ESPN releases updated FPI Top 25 rankings after Week 13 of college football

In the fallout of another exciting week of college football action, ESPN has overhauled its FPI rankings. Week 13 brought with it no shortage of high profile matchups and star-making performances.

Keep in mind, the Football Power Index (FPI) is a tool ESPN uses to measure team strength as the best predictor of a team’s performance going forward for the rest of the season. These rankings are the projected results based on 20,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, as well as results to date, and each team’s remaining schedule.

That being said, here’s how ESPN’s FPI shook up after Week 13. Did your team make the list?

1. Ohio State

Ohio State made quick work of Rutgers in the second half, winning 42-9 after holding a 14-3 halftime lead. The Buckeyes remained at the top of the FPI rankings.

Now, all attention is on Michigan six days from now. Losers of four straight in the rivalry, Ohio State looks to finally end that streak.

2. Indiana

Indiana had the week off so they didn’t shift in the latest FPI rankings. Still, the Hoosiers are 11-0 on the season and look to keep it rolling against Purdue and then the Big Ten Championship Game.

It seems pretty clear this is not last year’s IU team. Curt Cignetti has them poised for a bit of a run here!

3. Notre Dame (+2)

Jeez Notre Dame, you didn’t have to do all that. The Fighting Irish beat Syracuse 70-7 and actually led 21-0 before the offense even took the field.

This impressive win pushed them up two spots in the FPI this weekend. They’re now 9-2 and one more win will all but clinch a College Football Playoff spot.

4. Oregon (-1)

Oregon beat USC 42-27 in a hard fought contest out in Eugene, but only moved down in the FPI due to Notre Dame’s movement. The Ducks are in great position for the College Football Playoff at 10-1 on the season.

If Oregon beats Washington and Ohio State loses to Michigan, Dan Lanning and crew will have a chance to play for their second straight conference crown. Either way, look for the Ducks to take care of business regardless and get into the CFP.

5. Alabama (+1)

Alabama had a non-conference tilt against Eastern Illinois and beat the Panthers 56-0. But all eyes are on next weekend against Auburn.

The Crimson Tide moved up one spot in the FPI and still rank in the top five despite the 9-2 record and last week’s loss to Oklahoma. The playoff is all but locked up if they beat the Tigers in the Iron Bowl.

6. Georgia (-2)

Georgia did the same as Alabama and beat Charlotte 35-3 to improve to 10-1. But, they still have that nagging head to head loss to the Crimson Tide.

They moved down two spots due to some other movement in the FPI. They’ll take on rival Georgia Tech next week in Atlanta after the Yellow Jackets were stunned by Pitt.

7. Texas Tech (+1)

The Red Raiders had the week off following a 48-9 win over UCF on November 15. They also moved up a spot in the FPI without doing anything.

They are in a win and get in scenario when it comes to the Big 12 title game as they play West Virginia this week. They’re likely to get a rematch vs. BYU in a couple of weeks.

8. Utah (-1)

Utah can’t make the Big 12 Championship Game but the Utes came back to beat Kansas State in an epic contest. The Utes are still alive for the College Football Playoff.

They moved down one spot in the FPI this weekend, but they’re still fighting for a glamorous postseason. Following their 51-47 win over Kansas State, Utah has Kansas left to try and finish with a 10-2 record and show off their resume.

9. Texas A&M

Texas A&M beat down Samford in a non-conference matchup, 48-0. They did not move in the FPI rankings though.

The Aggies are 11-0 and are all but in the College Football Playoff at this point. But to be safe, they’ll want to beat a talented Texas team next week to lock up a spot in the SEC Championship Game and the bracket itself.

10. Miami

The Hurricanes are most likely out of the ACC title race, but they’re still in the top 10 of the FPI! Miami beat Virginia Tech to improve to 9-2, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

First things first, if they beat Pitt, 10 wins gives them a great argument to get in. But a win, coupled with some upsets from Virginia Tech over Virginia and Cal over SMU get the Hurricanes into the ACC title game.

ESPN releases update Top 25 after Week 12

11. USC (-1)
12. Texas
13. Ole Miss
14. Oklahoma (+1)
15. BYU (-1)
16. Tennessee
17. Vanderbilt
18. Michigan
19. Penn State (+1)
20. Missouri (-1)
21. Washington (+2)
22. Iowa (-1)
23. SMU (+2)
24. Auburn
25. LSU (-3)