Joel Klatt shakes up his College Football Playoff rankings following rivalry week
College football saved its most exciting week for the regular season finale, and it has changed the complexion of the playoff race.
From The Game coming down to the final minute, to Alabama‘s converted 4th & 31 prayer. This week even featured a walk-off field goal from Washington as teams throughout the College Football Playoff fought to the end to keep their national title hopes alive.
After Saturday’s games concluded, college football analyst Joel Klatt revealed his new top 10 teams in the country heading into conference championship week.
1. Michigan
Michigan has solidified a new dominance over its rival Ohio State having won the last three editions of The Game. Even without head coach Jim Harbaugh unable to call the shots from the sideline — the Wolverines prevailed thanks to an interception in the final minute of regulation by an interception by DB Rod Moore.
Now, the Wolverines turn their attention toward Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game. Michigan has opened as a 23-point favorite in Vegas and is expected to cruise into the CFP at 13-0, and No. 1 on Klatt’s list.
2. Georgia
Georgia didn’t dominate rival Georgia Tech like many expected, defeating the Yellow Jackets 31-23 to claim its 29th consecutive victory heading into next week’s SEC Championship game.
The Bulldogs depleted offense leaned heavily on the legs of running back Kendall Milton, who took 18 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 8.7 yards per carry. Quarterback Carson Beck completed 13 passes during the contest for 175 yards and a touchdown — but more will be needed out fo the Bulldogs if they want to claim a 30th-straight win.
3. Washington
Michael Penix Jr. couldn’t watch as Grady Gross split the uprights from 42 yards out as time expired to defeat Washington State 24-21. The kick sends the Huskies into the Pac-12 Championship game undefeated and poised for a College Football Championship run if they can defeat Oregon next week for a second time this season.
Despite Washington‘s undefeated nature — the Ducks are still favored by 9.5 points in Vegas when the spread opened. Of course, that’s why Oregon is next up on Klatt’s list.
4. Oregon
Oregon dominated rival Oregon State 31-7 at home on Friday, continuing a string of blowout victories and winning their sixth-straight game since their 36-33 loss to Washington earlier in the year.
Bo Nix certified himself as a potential Heisman finalist for his performance this week, completing 33 of 40 passing attempts for 367 yards and two touchdowns while also finding the end zone once on the ground as well. The Ducks are hitting their stride at the perfect time, and it could be enough to squeeze them into the final field of four when it’s all said and done.
5. Texas
Texas hasn’t had the toughest schedule over the past few weeks, but are hoping a win over Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship game will be enough to send them to the College Football Playoffs. After all, they’re only able to play who is in front of them and based on their 57-7 win over a bowl-eligible Texas Tech team — it’s obvious they’re in need of some stronger competition — and the Cowboys provide that.
The biggest takeaway from Texas’ 50-point win was the fact that Quinn Ewers finished the game completing 17 of 26 passing for 196 yards, one touchdown and an interception. His numbers do not jump out of the page by any means, but three rushing touchdowns aided him, special teams helped out and even got one from his defense — proving that the Longhorns are a threat at every level of the game.
6. Ohio State
Ryan Day looked absolutely gutted while heading off the field after Kyle McCord‘s interception to Rod Moore in the final minute of regulation during The Game.
That makes three consecutive losses to Michigan for Ohio State, and three straight seasons missing out on the College Football Playoffs because of their bitter rivals. With no Big Ten Championship to pad their playoff hopes — a New Year’s Six Bowl game looks to be in the Buckeyes’ future.
7. Alabama
Add 4th & 31 to the list of Iron Bowl madness to happen during the Nick Saban era. 10 years removed from the infamous ‘Kick Six’, Alabama provided a miracle of its own as Jalen Milroe completed a deep ball to Isaiah Bond in the back corner of the end zone over an Auburn defender to secure the game-winning touchdown.
Now, Alabama has a unique opportunity to not only win the SEC Championship this Saturday but dethrone Georgia and halt its win streak at 29 games.
8. Florida State
Florida State‘s descent from Klatt’s top rankings is due to one simple fact — the Seminoles don’t have Jordan Travis anymore. To Klatt, he was the straw that stirred the drink in Tallahassee and without him, they no longer have the heartbeat of their offense.
It would be hard to argue that a 13-0, ACC Championship-winning Florida State team shouldn’t be in the College Football Playoff. After barely getting by rival Florida 24-15, Klatt has seen all he needs from the Seminoles to know that they aren’t worth a top spot without their superstar quarterback.
9. Penn State
Penn State was wrecked everyone they’ve faced this year — except for Michigan and Ohio State. Until they can overcome the yearly issue that are the Wolverines and Buckeyes, the only way they can sniff the playoffs is when it field expands to 12.
Still, the Nittany Lions finished the regular season 10-2 and have much to build on entering bowl season and beyond.
10. Ole Miss
Ole Miss was eliminated from CFP contention after losing to Georgia 52-17 two weeks ago. Still, that didn’t stop the Rebels from finsihing the regular season strong with a 35-3 win over ULM and a 17-7 Egg Bowl victory over Mississippi State on Thanksgiving Day.
Still, the Rebels were able to complete their second 10-win regular season in program history. The first time Ole Miss accomplished this feat in 2021, they were in the Sugar Bowl and would love to find themselves back in the mix for a bowl of similar status this season.