College Football Rankings 2017: Projected Top 25 after Week 12

No. 20: Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State was crushed by Kansas State for most of the game. However, a 20-point fourth quarter made it interesting, but not enough to get past the Wildcats. This dropped the Cowboys to 8-3 and ended their hopes of making the Big 12 Championship Game. At least Kansas is the final game of the season, right?

No. 19: Memphis

It took a combined 100-point effort, but Memphis defeated SMU to become 9-1 and stay in the College Football Rankings. Given its placement in a lower conference, there’s no chance at the Tigers making a marquee bowl game. Although, whatever happens, to close the season, it will still be considered a successful season.

No. 18: LSU

After some movement after No. 10, LSU slides into the top 20 after defeating Tennessee, 30-10. The pushed the Tigers to 8-3, with a game against Texas A&M as the season finale. There won’t be a spot in the SEC Championship Game for Ed Orgeron’s team, but they may still finish six games over .500.

No. 17: Washington

Washington barely squeaked out a win over Utah, kicking a field goal in the final seconds of the game. It culminated a 10-point run over the final few minutes and allowed them to stick in the College Football Rankings. One last game remains against Washington State, which will decide whether the Huskies go 10-2 or 9-3.

No. 16: Michigan State

Michigan State played a low-scoring game against Maryland but still controlled most of it, winning 17-7. That should keep Sparty in the middle of the College Football Rankings pack, with one game left in the regular season. Since it’s versus Rutgers, look for Mark Dantonio’s team to finish 9-3 and be in second or third place in the Big Ten East.