This past weekend was a fairly quiet one on the college football landscape. Most teams either had byes weeks or had games scheduled against lesser opponents as they prepare for their rivalry week matchup. Things will rev back up this week as teams make one final push for the playoffs before heading in conference title games.
Who’s In?
- Florida State
Another week, another scare for the Noles. This team just doesn’t make it easy on themselves, but again they escaped with a victory over Boston College. With Florida playing its final game under Will Muschamp this week, you can expect them to throw the kitchen sink at Florida State as they try to send Muschamp out on a good note.
- Alabama
The Crimson Tide was one of many SEC schools who had glorified bye weeks this past week as they took on an FCS team in Western Carolina. Needless to say the Tide picked up the win.
- Oregon
The Ducks put another W in the win column with a convincing win over Colorado as they prepare for their annual rivalry game against Oregon State in Corvallis. Marcus Mariota is looking like the Heisman front runner at this point and he has a chance to lock it up with two more quality performances against Oregon State and in the PAC 12 title game.
- Mississippi State
The Bulldogs took out their frustrations from the Alabama game on poor Vanderbilt over the weekend. With the Egg Bowl looking less appealing after Ole Miss’ loss to Arkansas, it will be interesting to see if State is able to hold on to the 4th spot over TCU, Baylor or Ohio State in the coming weeks. Without a conference title game to play in, this spot could be up for grabs.
Who’s Out?
- TCU
The Horned Frogs rested up for their Turkey Day matchup against Texas in Austin. After what we saw from them in Kansas, this is a game to watch closely as Texas’ defense has been the best in the conference this year and has shown the ability to slow down the pass happy offenses of the Big 12.
- Baylor
The Bears cruised to a victory over a struggling Oklahoma State team over the weekend. The season finale against Kansas State looms big as that could end up being their ticket into the playoff.
- Ohio State
It took longer than expected, but the Buckeyes were eventually able to put away Indiana over the weekend. After losing to Virginia Tech at home, Ohio State needed to avoid struggles like this as it won’t be viewed favorably by the committee when it comes to deciding the 4th spot in the playoffs. While Ohio State has the Big 10 title game still on the schedule, I have a hard time putting them in over TCU or Baylor at this point.
- UCLA
How about the Bruins playing themselves back onto the fringe of the playoff picture? They are a long shot to make it in, but after suffering two setbacks at the hands of Utah and Oregon, they are back into the Top 10 after beating USC for the third straight time.