Oklahoma Rises to No. 8, Alabama Drops to No. 10 in CFP Rankings
The latest College Football Playoff rankings just dropped, and they’re already stirring up chatter among fans and analysts. Oklahoma has jumped to eighth place, while Notre Dame holds steady at ninth.
Now, the playoff picture is starting to get a little clearer. Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M continue to lead the pack, but Alabama’s recent loss has really shaken things up.
This blog digs into what stands out from the latest rankings and what might be next for the teams chasing those coveted playoff spots.
Top Teams Hold Steady
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For the third straight week, the top three teams haven’t budged. Ohio State (10-0), Indiana (11-0), and Texas A&M (10-0) keep dominating, showing off their consistency.
These squads have really proven themselves and look set for the playoffs if they keep winning.
Ohio State’s Dominance
Ohio State’s perfect 10-0 record speaks for itself. The Buckeyes handle pressure and get results, plain and simple.
They’ve earned their top spot, but their next games will decide if they hang onto it.
Indiana’s Impressive Run
Indiana’s 11-0 streak shows real grit. The Hoosiers keep beating whoever lines up against them, which is why they’re sitting at No. 2.
Their playoff hopes look good, but nothing’s guaranteed—they’ll need to stay sharp.
Texas A&M’s Consistency
Texas A&M has quietly put together a 10-0 season. The Aggies just keep getting it done, week after week.
If they finish strong, a playoff spot is within reach.
Oklahoma’s Rise and Alabama’s Fall
Oklahoma’s win over Alabama really shook up the rankings. The Sooners (8-2) leap to eighth, while Alabama (8-2) tumbles six spots to No. 10.
Now, a handful of teams suddenly see a real shot at the playoffs.
Oklahoma’s Key Victory
Beating Alabama was huge for Oklahoma. That win didn’t just boost their ranking—it showed they might really belong in the playoff conversation.
They’ll need to keep this momentum going, though.
Alabama’s Setback
For Alabama, that loss stings. Landing at No. 10 means their playoff path just got way tougher.
They opened the season with a loss to Florida State (5-5), and this latest defeat only adds to their headaches.
SEC Teams in the Top 10
Five SEC teams in the top 10? That says a lot about the conference’s depth. Georgia (9-1) is sitting at fourth, Texas Tech (10-1) is fifth, Ole Miss (10-1) comes in at sixth, and Oregon (9-1) rounds out the group at seven.
With so many SEC teams in the mix, the competition is fierce.
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Georgia’s Strong Position
Georgia’s 9-1 record keeps them in a solid playoff spot. They’ve played consistently well and have a decent stretch ahead.
But nothing’s locked in—they’ll need to finish strong.
Texas Tech and Ole Miss
Texas Tech and Ole Miss both sit at 10-1, and that’s no small feat. Their efforts have put them in the top six.
The SEC battle is intense, so these teams can’t afford to slip up now.
Big 12 Conference’s Strong Showing
The Big 12 is making some noise this year, with three teams in the top 12. BYU lands at No. 11, Utah’s right behind at 12th, and Texas Tech is in the mix as well.
That gives the Big 12 a real shot at multiple playoff spots—something fans haven’t seen too often.
BYU and Utah’s Performance
BYU and Utah have both put together strong seasons. Their consistency is paying off, and they’re staying in the playoff hunt.
It’s not easy breaking into the top 12, but these teams have earned it.
Big 12 Commissioner’s Statement
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said he’s proud of what the conference has done this season. He believes the teams have really earned their respect on the field.
It’s a good look for the Big 12, honestly.
Notre Dame and Miami’s Playoff Hopes
Notre Dame (8-2) and Miami (8-2) are both hanging around the playoff conversation, but their paths aren’t the same. Notre Dame’s still at ninth, while Miami has climbed to No. 13.
The Hurricanes need to keep winning—and probably get a little help from elsewhere—to boost their playoff odds.
Notre Dame’s Path
Notre Dame’s win over Pitt keeps them in the hunt. They’ll close the season with games against Syracuse (3-7) and Stanford (3-7).
They’ve got to win out to have any real shot.
Miami’s Challenges
Miami’s road is a lot tougher. Losses to Louisville (7-3) and SMU (7-3) have made things complicated.
They need to win the rest of their games and hope for some chaos in other matchups.
Rivalry Games with Playoff Implications
Thanksgiving weekend is loaded with classic rivalry games, and a bunch of them could shake up the playoff picture. We’re talking Mississippi-Mississippi State, Georgia-Georgia Tech, Auburn-Alabama, Michigan-Ohio State, and Texas-Texas A&M.
Any of these could flip the standings in a heartbeat.
Key Rivalry Games
- Egg Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State
- Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate: Georgia vs. Georgia Tech
- The Game: Ohio State vs. Michigan
- Iron Bowl: Alabama vs. Auburn
- Lone Star Showdown: Texas A&M vs. Texas
Potential Outcomes
These rivalry games could totally scramble the playoff landscape. An upset in the Egg Bowl? That could knock Ole Miss out.
If Georgia stumbles against Georgia Tech, the SEC standings might get wild. Every game matters, and you can bet fans and analysts will be glued to the results.
Conclusion
The latest College Football Playoff rankings have really set up an exciting finish to the season. There are still some big games left, and honestly, anything could happen.
Teams have to keep pushing if they want a playoff spot. These rivalry showdowns and the last regular-season games? They’re going to matter—a lot.
If you want to dig deeper or see more analysis, check out the full article on the New York Times.