Penn State 7-1 (4-1) Big Ten Week 10: #3 (Lost to 4.Ohio State 20-13)
15.Texas A&M 7-2 (5-1) SEC Week 10: #10 (Lost to South Carolina 44-20)
17.Iowa State 7-1 (4-1) Big 12 Week 10: #11 (Lost to Texas Tech 23-22)
19.Clemson 6-2 (5-1) ACC Week 10: #11 (Lost to Louisville 33-21)
22.Kansas State 7-2 (4-2) Big 12 Week 10: #17 (Lost to Houston 24-19)
23.Pittsburgh 7-1 (3-1) ACC Week 10: #18 (Lost to 20.SMU 48-25)

Dropped Out
Illinois 6-3 (3-3) Big Ten Week 10: #24 (Lost to Minnesota 25-17)
Missouri 6-2 (2-2) SEC Week 10: #25 (Off)

New
24.Vanderbilt 6-3 (3-2) SEC Week 10: NR (Defeated Auburn 17-7)
25.Louisville 6-3 (4-2) ACC Week 10: NR (Defeated 11.Clemson 33-21)

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

Saturday, November 9
3.Georgia (7-1) @ 16.Ole Miss (7-2)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Georgia 31, Ole Miss 28

11.Alabama (6-2) @ 15.LSU (6-2)
7:30 PM PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: LSU 35, Alabama 31

9.BYU (8-0) @ Utah (4-4)
10:15 PM ET, ESPN
Projected Score: BYU 38, Utah 21

Image Courtesy: The New York Times

AP Top 5
1.Oregon 8-0 (5-0) Big Ten This week: @ Michigan (5-3) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
2.Georgia 6-1 (4-1) SEC This week: Florida (4-3) (Jacksonville) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
3.Penn State 7-0 (4-0) Big Ten This week: Ohio State (6-1) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
4.Ohio State 6-1 (3-1) Big Ten This week: @ Penn State (7-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
5.Miami 8-0 (4-0) ACC This week: Duke (6-2) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)

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

Risers
8.Notre Dame 7-1 Independents Week 9: #12 (Defeated 24.Navy 51-14)
10.Texas A&M 7-1 (5-0) SEC Week 9: #14 (Defeated 8.LSU 38-23)

Fallers
16.LSU 6-2 (3-1) SEC Week 9: #8 (Lost to 14.Texas A&M 38-23)
24.Illinois 6-2 (3-2) Big Ten Week 9: #20 (Lost to 1.Oregon 38-9)
25.Missouri 6-2 (2-2) SEC Week 9: #21 (Lost to 15.Alabama 34-0)

Dropped Out
Navy 6-1 (4-0) American Athletic Week 9: #24 (Lost to 12.Notre Dame 51-14)
Vanderbilt SEC Week 9: #25 (Lost to 5.Texas 27-24)

New
22.Washington State 7-1 (0-0) Pac-12 Week 9: NR (Defeated San Diego State 29-26)
23.Colorado 6-2 (4-1) Big 12 Week 9: NR (Defeated Cincinnati 34-23)

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

Saturday, November 2
Duke (6-2) @ 5.Miami (8-0)
12 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Miami 38, Duke 28

4.Ohio State (6-1) @ 3.Penn State (7-0)
12 PM ET, FOX
Projected Score: Ohio State 45, Penn State 31

Florida (4-3) vs. 2.Georgia (6-1) (Jacksonville)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Georgia 34, Florida 10

1.Oregon (8-0) @ Michigan (5-3)
3:30 PM ET, CBS
Projected Score: Oregon 35, Michigan 13

Louisville (5-3) @ 11.Clemson (6-1)
7:30 PM ET, ESPN
Projected Score: Clemson 31, Louisville 17

18.Pittsburgh (7-0) @ 20.SMU (7-1)
8 PM ET, ACCN
Projected Score: SMU 35, Pittsburgh 28

Image Courtesy: Grant King

Central Arkansas redshirt freshman wide receiver Malachi Henry has had a great football career up to this point. During his four year career at Van Buren high school, Henry made crazy catches, picked off many passes, and scored many touchdowns as a Van Buren Pointer. After his high school career wrapped up in the fall of 2022, he committed to play football for the Central Arkansas Bears. He redshirted last season as a freshman (caught 1 pass for 10 yards) before emerging this season as the second leading receiver on the team with 18 catches for 364 yards and a team-leading three touchdown catches through eight games. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Henry getting handoffs on jet sweeps with his speed in future games and future seasons.

Image Courtesy: The Battalion

AP Top 5
1.Oregon 7-0 (4-0) Big Ten This week: 20.Illinois (6-1) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
2.Georgia 6-1 (4-1) SEC This week: Off
3.Penn State 6-0 (3-0) Big Ten This week: @ Wisconsin (5-2) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
4.Ohio State 5-1 (2-1) Big Ten This week: Nebraska (5-2) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
5.Texas 6-1 (2-1) SEC This week: @ 25.Vanderbilt (5-2) (Saturday, 4:15 PM ET, SECN)

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

Risers
2.Georgia 6-1 (4-1) SEC Week 8: #5 (Defeated 1.Texas 30-15)
7.Tennessee 6-1 (3-1) SEC Week 8: #11 (Defeated 7.Alabama 24-17)

Fallers
5.Texas 6-1 (2-1) SEC Week 8: #1 (Lost to 5.Georgia 30-15)
15.Alabama 5-2 (2-2) SEC Week 8: #7 (Lost to 11.Tennessee 24-17)

Dropped Out
Michigan 4-3 (2-2) Big Ten Week 8: #24 (Lost to 22.Illinois 21-7)

New
25.Vanderbilt 5-2 (2-1) SEC Week 8: NR (Off)

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

Saturday, October 26
12.Notre Dame (6-1) vs. 24.Navy (6-0) (East Rutherford)
12 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Notre Dame 27, Navy 17

20.Illinois (6-1) @ 1.Oregon (7-0)
3:30 PM ET, CBS
Projected Score: Oregon 35, Illinois 24

21.Missouri (6-1) @ 15.Alabama (5-2)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Missouri 28, Alabama 24

5.Texas (6-1) @ 25.Vanderbilt (5-2)
4:15 PM ET, SECN
Projected Score: Texas 31, Vanderbilt 21

8.LSU (6-1) @ 14.Texas A&M (6-1)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: LSU 34, Texas A&M 27

Image Courtesy: Barking Carnival

AP Top 5
1.Texas 6-0 (2-0) SEC This week: @ Georgia (5-1) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
2.Oregon 6-0 (3-0) Big Ten This week: @ Purdue (1-5) (Friday, 8 PM ET, FOX)
3.Penn State 6-0 (3-0) Big Ten This week: Off
4.Ohio State 5-1 (2-1) Big Ten This week: Off
5.Georgia 5-1 (3-1) SEC This week: Texas (6-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)

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

Risers
8.LSU 5-1 (2-0) SEC Week 7: #13 (Defeated 9.Ole Miss 29-26)
21.SMU 5-1 (2-0) ACC Week 7: #25 (Off)

Fallers
11.Tennessee 5-1 (2-1) Week 7: #8 (Defeated Florida 23-17)
18.Ole Miss 5-2 (1-2) SEC Week 7: #9 (Lost to 13.LSU 29-26)

Dropped Out
Utah 4-2 (1-2) Big 12 Week 7: #16 (Lost to Arizona State 27-19)
Oklahoma 4-2 (1-2) SEC Week 7: #18 (Lost to 1.Texas 34-3)

New
23.Army 6-0 (5-0) American Week 7: NR (Defeated UAB 44-10)
25.Navy 5-0 (3-0) American Week 7: NR (Off)

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

Saturday, October 19
6.Miami (6-0) @ Louisville (4-2)
12 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Miami 35, Louisville 21

Nebraska (5-1) @ 16.Indiana (6-0)
12 PM ET, FOX
Projected Score: Nebraska 31, Indiana 28

7.Alabama (5-1) @ 11.Tennessee (5-1)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Alabama 28, Tennessee 21

24.Michigan (4-2) @ 22.Illinois (5-1)
3:30 PM ET, CBS
Projected Score: Illinois 24, Michigan 17

5.Georgia (5-1) @ 1.Texas (6-0)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Texas 34, Georgia 31

Image Courtesy: The Columbus Dispatch

AP Top 5
1.Texas 5-0 (1-0) SEC This week: vs. 18.Oklahoma (4-1) (Dallas) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
2.Ohio State 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten This week: @ 3.Oregon (5-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
3.Oregon 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten This week: 2.Ohio State (5-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
4.Penn State 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten This week: @ USC (3-2) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
5.Georgia 4-1 (1-1) SEC This week: Mississippi State (1-4) (Saturday, 4:15 PM ET, SECN)

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

Risers
3.Oregon 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten Week 6: #6 (Defeated Michigan State 31-10)
4.Penn State 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten Week 6: #7 (Defeated UCLA 27-11)
9.Ole Miss 5-1 (1-1) SEC Week 6: #12 (Defeated South Carolina 27-3)
10.Clemson 4-1 (3-0) ACC Week 6: #15 (Defeated Florida State 29-13)
11.Iowa State 5-0 (2-0) Big 12 Week 6: #16 (Defeated Baylor 43-21)
11.Notre Dame 4-1 Independents Week 6: #14 (Off)
14.BYU 5-0 (2-0) Big 12 Week 6: #17 (Off)
15.Texas A&M 5-1 (3-0) SEC Week 6: #25 (Defeated 9.Missouri 41-10)
17.Boise State 4-1 (1-0) Mountain West Week 6: #21 (Defeated Utah State 62-30)
18.Indiana 6-0 (3-0) Big Ten Week 6: #23 (Defeated Northwestern 41-24)

Fallers
7.Alabama 4-1 (1-1) SEC Week 6: #1 (Lost to Vanderbilt 40-35)
8.Tennessee 4-1 (1-1) SEC Week 6: #4 (Lost to Arkansas 19-14)
21.Missouri 4-1 (1-1) SEC Week 6: #9 (Lost to 25.Texas A&M 41-10)
24.Michigan 4-2 (2-1) Big Ten Week 6: #10 (Lost to Washington 27-17))

Dropped Out
USC 3-2 (1-2) Big Ten Week 6: #11 (Lost to Minnesota 24-17)
Louisville 3-2 (1-1) ACC Week 6: #22 (Lost to SMU 34-27)
UNLV 4-1 (1-0) Mountain West Week 6: #25 (Lost to Syracuse 44-41)

New
23.Illinois 4-1 (1-1) Big Ten Week 6: NR (Off)
25.SMU 5-1 (2-0) ACC Week 6: (Defeated 22.Louisville 34-27)

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

Saturday, October 12
4.Penn State (5-0) @ USC (3-2)
3:30 PM ET, CBS
Projected Score: Penn State 31, USC 28

1.Texas (5-0) vs. 18.Oklahoma (4-1) (Dallas)
3:30 PM ET, ABC/ESPN
Projected Score: Texas 35, Oklahoma 20

9.Ole Miss (5-1) @ 13.LSU (4-1)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Ole Miss 38, LSU 28

2.Ohio State (5-0) @ 3.Oregon (5-0)
7:30 PM ET, NBC
Projected Score: Ohio State 42, Oregon 35

Image Courtesy: The Seattle Times

AP Top 5
1.Alabama 4-0 (1-0) SEC This week: @ Vanderbilt (Saturday, 4:15 PM ET, SECN)
2.Texas 5-0 (1-0) SEC This week: Off
3.Ohio State 4-0 (1-0) Big Ten This week: Iowa (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
4.Tennessee 4-0 (1-0) SEC This week: @ Arkansas (3-2) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
5.Georgia 3-1 (1-1) SEC This week: Auburn (2-3) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)

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

Risers
1.Alabama 4-0 (1-0) SEC Week 5: #4 (Defeated 2.Georgia 41-34)
17.BYU 5-0 (2-0) Big 12 Week 5: #22 (Defeated Baylor 34-28)
20.Kansas State 4-1 (1-1) Big 12 Week 5: #23 (Defeated 20.Oklahoma State 42-20)
21.Boise State 3-1 (0-0) Mountain West Week 5: #25 (Defeated Washington State 45-24)

Fallers
5.Georgia 3-1 (1-1) SEC Week 5: #2 (Lost to 4.Alabama 41-34)
12.Ole Miss 4-1 (0-1) SEC Week 5: #6 (Lost to Kentucky 20-17)
18.Utah 4-1 (1-1) Big 12 Week 5: #10 (Lost to Arizona 23-10)
22.Louisville 3-1 (1-0) ACC Week 5: #15 (Lost to 16.Notre Dame 31-24)
24.Illinois 4-1 (1-1) Big Ten Week 5: #19 (Lost to 9.Penn State 21-7)

Dropped Out

New
23.Indiana 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten Week 5: NR (Defeated Maryland 42-28)
25.UNLV 4-0 (1-0) MWC Week 5: NR (Defeated Fresno State 59-14)

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

Saturday, October 5
9.Missouri (4-0) @ 25.Texas A&M (4-1)
12 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Missouri 31, Texas A&M 17

12.Ole Miss (4-1) @ South Carolina (3-1)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN
Projected Score: Ole Miss 28, South Carolina 24

10.Michigan (4-1) @ Washington (3-2)
7:30 PM ET, NBC
Projected Score: Michigan 28, Washington 14

8.Miami (5-0) @ California (3-1)
10:30 PM ET, ESPN
Projected Score: Miami 35, California 24