The regular season is winding down in college football, and the contenders are starting to separate themselves as postseason play looms.
Texas Tech and BYU made statements with blowout wins over Central Florida and TCU, respectively, while Texas A&M showed vulnerability in its comeback win over South Carolina.
No. 1 Ohio State continued to roll, but the status of Jeremiah Smith could impact the final weeks of the regular season, as the nation’s best receiver was clearly hobbled against UCLA.
There’s also a new Group of Five team in the Associated Press Top 25 — one familiar to DFW fans.
Here’s how the Star-Telegram’s Steven Johnson voted on his latest AP Top 25 ballot:
Steven Johnson’s AP Top 25 ballot
1. Ohio State (10-0): Despite getting limited production from Smith and wide receiver Carnell Tate not playing, the Buckeyes hammered UCLA to remain undefeated. Last week: 1
2. Indiana (11-0): The Hoosiers shut out Wisconsin 21-0 in the second half to pull away and inch closer to a showdown with the Buckeyes in the Big Ten title game. Last week: 2
3. Georgia (9-1): The Bulldogs are playing their best football at the right time with a blowout win over Texas in Athens. Last week: 5
4. Texas A&M (10-0): The Aggies showed grit by staging a 27-point comeback in the second half against a bad South Carolina team, but A&M falls a spot as a result. Last week: 3
5. Texas Tech (10-1): The Red Raiders rolled to another blowout win in the Big 12, this time against Central Florida. Texas Tech isn’t just capable of making the playoff; it can win multiple playoff games. Last week: 6
6. Ole Miss (10-1): The Rebels needed a stop in the final two minutes to avoid a second straight upset to Florida. One more win and Ole Miss will clinch a playoff spot. Last week: 7
7. Oklahoma (8-2): The Sooners picked up a signature win on the road, defeating Alabama 23-21, their second straight win over the Crimson Tide. Last week: 12
8. BYU (9-1): The Cougars bounced back in a big way from their lopsided defeat to Texas Tech with a 44-13 beatdown of TCU on Saturday night in Provo. Last week: 9
9. Notre Dame (8-2): The Fighting Irish picked up a quality 37-15 on the road at previously ranked Pittsburgh. Last week: 8
10. Alabama (8-2): The Crimson Tide’s SEC title and College Football Playoff hopes took a hit after losing to Oklahoma. Alabama will have to hope it’s not jumped by other teams in the coming weeks. Last week: 4
11. Oregon (9-1): The Ducks handled Minnesota on Friday night, setting up a massive showdown with USC that has CFP implications. Last week: 11
12. Utah (8-2): The Utes ran for 380 yards in a 55-28 win at Baylor to remain in the CFP race. Last week: 14
13. Miami (8-2): The Hurricanes’ playoff chances were slightly revived after the results of Week 12, and Miami dismantled N.C. State 41-7. Last week: 13
14. USC (8-2): The Trojans showed toughness in a resilient comeback against Iowa. The winner of USC-Oregon will likely earn a playoff spot. Last week: 15
15. Texas (7-3): The Longhorns lost their third straight game against Georgia, and questions continue to grow about coach Steve Sarkisian’s ability to consistently win big games. Last week: 10
16. Vanderbilt (8-2): The Commodores had a bye week. Last week: 16
17. Michigan (8-2): It wasn’t pretty, but the Wolverines kicked a last-second field goal to survive 24-22 against Northwestern. Last week: 17
18. Georgia Tech (9-1): The Yellow Jackets keep finding a way to win, this time barely escaping Boston College 36-34. Georgia Tech will need to win the ACC to make the CFP. Last week: 18
19. Virginia (9-2): Quarterback Chandler Morris returned to action and led the Cavaliers to a much-needed win over Duke. Last week: 20
20. Houston (8-2): The Cougars had a bye week. Last week: 22
21. James Madison (9-1): The Dukes rolled to a 58-10 win over Appalachian State to remain in prime position to represent the Group of Five in the CFP. Last week: 24
22. Arizona State (7-3): The Sun Devils continue to find ways to win even without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, defeating West Virginia 25-23. Last week: 25
23. Tennessee (7-3): The Vols return to the ballot after a blowout win over New Mexico State. Last week: NR
24. North Texas (9-1): The Mean Green continued their historic season with a rout at UAB. North Texas could win double-digit games for the first time in program history. Last week: NR
25. Arizona (7-3): The Wildcats took CIncinnati’s spot on the ballot after the Wildcats upset the Bearcats 30-24 on the road. Last week: NR
Moved out: Cincinnati (19), Louisville (21), Pittsburgh (23)
Moved up: Tennessee, North Texas, Arizona
Explaining the decisions
Cincinnati and Louisville are trending in the wrong direction with two straight losses for both programs. The Cardinals may have an argument to remain ranked with wins over Miami and James Madison, but the way Louisville has found ways to lose games is too concerning to overlook.
Pittsburgh doesn’t have a quality win to justify remaining on the ballot.
Arizona has won three straight games, and two of its losses were one-score games with BYU and Houston. North Texas has been dominant this season outside of its lone loss to South Florida, and Tennessee edged out Missouri to land on the ballot.
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