2018 College Football Power Rankings Week 13

Everyone in the top ten won this week, but one team still takes a major dip in the rankings ahead of some huge rivalry games the weekend after Thanksgiving.

 

1. Alabama (11-0) | Last week: 1

That was a shocking first half for Alabama against The Citadel, but they did what most expected in the second half with a 40-7 scoring margin. Now the Crimson Tide play in the Iron Bowl as they look to remain undefeated heading into the SEC title game against Georgia. If anything, the slow start over the weekend might motivate Alabama, and we’ve seen what’s happened when Nick Saban’s squad is mad about something.

 

2. Clemson (11-0) | Last week: 2

Clemson continues to roll through the ACC, as they quickly put a slow start of their own behind them before putting up 35 unanswered points from the second quarter on. The Tigers also look to remain undefeated ahead of their conference championship game. Hopefully senior receiver Hunter Renfrow is OK after his injury suffered against Duke.

 

3. Georgia (10-1) | Last week: 3

Georgia was completely dominant versus UMass, which Justin Fields (121 passing yards, 100 rushing yards, three total touchdowns) a good amount of playing time while Jake Fromm went a perfect 5-for-5 for 104 yards and a touchdown. The Bulldogs can’t look ahead to the Crimson Tide with a matchup against Georgia Tech up this Saturday at noon ET.

 

4. Notre Dame (11-0) | Last week: 5 (+1)

It probably would’ve been more interesting if Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey didn’t leave early with a back injury, but Notre Dame won convincingly in Yankee Stadium to get within one game of an undefeated regular season. If they can take care of business this Saturday against USC, they’ll almost certainly be included in the College Football Playoff.

 

5. Michigan (10-1) | Last week: 6 (+1)

Indiana put up a great fight in a game that was closer than the 11-point difference indicates, but Michigan defended homefield to make it ten straight wins. The Wolverines obviously must get over the hump against the Buckeyes to have a potential win-and-in scenario in the Big Ten Championship Game.

 

6. Oklahoma (10-1) | Last week: 7 (+1)

That loss by West Virginia probably hurt Oklahoma, as a win this Saturday won’t be considered as impressive for their resume, which is important to the CFB Playoff Committee. Still, the Sooners are looking to get in the Big 12 title game with a potential chance to face a Texas team that handed them their only loss of the season.

 

7. UCF (10-0) | Last week: 8 (+1)

McKenzie Milton put up four touchdowns in UCF’s big primetime victory over Cincinnati. The tough defense of the Bearcats could not contain the Knights, who have extended their nation-best winning streak to 23 games. A Black Friday matchup against a South Florida team that’s lost four straight games could be tricky, so they obviously cannot look ahead.

 

8. Washington State (10-1) | Last week: 9 (+1)

Washington State dropped 55 points in the first half against Arizona, as Mike Leach’s high-flying attack is clicking ahead of this Friday night’s big matchup against Washington. The Cougars are on the outside looking in for the Playoff, but they’ll find themselves in a New Year’s Six bowl at the very least if they keep winning games.

 

9. LSU (9-2) | Last week: 10 (+1)

LSU jumps one spot in the power rankings simply because they are playing much better football than Ohio State right now. They own a win over Georgia, with their two losses coming on the road against Florida and at home against an Alabama team that’s destroying everyone this year.

 

10. Ohio State (10-1) | Last week: 4 (-6)

We’ve been giving Ohio State the benefit of the doubt too long, but the defense clearly has major issues; they’re fortunate to have just one loss this season. But despite not looking good, the Buckeyes sit at 10-1 with a crack at their archrival with a Big Ten Championship spot on the line, which could get them right back up the rankings and into the Playoff discussion.