There wasn’t much movement with the seven highest college football teams in the AP Poll, but a couple of squads that are hoping to have a chance at the College Football Playoffs did a little jostling in Week 11.
Alabama again captured all the first-place votes and stayed atop the poll for the 12th consecutive week. The Crimson Tide shut out No. 16 Mississippi State, 24-0. It was the second consecutive blanking of a top 25 team, having defeated then-No. 4 LSU 29-0.
Clemson is No. 2 for the fourth consecutive time after defeating No. 17 Boston College. Other than a two-point victory in the second week of the season over Texas Tech, the Tigers have rolled, outscoring opponents 457-124.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said he is constantly impressed with his team.
“This group has kind of made history all year,” Swinney said. “Seems like every week they’re doing something that either hasn’t been done or hasn’t been don in a long, long time. It is a real credit to this senior group and this junior group. This is a very focused football team that they believe in their vision. They believe in what they want to go achieve, and they’re willing to put the work in, and it’s just a joy to be around them every day.”
Notre Dame, Michigan Keeps Pace
Notre Dame and Michigan stayed at the third and fourth spot. The Fighting Irish easily covered, downing Florida State, 42-13. Michigan, however, was a 39.5-point pick over Rutgers, but only won, 42-7.
Both teams are trying to keep their spots so they will continue to be eligible for the College Football Playoffs.
“It seems like when this team is pushed, they really play well,” Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said. “So I think that’s what I’ve learned about this football team, is when they play with a sense of urgency, it’s a really, really fine football team.”
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said he believes his team belongs in the CFP.
“Oh, yeah. Good chance? Sure. Good one,” Harbaugh said. “Just keep preparing, keep focusing, keep taking it one game at a time and see how good we can get.”
The Wolverines, who lost to Notre Dame in their season opener, have rattled off nine straight victories, and their last two games they won by a score of 42-7.
Washington State Cuts in Front of Ohio State
Despite both teams winning, and Ohio State playing the tougher opponent, Washington State leaped over the Buckeyes in the poll. The Cougars went from No. 10 to No. 8. OSU actually dropped a spot from No. 8 to No. 9.
WSU was a 5.5-point favorite over Colorado and defeated the Buffaloes, 31-7. OSU faced No. 18 Michigan State, and as a four-point pick, won 26-6.
The Buckeyes did hit a mini-slump when they were embarrassed by Purdue, and barely beat Nebraska, but appear to be back on track. OSU coach Urban Meyer said defeating the Spartans was a big step.
That was a big win,” Meyer said. “We are very satisfied. We are not there yet. We are just trying to hit the nail as hard as we can, and keep going.”