College Football Playoff rankings: Washington jumps Florida State in top-4

We’re back with the College Football Playoff rankings, and before rivalry week we’re given some big moves. Ohio State-Michigan is on Saturday, the biggest game of the regular season by far, and a good showing by either team could solidify their spot in the top four. Both teams come in undefeated, but where will they place before they step into the Big House in Ann Arbor?

Let’s get into the rankings.

1 . Georgia Bulldogs

Another week, another throttling of a ranked team. The Bulldogs manhandled the Tennessee Volunteers 38-10, and keep a strong hold on the top spot. They play Georgia Tech this weekend, but the Dawgs won’t see a true test until they play Alabama in the SEC Championship. See you in Atlanta.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

It seems like the Buckeyes are peaking at the right time. Ohio State thumped Minnesota 37-3, and it looks like the offense has finally come around. However, The Game is The Game. You beat Michigan, not only do you lock up a CFP spot, but the Buckeyes could leap to the top spot with a strong show.

3. Michigan Wolverines

It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win against Maryland. While the Buckeyes seem to be peaking, there are more questions than answers about the Wolverine offense right now. Jim Harbaugh won’t be on the sideline Saturday, but Michigan still has a good shot of winning. We’ll learn more about the Wolverines after Saturday.

4. Washington Huskies

Another uncomfortable win, but a top 15 win on the road against Oregon State. Washington hasn’t looked as good as they did early in the season, but continue to stack wins. If they handle Washington State in the Apple Cup, they’re set for a rematch with Oregon or a duel with Arizona in the Pac-12 title game.

5. Florida State Seminoles

It feels unfair to have the Seminoles here. Florida State is undefeated and has handled business each week, but the loss of star QB Jordan Travis might’ve influenced the committee in placing them here. If QB Tate Rodemaker can guide the Noles to wins over Florida and Louisville in the ACC title game, maybe the Seminoles can sneak back in. Remember, there’s been a team that made the playoff as a four seed with a backup QB: 2014 Ohio State, who ended up winning the National Championship.

6. Oregon Ducks

A massive rivalry game against Oregon State looms for the Ducks. If they win, they’re guaranteed a rematch with UW in Las Vegas. Oregon State is no pushover, however. Get the win, upset Washington and see what happens.

7. Texas Longhorns

Texas controls their destiny here. They win out and the debate between them and Oregon gets real hot, especially if Oregon defeats Washington in the Pac-12 title game.

8. Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama also has the chance to play spoiler. If they handle business in the Iron Bowl, they’re set for a date with Georgia in Atlanta. If the Tide manage to upset Georgia and win the SEC, what does the committee do then?

9. Missouri Tigers

Missouri being in the top ten despite having two losses says a lot about how they’re viewed by the committee. A close loss to Georgia is holding them up, but they can hit ten wins for the first time in a while. A great season for the Tigers.

10. Louisville Cardinals

The Cardinals have a shot to play spoiler, with an ACC title game date with Florida State in their future. The offense can be hit or miss, but the defense is fun. They play Kentucky for the chance to go 11-1 in head coach Jeff Brohm’s first season.

11. Penn State Nittany Lions

12. Ole Miss Rebels

13. Oklahoma Sooners

14. LSU Tigers

15. Arizona Wildcats

16. Oregon State Beavers

17. Iowa Hawkeyes

18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

19. Kansas State Wildcats

20. Oklahoma State Cowboys

21. Tennessee Volunteers

22. NC State Wolfpack

23. Tulane Green Wave

24. Clemson Tigers

25. Liberty Flames