Upcoming College Football Playoff Rankings and Schedule Post-Week 11
Week 11 of the college football season brought both clarity and chaos to the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture. Some top teams solidified their positions, while others stumbled into unexpected challenges.
Fans and analysts now find themselves eagerly waiting for the next set of rankings. With the CFP committee set to release the second of five top 25 rankings, the landscape is wide open for debate and speculation.
This blog post covers the key takeaways from Week 11 and the upcoming CFP rankings release schedule. What does it all mean for the teams fighting for a spot in the 12-team playoff field? Let’s dig in.
Contents
Week 11 Highlights: Upsets and Close Calls
Week 11 really was a rollercoaster for several top-ranked teams. No. 2 Indiana barely avoided a major upset at Penn State, which just shows how unpredictable college football can be.
No. 4 Alabama leaned hard on its defense to secure a win against LSU. Even the powerhouse teams have their off days, apparently.
Meanwhile, top-ranked Ohio State and No. 3 Texas A&M handled their conference opponents, Purdue and Missouri, without much trouble.
Indiana’s Narrow Escape
Indiana’s close call at Penn State has people questioning if they can really hang onto their high ranking. The game was a nail-biter, and Indiana just barely got the win.
The CFP selection committee will be looking closely at this performance when they put together the next set of rankings. Can’t blame them.
Alabama’s Defensive Showcase
Alabama’s victory over LSU was anything but easy. The Crimson Tide’s defense had to step up, and it makes you wonder about their offense right now.
Still, a win is a win. Alabama stays in the top four, but their next few games will be under the microscope.
Upcoming CFP Rankings Release Schedule
The CFP selection committee will release the second iteration of the top 25 rankings on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. This is the second of five rankings releases before “Selection Sunday” on Dec. 7.
Here’s the full schedule for the upcoming rankings releases:
- Tuesday, Nov. 11 (7 p.m. ET)
- Tuesday, Nov. 18 (8:30 p.m. ET)
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 (7 p.m. ET)
- Tuesday, Dec. 2 (7 p.m. ET)
- Sunday, Dec. 7 (noon ET)
Why These Rankings Matter
The Tuesday rankings are always interesting, but honestly, the only ones that matter are the final set on “Selection Sunday”—Dec. 7. Those will decide who gets into the 12-team playoff and where they’re seeded.
Implications for the Big 12 and ACC
The Big 12 and ACC have been swirling with speculation about their teams’ playoff chances. With three weeks left in the regular season, every single game is huge.
Big 12 Contenders
The Big 12 has been wild all season, and Week 11 didn’t disappoint. Texas and Oklahoma are both fighting for a playoff spot, so every game feels like do-or-die.
The next rankings should give us a clearer picture of where these teams stand. Or at least, that’s the hope.
ACC Dynamics
The ACC hasn’t been short on drama, either. Clemson and Miami are still in the mix, but their road to the playoff is anything but easy.
The next set of rankings will be crucial for these teams as they try to lock in their positions.
What to Watch for in the Next Rankings
As we wait for the new CFP rankings, a few things are worth watching:
- Movement in the Top Four: Will Indiana’s narrow escape hurt their ranking?
- Alabama’s Defensive Performance: Is relying on defense a strength or a red flag?
- Big 12 and ACC Teams: Where will these teams land in the rankings?
First-Round Byes
There’s a lot of debate about which teams will get those coveted first-round byes. With a 12-team playoff, the top four teams get to skip the first round, so every ranking release feels critical.
Fans and analysts will be glued to those top four spots, no doubt about it.
Final Thoughts
Week 11? Wild stuff. The college football season just keeps throwing curveballs, and honestly, it feels like nobody’s safe.
The next batch of CFP rankings is coming up, and who knows what chaos we’ll see. Teams are going to have to dig deep if they want a shot at the playoff.
If you’re after more details, check out the full article on USA Today.
