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College football conference power rankings: Week 13

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 19, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) celebrates a rushing touchdown by running back Phillip Lindsay (23) (background) in the fourth quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes defeated the Cougars 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA
Nov 19, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) celebrates a rushing touchdown by running back Phillip Lindsay (23) (background) in the fourth quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes defeated the Cougars 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA /
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Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate a win over the Michigan State Spartans after a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate a win over the Michigan State Spartans after a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Big Ten

It’s been a landmark year for the Big Ten, which currently has three teams in the AP top 25 for the first time since 1956.

That accomplishment wasn’t easy, as Ohio State barely survived a 17-16 win over a seven-loss Michigan State team thanks to a late failed two-point conversion. Ohio State has a few paths to the playoff if it can take down Michigan, which could be starting a backup quarterback on the road.

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One Big Ten team making the playoff feels like a lock, and the developments over the next couple of weeks will determine if it can become the first conference to send a pair of programs to the final four. No. 8 Penn State took care of business against woeful Rutgers and will play for the Big Ten title if Ohio State beats Michigan.

Wisconsin might have the best shot of any two-loss team if it can beat Minnesota and then win the title game, as its only blemishes are one-score defeats against the Wolverines and Buckeyes. No. 18 Nebraska is still alive after thumping Maryland and could still win the West with a Badgers loss.

While there are some terrible teams at the bottom of the Big Ten, the strength of the top five cannot be matched by any other conference. Minnesota is also quietly sitting at 8-3 under first-year head coach Tracy Claeys, and will not be a gimme for the Badgers.

Next: Ranking The 25 Best Rivalries In College Football

Every game in the Big Ten will have some sort of consequence next week, even beyond the five division title contenders. Northwestern, Maryland and Indiana will all be playing for bowl eligibility against beatable opponents.

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