With two weekends left in the regular season, the college football power rankings saw another shake up following a couple of huge SEC games.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0) | Last week: 1
Ohio State has been without star wideout Carnell Tate for a couple of weeks and had Heisman contender Jeremiah Smith get injured in the win over UCLA—but head coach Ryan Day said there’s no long-term concern for either player. After the Buckeyes face Rutgers this week, all eyes will be on the matchup versus Michigan on Thanksgiving weekend.
2. Texas A&M Aggies (10-0) | Last week: 2
The Aggies showed their championship metal by overcoming a 30-3 halftime deficit to beat South Carolina—staying unbeaten behind the arm of Marcel Reed (439 yards and three touchdowns while bouncing back from two interceptions in the first half). Look for them to keep rolling this Saturday versus Samford before taking on Texas in the season finale.
3. Indiana Hoosiers (11-0) | Last week: 3
Indiana starting slow has been a bit of a concern recently, but quarterback Fernando Mendoza moved the ball with extreme efficiency in the eventual 31-7 win over Wisconsin—completing 22-of-24 passes for 299 yards and four touchdowns. The Hoosiers are in great position with a bye followed by game against 2-9 Purdue to conclude the regular season.
4. Georgia Bulldogs (9-1) | Last week: 5 (+1)
Another victory for the Bulldogs over Texas (after going 2-0 last year) came in dominant fashion by winning, 35-10, and they’re in unique position as a top-five team that might not even play for a conference title. If so, the biggest challenge over the final two games will be facing fellow playoff contender Georgia Tech on Black Friday.
5. Ole Miss (10-1) | Last week: 6 (+1)
Ole Miss needed 14 points in the fourth quarter to escape with a 34-24 win over Florida—and drama has hit the program with head coach Lane Kiffin apparently given an ultimatum about staying or leaving by the Egg Bowl on November 28. It feels like Kiffin might go to LSU or Florida, so the situation could get crazy with the Rebels set to make the College Football Playoff.
6. Oregon Ducks (9-1) | Last week: 7 (+1)
Oregon was able to get back on track offensively as standout tight end Kenyon Sadiq returned last week in a 42-13 win over Minnesota—and quarterback Dante Moore went 27-of-30 for 306 yards and two touchdowns. This weekend versus a contending USC team should be exciting.
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-1) | Last week: 8 (+1)
The Red Raiders remained dominant at home with a 48-9 victory over UCF, and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez did it all again—recording an interception and even rushing for a touchdown. Following a bye this week, Texas Tech will finish things off with a trip to West Virginia.
8. Oklahoma Sooners (8-2) | Last week: NR
Oklahoma got a massive road win over Alabama to likely save their season, and they are now favored to make the College Football Playoff. Playing at home for the final two games (v Missouri, v LSU) should help the Sooners avoid an upset that would derail their season.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-2) | Last week: 9
A couple of interceptions for quarterback CJ Carr barely slowed Notre Dame down in a 37-15 win over a Pitt team that was 7-2—and superstar running back Jeremiyah Love again went off (20 touches for 167 yards and a touchdown). The Fighting Irish is another squad that is in great position with games against Syracuse and Stanford (combined 6-14 record) left this month.
10. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-2) | Last week: 4 (-6)
Despite the loss to Oklahoma, the Crimson Tide are still in position to make the SEC Championship by winning out—potentially setting up a win-and-in game (from their side) versus Texas A&M. Especially considering the gauntlet schedule they got through in October, the debate will come if Alabama makes the conference championship and has a close lose.