College Football Playoff Rankings: Joel Klatt's Takeaways from Second Rankings

Week 13 Rankings Reveal Surprises

Top Teams Stay Put

In the latest College Football Playoff rankings, the top four teams remained the same, with Georgia, Michigan, TCU, and Ohio State holding steady in their respective positions. These teams have consistently performed at a high level throughout the season and continue to be considered the frontrunners for the national championship.

Big Ten Surprises

The Big Ten Conference saw some significant movement in the rankings, with Purdue jumping from No. 16 to No. 10 after their upset win over Ohio State. Penn State also moved up from No. 13 to No. 11, while Illinois made a surprising appearance at No. 14. These teams have all shown strong performances in recent weeks and are making a case for inclusion in the Playoff picture.

SEC Shuffle

The Southeastern Conference also saw some changes, with Alabama falling from No. 5 to No. 7 after their loss to LSU. LSU, on the other hand, moved up from No. 10 to No. 6, while Ole Miss jumped from No. 15 to No. 9. The SEC remains a highly competitive conference, with several teams still in contention for the Playoff.

Pac-12 on the Rise

The Pac-12 Conference continues to impress, with Utah moving up from No. 12 to No. 8 and USC holding steady at No. 13. Both teams have been dominant in recent weeks and are positioning themselves as potential dark horses in the Playoff race.

Teams on the Outside Looking In

Several teams remain on the outside looking in, including Tennessee, Clemson, and Kansas. Tennessee fell from No. 6 to No. 12 after their loss to South Carolina, while Clemson dropped from No. 8 to No. 15 after their loss to Notre Dame. Kansas, despite their undefeated record, remains at No. 16 due to their lack of a strong schedule.

Playoff Implications

These latest rankings have significant implications for the Playoff race. Georgia, Michigan, TCU, and Ohio State remain in control of their own destiny, while teams like Purdue, Penn State, LSU, and Utah are making a strong case for inclusion. The final rankings, to be released on December 4, will determine which teams will compete for the national championship.