Michigan rises, Ohio State falls in the college football rankings
USA TODAY’s Paul Myerberg breaks down this week’s US LBM coaches poll and Ryan Day Ohio State’s future.
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The results from rivalry weekend are in: Georgia remains No. 1 over No. 2 Michigan and maintains an inch of separation between the two heavyweights after the Wolverines defeated Ohio State to capture the Big Ten East for the third straight year.
While Georgia didn’t exactly dominate the rivalry game against Georgia Tech, the more extensive work gives the Bulldogs an advantage. They have six wins against Power Five bowl teams ahead of the Wolverines’ four wins and can clinch the top spot in the postseason by beating Alabama on Saturday and winning the SEC.
One thing seems obvious: These are the top two teams in the Bowl Subdivision and the two favorites for the national championship.
Ohio State has fallen three spots to No. 6 and the path to the College Football Playoff is slim, although there is certainly a path for the Buckeyes to return to the national semifinals for the second straight year. Rounding out the top five are No. 3 Washington, No. 4 Florida State and No. 5 Oregon.
Other notable moves include Arizona’s jump five spots to No. 12 after destroying Arizona State and winning the Territorial Cup. The Wildcats are the top-ranked team with more than two losses, one spot ahead of LSU.
Louisville falls five to 15th after a loss to Kentucky, putting a slight damper on a fantastic season under first-year coach Jeff Brohm. The Cardinals can still get into a New Year’s Six bowl by beating FSU and winning the ACC, or as the league’s second-best team if the Seminoles make the playoffs.
North Carolina State also moved up eight spots to 23rd in the ACC after defeating North Carolina 39-20. The Wolfpack flew under the radar all season, but were able to post double-digit wins for the first time since 2002. Longtime coach Dave Doeren deserves a lot of credit for his work this season.