College Football Rankings 2017: Projected Top 25 after Week 12

No. 5: Wisconsin

Wisconsin played ranked teams in back-to-back weeks, taking down No. 20 Iowa and No. 24 Michigan. Neither were strong teams, but it padded the Badgers’ resume for the postseason. They still need help from the top four and may get it. Especially after the ACC Championship Game. However, the Big Ten’s own conference title matchup remains. It’s no easy task and may be the deciding factor in them making the College Football Playoff or not.

No. 4: Oklahoma

After decimating Kansas and Baker Mayfield making one or two gestures, Oklahoma remains at No. 4. It controls a path to the Big 12 Championship Game, with a preceding matchup against West Virginia. A win in both should get them to the College Football Playoff, as one of Clemson or Miami will knock the other out. So, the fate of the Sooners won’t be official for another few weeks.

No. 3: Clemson

Clemson played The Citadel in Week 12. That’s not exactly a “tough” opponent, even for a nonconference game. It’s as weak as it gets, so it could dock the Tigers one spot in the College Football Rankings, while a fellow ACC team takes their spot at No. 2. Either way, it likely comes down to the ACC Championship Game against Miami.

No. 2: Miami

Miami takes over No. 2 after a win over Virginia. It wasn’t anything flashy but it also wasn’t The Citadel, either. That leaves one more game against Pittsburgh, who struggled throughout the 2017 season. A win cements a perfect regular season, before taking on Clemson in the conference championship game.

Next: College Football's 25 Best Rivalries

No. 1: Alabama

Alabama looks to have No. 1 all to themselves, unless Miami picks up another marquee win in its groundbreaking season. Deciding No. 1 may come down to the conference championship games, however, with these teams playing one last game. Don’t forget Clemson, either, who isn’t out of this. For now, though, the Crimson Tide are the team to beat in college football.