Six Rivalry Games That Could Impact CFP Rankings
by Tyler Doty | by Tyler Doty
Chaos Reigns in Latest CFP Rankings But it is Not Done Yet
There was somewhat of a shakeup in the top 12 of the latest college football rankings due to last weekend’s NCAAF chaos. With Rivalry Week on deck, there is one thing fans can more than likely count on with the following rankings—chaos.
Many of the top teams may not move at all, but someone always gets upset during Rivalry Weekend. Depending on who the team(s) are, the rankings shakeup could be significant.
Latest CFP Rankings
With wins last weekend, the top four remained the same with Oregon at No. 1, Ohio State at No. 2, Texas at No. 3, and Penn State at No. 4. Indiana’s loss knocked the Hoosiers from No. 5 to No. 10. With a big win over Army, Notre Dame moved up to No. 5, and Miami moved up to No. 6 after downing Wake Forest.
Tennessee’s domination of UTEP saw the Vols move up to No. 8. SMU’s beatdown of Virginia got the Mustangs a promotion up to No. 9. Boise State had a surprisingly tough time in their win over Wyoming. However, the Broncos still moved up to No. 11.
Alabama’s shocking loss to Oklahoma knocked the Tide down to No. 13. Losing to Florida knocked Ole Miss out of the top 12. Georgia’s easy win resulted in a bump from No. 10 to 7.
Looking at the 6 Games to Track
Every team starts out wanting to win their conference and the national championship. However, it quickly becomes apparent to many that neither will happen. That does not mean these teams do not have anything to play for. Many would say they have a more critical game to look forward to.
Against their hated rival, of course. The following rivalry games could have an impact on the final rankings depending on how they play out:
Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt
A loss would knock Tennessee out of contention for a spot in the SEC title game and the CFP (probably). Beating Vandy may not be enough to get them into the SEC title game, but it will probably give them enough of a bump up the rankings to make the CFP even if they lose the SEC title game.
South Carolina vs. Clemson
At No. 12, Clemson could get knocked out of position for the CFP depending on who wins conference championships the following week. So, they need a win to give the committee a reason to move them up a couple of spots.
Despite having three losses, a win could get them into the CFP.
Auburn vs. Alabama
Alabama will have to win and get some help to sneak into the CFP in its first season post-Nick Saban. While it should be relatively easy for the Tide, that was the general perception of their game last weekend against Oklahoma.
Purdue vs. Indiana
A win over Ohio State would have made for an incredible chapter in Indiana’s storybook season, but it just wasn’t meant to be. However, to make sure the story finishes on a high note with a bid to the first 12-team CFP, they can’t get upset by a wildly inferior Purdue team.
If they lose, Indiana is out, and the story becomes more about what could have been rather than what the team accomplished.
Texas vs. Texas A&M
This game will mark the renewal of one of the more intense rivalries in college football. In years past, it was one where records didn’t matter; the winner was the team that wanted it more and played harder. A win for Texas will lock them into the top four.
A loss probably wouldn’t knock the Longhorns out of the top 12, nor would a win be enough to get Texas A&M in.
