ESPN updates power rankings after Week 12 of college football

On3 imageby:Steve Samra11/22/21

SamraSource

Week 12 of the college football season brought us more exciting games, along with some surprising results. Now, ESPN has updated their power rankings to reflect what we saw take place on the field on Saturday.

First, four ranked teams lost over the weekend, with three of those four coming against other ranked opponents. In a game that was closer than many expected, Alabama took down Arkansas in a riveting 42-35 game. Prior to that, Ohio State dominated against Michigan State, taking home a 56-7 victory. Then, late Saturday night, Utah also dominated against Oregon, seemingly eliminating the Ducks from the playoff picture.

Furthermore, Georgia remains in the top spot, to no surprise. The Bulldogs won 56-7 against Charleston Southern on Saturday to improve to 11-0 on the season. Cincinnati needed a big win over an eight-win SMU team on Saturday and the Bearcats got just that. The playoff hopeful Bearcats won 48-14, earning some needed style points.

Additionally, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma State also picked up convincing victories in Week 12. Clemson put up an impressive performance against Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons came into the game ranked in the top ten, but Clemson had no trouble, cruising to a 48-27 win. Oklahoma, fresh off of a loss last week against Baylor, bounced back with a good win over Iowa State.

As the world awaits the College Football Playoff rankings, let’s take a look at what ESPN believes the top teams in the nation are.

ESPN Power Rankings:

1) Georgia Bulldogs

2) Ohio State Buckeyes

3) Alabama Crimson Tide

4) Cincinnati Bearcats

5) Michigan Wolverines

6) Notre Dame Fighting Irish

7) Oklahoma State Cowboys

8) Ole Miss Rebels

9) Baylor Bears

10) Oklahoma Sooners

11) Michigan State Spartans

12) Oregon Ducks

13) BYU Cougars

14) Wisconsin Badgers

15) Pittsburgh Panthers

16) Utah Utes

17) UTSA Roadrunners

18) Houston Cougars

19) Wake Forest Demon Deacons

20) Texas A&M Aggies

21) Iowa Hawkeyes

22) San Diego State Aztecs

23) Clemson Tigers

24) Mississippi State Bulldogs

25) NC State Wolfpack