Projected CFP rankings for Week 12: Georgia keeps rolling, Cincinnati knocking still

The College Football Playoff rankings will be followed and examined thoroughly for the remainder of the season. Here is how the Week 12 rankings should look.

The second College Football Playoff rankings was released earlier this week, and of course, it included some controversy. The most talked-about decision by the committee had to be Michigan being ranked ahead of Michigan State, despite the Spartans defeating the Wolverines a matter of weeks ago. As is the case every year, the CFP picture becomes much clearer as the season reaches its conclusion.

This weekend, there was one monumental loss in the form of Oklahoma falling to Baylor 27-14. But other than that, the teams expected to win, won. So how will the next Playoff rankings list look, specifically the Top Four and the First Two out? We take a crack at it.

Projected College Football Playoff  rankings

1. Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs are not giving up the top spot just yet. Even after a strong start by the Tennessee Volunteers, Georgia pulled away for the 41-17 victory. The Bulldogs just have two more games remaining this season, against Charleston Southern and Georgia Tech.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

Despite being held to just 20 points, Alabama defeated the LSU Tigers last week. It was a tough game last week, but they had a rather easy day at work on Saturdday, as they pummeled New Mexico State and emerged with the 59-3 victory. Their remaining two games on the season are versus Arkansas and Auburn. If they win, they will face Georgia in the SEC championship game.

3. Oregon Ducks

Oregon will make it into the Playoff if they are to win out this season. But, that all hinges on Saturday night when they take on Washington State. If they are able to defeat the Cougars, they will retain the third spot in the Playoff rankings next week.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State was not falling for it. They took on the Purdue “Spoilermakers” on Saturday afternoon, the very team who defeated Iowa and Michigan State this season. The Buckeyes defeated Purdue 59-31 and thus will retain the fourth seed in the rankings. Next week, however, Ohio State faces a true test against Michigan State.

Two teams that just miss the cut

5. Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati is still undefeated, as they earned the 45-28 win over the South Florida Bulls on Friday night. Still, the Bearcats need one of the top teams not named Georgia to lose in order to sneak into the Playoff.

6. Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines found a way to have a better ranking than the Michigan State Spartans, despite losing to them this season. But, the committee said they believe that Michigan is the better overall team. Considering they beat No. 23 Penn State, they will keep the No. 6 spot.

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