Ranking College Football Top 10 Teams (Week 12)

[author image=”https://www.the3pointconversion.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/image1-3-e1464196614536.jpg” ]Allen Fields, Bronx, NY [/author]

 

 

 

 

1)  Alabama Crimson Tide (11-0): def Chattanooga Mocs 31-3

Last week- 1

This was merely a tune up for the Iron Bowl against Auburn in the regular season finale. This could have been an easy game to overlook and have a letdown but not the Crimson Tide. They were focused on the task at hand and easily handled an overmatched opponent. The offense was on cruise control and the defense was stout as usual.

 

2)  Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1): def Michigan State Spartants 17-16

Last week- 2

The Buckeyes escaped with a victory in East Lansing. The offense was carried by the running game as the passing attack was stymied by the Spartans’ defense. But it was Ohio State’s defense that preserved the win by stopping a two-point conversion attempt by Michigan State late in the 4th quarter. Even with a win over Michigan next week, they would still need help to make the Big 10 Championship Game.

 

3)  Michigan Wolverines (10-1): def Indiana Hoosiers 20-10

Last week- 3

The Wolverines struggled early but found a way to win. Their passing game has stalled since starting quarterback Wilton Speight got injured. So the offense is relying heavily on the ground attack to generate some points. The defense held up to keep Michigan’s playoff hopes alive. Next week’s tilt with Ohio State will play a huge role in shaping the playoff picture.

 

4)  Clemson Tigers (10-1): def Wake Forest Demon Deacons 35-13

Last week- 4

The Tigers jumped out to a big lead and cruised to a win over the Demon Deacons. In the process, they wrapped up another ACC Atlantic Division title. The offense still does not look sharp though. The defense has had some rocky moments but has been steady for the most part. Clemson can lock up one of the four playoff spots by winning their next two games.

 

5)  Washington Huskies (10-1): def Arizona State Sun Devils 44-18

Last week- 6

The Huskies are right back in the playoff hunt after Louisville’s loss. They took full advantage of the opportunity by manhandling the Sun Devils. Another balanced offensive attack led the charge. Besides a couple of late meaningless touchdowns, the defense was very good. Washington needs to keep winning and they will be in the playoffs.

 

6)  Wisconsin Badgers (9-2): def Purdue Boilermakers 49-20

Last week- 8

The Badgers are playing good football right now. They easily defeated the Boilermakers. Wisconsin is a step closer to playing in the Big 12 championship game. They would love to throw the playoff picture into a complete tailspin by winning the conference title. The offense has put up some points the last few games and the defense has been solid.

 

7)  Penn State Nittany Lions (9-2): def Rutgers Scarlet Knights 39-0

Last week- 9

The Nittany Lions beat a bad Scarlet Knight team which is exactly what they were suppose to do. The offense had little trouble moving the ball while the defense made short work of a dismal Rutgers’ offense. They will be rooting for Ohio State to beat Michigan and clear the path to the conference championship game. This could get very interesting. 

 

8)  Oklahoma Sooners (9-2): def West Virginia Mountaineers 56-28

Last week- 10

The Sooners looked impressive dismantling the Mountaineers on the road. The offense, behind a punishing rushing attack, scored at will. The defense was very good in limiting the big plays by West Virginia. Oklahoma still has a shot at a New Year’s Bowl game. One more win against rival Oklahoma State could cap off a very good season after a rocky start.

 

9)  Louisville Cardinals (9-2): lost to Houston Cougars 36-10

Last week- 5

The Cardinals’ loss puts them out of the playoff race. Is a New Year’s Bowl game enough to motivate this team after such a deflated loss? The next game will say a lot about this team’s mental makeup. Louisville needs to take out their frustration on an average Kentucky Wildcats’ team and look spectacular doing it.

 

10)  West Virginia Mountaineers (8-2): lost to Oklahoma Sooners 56-28

Last week- 7

The Mountaineers were embarrassed at home against a streaking Sooners’ team. Nothing went right, the offense could not generate any big plays and the defense could not stop Oklahoma’s rushing attack. West Virginia was hoping to throw their name in the playoff race but that’s over now. A good bowl game awaits them if they can refocus and win their last game.