25. Fresno State Bulldogs (9-4) ▲NR
Last Week: Defeated Boise State, 28-16
Up Next: vs. Washington State
Through five weeks of the 2022 season, the Fresno State Bulldogs appeared to be in for a losing year. A year after knocking off two ranked opponents (UCLA and San Diego State) — and losing to a ranked Oregon team by one touchdown — en route to a 10-win season, the Bulldogs began the year 1-4. The Bulldogs lost to Oregon State by a field goal, and then lost star quarterback Jake Haener in their following a game — a loss to USC. However, Fresno closed the year on a eight-game winning streak. The Bulldogs knocked off Boise State to win the Mountain West Championship, and will now take on Washington State in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl.
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24. UCF Knights (9-4) ▼22
Last Week: Lost to Tulane, 45-28
Up Next: vs. Duke
In college football, it is often difficult to beat an opponent twice. A few weeks ago, UCF traveled to New Orleans and handed Tulane its lone loss in conference play. The two teams once again matched up in the American Athletic Championship game, but the Knights couldn’t beat the Green Wave this time around. With the game being played at Tulane yet again, UCF got off to a sluggish start and found itself in an early 10-0 hole. The Knights trailed by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter before cutting Tulane’s lead to three, but the Green Wave eventually ran away with the win. UCF will look to end its season on a high note when it takes on Duke.
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23. UTSA Road Runners (11-2) ▲25
Last Week: Defeated North Texas, 48-27
Up Next: vs. Troy
For the second year in a row, the UTSA Roadrunners are the Conference USA champions. In 2021, the Roadrunners finished the season 12-2. As an encore, UTSA went undefeated in conference play (8-0) to set up a showdown against North Texas — the team who ended UTSA’s hopes of a perfect season in ’21. This time around, the Roadrunners throttled the Mean Green. UTSA scored 17-straight points to end the first half and never looked back.
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22. Mississippi State Bulldogs (8-4) ▲23
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. Illinois
The Bulldogs returned to the Top-25 following a win over the rival Ole Miss Rebels. Mississippi State began the season 5-1 and climbed to No. 16 in the AP Poll. Mike Leach’s group proceeded to lose three-of-four to tumble out of the Top-25 — but closed the regular season with two wins. In its win over Ole Miss, Mississippi State overcame a nine-point deficit and fended off a late rally to secure the win. The Rebels capped off a 99-yard drive with a touchdown in the game’s final moments, but the Bulldogs stopped the ensuing two-point attempt to win. Now, Leach’s crew will look to end the season with a win over Illinois.
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21. Texas Longhorns (8-4) ⭤ 21
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. Washington
Kansas State’s victory over Kansas meant the Longhorns couldn’t participate in the Big 12 Championship Game, but they still put forth a strong performance against Baylor. The two teams were evenly matched for much of the game — as there were five lead changes overall. Baylor took a brief lead in the fourth quarter, but Texas scored the game’s final 14 points to earn its eighth win. Star running back Bijan Robinson rushed for 179 yards and two scores in what may have been his final game as a Longhorn. It remains to be seen if Robinson will suit up against Washington in the Alamo Bowl.
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20. LSU Tigers (9-4) ▼17
Last Week: Lost to Georgia, 50-30
Up Next: vs. Purdue
Nobody should be surprised that LSU didn’t defeat Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. One week removed from an embarrassing loss to Texas A&M, the Tigers were played off the field by the defending champions. LSU played Georgia tight for most of the first quarter (7-7 with 2:21 remaining), but it trailed 35-10 by halftime. The Tigers are more talented than Purdue, but it remains to be seen whether they will be motivated to give it their all following two disappointing losses to end the regular season.
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19. South Carolina Gamecocks (8-4) ⭤ 19
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. Notre Dame
While Clemson’s offense struggled, South Carolina’s flourished. Spencer Rattler threw two interceptions, but he also threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns. The Gamecocks overcame an early 14-0 deficit and outscored Clemson 17-7 in the second half. Defensively, the Gamecocks forced three turnovers — including a fumble recovery with two minutes remaining in the game which sealed the win for Carolina. Now, Rattler and Co. will take on Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl.
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18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-4) ⭤ 18
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. South Carolina
The Irish were brought back down to Earth by the USC Trojans. Following a miserable start to the season, Notre Dame climbed back into the Top-25 thanks to a five-game winning streak which included a dominant win over Clemson. In their last game, the Irish were never a threat to Southern Cal. Notre Dame found itself down 24-7 early in the third quarter, and couldn’t cut into SC’s double digit lead the rest of the way. Can the Irish end the year with a victory in the Gator Bowl?
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17. Clemson Tigers (11-2) ▲20
Last Week: Defeated North Carolina, 39-10
Up Next: vs. Tennessee
Clemson may have won the ACC Championship Game, but it was certainly upset at the end of the night. Why? If the Tigers hadn’t lost to South Carolina the week before, they would likely be the No. 4 seed in the College Football Playoff instead of Ohio State. In the win over North Carolina, highly-touted QB Cade Klubnik replaced DJ Uiagalelei and he excelled. Klubnik finished the game 20-of-24 and accounted for over 300 yards and two scores. With Klubnik taking over as QB1, Clemson’s matchup against Tennessee is far more interesting.
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16. Tulane Green Wave (11-2) ⭤ 16
Last Week: Defeated UCF, 45-28
Up Next: vs. USC
For the first time in 24 years, the Tulane Green Wave have 10 wins. Tulane’s win over Cincinnati in its regular season finale was massive for a few reasons. In addition to the win clinching a spot in the AAC Championship game, Tulane snapped a 61-game losing streak against AP-ranked opponents, put an end to Cincinnati’s 32-game home winning streak, and gave the program its first conference title since 1998. In the AAC Championship, Tulane avenged its loss to UCF by trouncing the Knights 45-28. Can the Green Wave shock the world and defeat USC in the Cotton Bowl?
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15. Florida State Seminoles (9-3) ⭤ 15
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. Oklahoma
The Seminoles ended their regular season on a high note. As we’ve discussed previously, Florida State dropped three games in a row in the middle of the season to then-ranked opponents — Wake Forest, NC State, Clemson. Since the loss to Clemson, the Seminoles have won five-straight games. Last week, the Noles used a dominant third quarter to briefly pull away from the Florida Gators. FSU outscored Florida 17-0 in the third and took a 38-24 lead into the fourth. After surrendering back-to-back touchdowns which tied the game, FSU went ahead for good via a Trey Benson touchdown run with 4:06 remaining.
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14. Kansas State Wildcats (10-3) ⭤ 14
Last Week: Defeated TCU, 31-28
Up Next: vs. Alabama
Kansas State should have defeated TCU in the regular season, but it will surely settle for last weekend’s victory in the Big 12 Championship Game. For a few minutes, it appeared as if the Wildcats were destined for another crushing loss to the Horned Frogs. K-State led for much of the game once again — and a Deuce Vaughn touchdown run in the fourth quarter extended its lead to 11 points with 11:27 remaining. Much to its dismay, K-State’s lead evaporated in the final minutes as TCU tied the game at 28 to force overtime. This time, however, the Wildcats wouldn’t die. Following a massive goal line stand, the Wildcats won the Big 12 via a 31-yard field goal from Ty Zentner. The Wildcats should be plenty motivated to take down Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
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13. UCLA Bruins (9-3) ⭤ 13
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. Pittsburgh
Following their heartbreaking loss to USC, the UCLA Bruins appeared to have little interest in playing the California Golden Bears. UCLA found itself in a 21-10 hole following a Cal touchdown with 58 seconds to play in the first half. However, two touchdown runs from quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson — to close the first half and open the scoring in the third quarter, respectively — put the Bruins ahead. Ultimately, a touchdown from star running back Zach Charbonnet resulted in UCLA winning its ninth game. The Bruins will go for win No. 10 against Pittsburgh in the Sun Bowl.
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12. Oregon Ducks (9-3) ⭤ 12
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. North Carolina
Perhaps the most shocking result of the final week of the regular season was Oregon’s loss to the rival Oregon State Beavers. Losing to Oregon State wasn’t a shock in of itself, but the way in which the Ducks collapsed was truly staggering. Oregon scored 17-straight points to begin the third quarter and built a 31-10 lead. A successful field goal to begin the fourth extended Oregon’s lead to 34-17. Then, the Ducks fell apart. Oregon surrendered 21 points in a little over five minutes of play en route to the loss. Despite the disappointing end to the year, Oregon should take care of business against North Carolina.
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11. Oregon State Beavers (9-3) ⭤ 11
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. Florida
Wow. Oregon’s epic collapse helped pave the way for the Beavers’ ninth win of the season. Despite losing the turnover battle 3-0 and quarterback Ben Gulbranson throwing for 60 yards, the Beavers knocked off their bitter rival. As we just mentioned, the Beavs trailed 34-17 in the fourth quarter. To steal the win, the Beavs scored an offensive touchdown, capitalized on a botched punt — Oregon’s punter dropped the snap and was tackled at the two-yard line — to score a second TD 71 seconds later, turned Oregon over on downs at its own 28, scored the go-ahead TD four plays later, and stopped Oregon on 4th & Goal from the three-yard line with 2:58 on the clock. The Beavs are a 10.5-point favorite over Florida.
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10. Tennessee Volunteers (10-2) ▼9
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. Clemson
A week after losing its star quarterback and a shot at the College Football Playoff, Tennessee took out its anger on Vanderbilt. The Volunteers manhandled Vandy for 60 minutes to win their tenth game. On the ground, the Vols rushed for 362 yards and six touchdowns — led by Jaylen Wright (160 yards and two TDs on five carries), Dylan Sampson (12 carries for 131 yards, one TD) and Jabari Small (11/79/2 TD). The Vols will take on Clemson in the Orange Bowl.
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9. Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2) ▼8
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. Utah
Penn State’s season ended with another double-digit victory. As we’ve discussed many times before, the Nittany Lions have handled all of their opponents not named Michigan or Ohio State. Penn State’s last nine victories have come by 10 points or more. Against Michigan State, Sean Clifford completed 19-of-24 passes for 202 yards and four scores. Defensively, PSU limited Sparty to 254 total yards and forced three turnovers. The Nittany Lions will represent the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl.
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8. Washington Huskies (10-2) ▼7
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. Texas
Washington’s potent offense wasn’t going to finish the regular season with a whimper. The Huskies won their sixth-straight game thanks to a dominant showing by the offense. En route to scoring 50+ points for the second game in a row, the Huskies generated 30 first downs and 703 total yards. Yes, 703 yards. Michael Penix Jr. threw for 485 yards and three touchdowns, and Wayne Taulapapa led the way on the ground with 126 yards and one score. Both Rome Odunze (157 yards) and Jalen McMillan (150 yards) were on the receiving end of a Penix touchdown pass. Utah’s victory over USC in the Pac-12 Championship cost Washington a Rose Bowl appearance, but it will likely be hyped to play Texas.
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7. USC Trojans (11-2) ▼4
Last Week: Lost to Utah, 47-24
Up Next: vs. Tulane
The Trojans had a golden opportunity on Friday night. With a win over Utah, Southern Cal would accomplish a few things: Win the Pac-12, avenge its loss to Utah, and reach the College Football Playoff. For much of the first half, the Trojans appeared to be on their way to making good on all three goals. USC led 17-3 with under five minutes to play in the first half…but allowed Utah to score 14 points in less than four minutes to tie the game. USC failed to score in the third quarter, and was outscored 23-7 in the fourth en route to a blowout loss. No Pac-12 Championship, no CFP. At least Caleb Williams is a Heisman finalist…
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6. Utah Utes (10-3) ▲10
Last Week: Defeated USC, 47-24
Up Next: vs. Penn State
We’ve been high on Utah all season. Despite losing three games, the Utes looked like one of the nation’s best teams for much of the year. Two of its three losses came by three points (@ Florida, @ Oregon), with the other loss occurring on the road against a ranked UCLA team. In the Pac-12 Championship, Utah pulverized USC over the final 35 minutes of action. Cam Rising threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, Ja’Quinden Jackson and Micah Bernard combined to rush for 193 yards and three TDs, and the Utes’ defense limited a potent SC attack to 10 points over the final three quarters. The Utes will take on Penn State in the Rose Bowl — their second trip to Pasadena in a row.
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5. Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2) ▼2
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. Kansas State
As much as the committee would love for Alabama to be in the College Football Playoff, it couldn’t justify including the Tide in this year’s tournament. In its last game of the regular season, Alabama improved to 10-2 with a 49-27 win over a bad Auburn team. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young threw three touchdowns and rushed for a score en route to a 35-14 lead entering halftime. The Tide cruised in the second half, and now will prep for a Sugar Bowl showdown with the Big 12 champion Kansas State Wildcats.
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4. Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) ▲5
Last Week: No Game
Up Next: vs. Georgia
For the second year in a row, the Ohio State Buckeyes were manhandled by the Michigan Wolverines. This time, the Buckeyes were embarrassed on their home field. After taking a 20-17 lead into halftime, the Buckeyes were dismantled over the final 30 minutes. In the second half, star quarterback C.J. Stroud threw two interceptions and the Buckeyes were forced to punt three times. Ranked No. 5 in the CFP entering last weekend, the Buckeyes needed help to get into the CFP — and they did, as No. 4 USC lost to Utah.
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3. TCU Horned Frogs (12-1) ⭤ 3
Last Week: Lost to Kansas State, 31-28
Up Next: vs. Michigan
The TCU Horned Frogs deserved to be in the College Football Playoff regardless of the outcome of the Big 12 Championship Game. En route to finishing the regular season 12-0, TCU defeated five ranked opponents — including Kansas State and Texas. TCU nearly completed another comeback against K-State in the Big 12 Championship, as it overcame an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime. The Frogs ultimately came up short in OT, but they remained No. 3 in the CFP rankings and will take on Michigan for a chance to play for the National Championship.
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2. Michigan Wolverines (13-0) ⭤ 2
Last Week: Defeated Purdue, 43-22
Up Next: vs. TCU
The Michigan Wolverines are the Big Ten champions. All but two of Michigan’s 13 wins in 2022 came by double digits. A week after smashing Ohio State (45-23) to reach the Big Ten Championship Game, the Wolverines took care of business against Purdue. After a so-so first half — Michigan led 14-13 at the break — Big Blue outscored the Boilermakers 29-9 in the second half. Let’s see if the Wolverines can knock off TCU to set up a showdown against either Georgia (a rematch of last year’s CFP Semifinal) or Ohio State.
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1. Georgia Bulldogs (13-0) ⭤ 1
Last Week: Defeated LSU, 50-30
Up Next: vs. Ohio State
Georgia was never going to struggle against an inferior LSU team. The Bulldogs took a 35-10 lead into halftime, and had 50 points on the board two minutes into the fourth quarter. Georgia is two victories away from winning its second National Championship in a row.
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