College Football Rankings: Projected top 25 after Week 11

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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks for his receiver in the third quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan State 48-3. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

10. USC Trojans

The Trojans have been playing their best football since being waxed by Notre Dame, and clinched the Pac-12 South by topping Colorado, 38-24. Ronald Jones has been one of the best running backs in the country this season, and Sam Darnold looked sharp with 324 yards and a touchdown. For all their issues and injuries, USC is still in line to finish in the top 10.

9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Fighting Irish still have a top 10-worthy resume but are out of College Football Playoff contention after being routed 41-8 at Miami. Notre Dame was overwhelmed quickly, as Brandon Wimbush tossed a pair of interceptions and prolific running back Josh Adams was unable to make much of an impact. With two losses now, albeit against top five teams, the Fighting Irish are resigned to playing for a New Year’s Six bowl.

8. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State leaps back into the top 10 by virtue of its 48-3 blowout victory over Michigan State, and somehow still has a convoluted path to the playoff even with two losses. After being shredded by Iowa in a loss last week, the Buckeyes defense surrendered only 195 yards of total offense to back an efficient offensive performance. At the very least, Ohio State is in good shape to win the Big Ten East and will be lurking as one of the first teams outside the top four.

7. Georgia Bulldogs

Losing on the road to a top-10 Auburn team won’t derail Georgia’s season, but an ugly 40-17 loss is going to drop the Bulldogs several spots. Georgia’s usually dynamic run game could muster nothing against the Tigers’ front, and the Bulldogs were hampered by penalties and special teams miscues. Even with the ugly loss, Georgia will make College Football Playoff if its able to win out.

6. Auburn Tigers

Things have changed drastically for Auburn since losing to LSU on October 14, as the Tigers suddenly look like national championship contenders and will climb four spots after pummeling Georgia. While the defensive showing was incredible, Auburn should be even happier with racking up 488 yards on one of the nation’s best defenses. If the Tigers win out, they will become the first team to reach the playoff with two losses.

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