Ohio State handled its business against Rutgers in one final tune-up before heading to Ann Arbor for The Game. The Buckeyes have looked dominant all season long, even without some of their star players like Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith.
OSU is looking for a berth in the Big Ten Championship and a No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. Of course, Michigan, Oregon, and Indiana all want the same thing, too. The Hoosiers were idle this week, while the Ducks knocked USC out of the playoff race, and the Wolverines kept their playoff hopes alive with a victory over Maryland. Things could get really interesting in the final week of the regular season.
Heading into rivalry week, how does Joel Klatt rank the top-10 after Week 13? Time to take a look at the Fox Analyst’s rankings and where we agree and disagree.
No. 10 – Alabama Crimson Tide
Last Week’s Ranking – No. 10
What we think:
Alabama bounced back in a big way over mighty Eastern Illinois as the SEC began its annual playing of cupcakes late in the season. If the Crimson Tide wants to keep its playoff hopes alive, a win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl is a must. The Tigers aren’t very good this year, but crazier things have happened. Our take is a ‘Bama win over the Tigers and a matchup with Texas A&M in the SEC Championship Game.
No. 9 – Oklahoma Sooners
Last Week’s Ranking – No. 8
What we think:
The Sooners have a really good defense. The offense, on the other hand, has sputtered since John Mateer had an injury earlier in the season. Oklahoma has two conference losses, which will keep them out of the SEC Championship Game. And that might be the best-case scenario for the Sooners to avoid a third loss.
No. 8 – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Last Week’s Ranking – No. 9
What we think:
Since dropping the first two games of the season, Notre Dame has cruised through the rest of its schedule. Jeremiyah Love is doing his best to work his way into the Heisman conversation. With no conference championship to play in, Stanford is the last remaining obstacle between the Irish and the CFP.
No. 7 – Ole Miss Rebels
Last Week’s Ranking – No. 7
What we think:
Ole Miss has a chance to get to the SEC Championship game, but it needs some help. Although he may not admit it, Lane Kiffin might prefer to stay away from Atlanta. A win over rival Mississippi State and the Rebels are sitting pretty at 11-1 on the season.
No. 6 – Texas Tech Red Raiders
Last Week’s Ranking – No. 5
What we think:
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is one of the best linebackers in the nation. No. 10 for the Red Raiders boasts 97 tackles, four interceptions, and seven forced fumbles. He’s a one-man wrecking crew, but one player won’t be able to carry an entire team in the CFP. We’re not sold on a Tech team that plays in a pretty weak Big 12.
No. 5 – Oregon Ducks
Last Week’s Ranking – No. 6
What we think:
Oregon took care of USC in a de facto elimination game, at least in terms of Big Ten title hopes. The Ducks’ offense has been clicking the past two weeks, and if that side of the ball can keep up with the defense, Oregon could be a tough out in the College Football Playoff.
No. 4 – Texas A&M Aggies
Last Week’s Ranking – No. 4
What we think:
A week after squeaking by lowly South Carolina, Texas A&M beat up on Samford, leading up to a rivalry game with Texas. The Aggies are undefeated, but it doesn’t seem they are playing their best football at the end of the season. The Longhorns would love nothing more than to knock A&M from the ranks of the unbeaten.
No. 3 – Georgia Bulldogs
Last Week’s Ranking – No. 3
What we think:
Georgia likes to play down to the level of its competition, but Kirby Smart gets the team up for the big ones as well. The Bulldogs are still in the hunt to play for the SEC Championship, but would need some help from Alabama and Texas A&M. Same as Lane Kiffin, Smart may be okay not playing an extra game before the College Football Playoff begins. Even if they were to lose to rival Georgia Tech this week, the Dawgs are pretty much a lock to get in.
No. 2 – Indiana Hoosiers
Last Week’s Ranking – No. 2
What we think:
Indiana didn’t play this week, so no real chance to move up. The Hoosiers have their eyes set on playing in Indianapolis for a Big Ten Championship. They should easily get there by retaining the Old Oaken Bucket with a win over Purdue.
No. 1 – Ohio State Buckeyes
Last Week’s Ranking – No. 1
What we think:
A magical season will mean nothing without a win over Michigan on Saturday. Ohio State certainly has the better team on paper, but the Buckeyes will need to prove it on the field for it to mean anything. OSU is clearly the best team in the country, but a fifth loss in a row to the Wolverines would not sit well with Buckeye fans.
Joel Klatt’s full college football rankings
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football is still looking good according to Joel Klatt
