The college football season began a week ago in earnest, meaning the playoff race is in full swing. Let’s take a look at how things went last week and what to expect moving forward.
The “top 25 college football rankings 2021” is a reaction to the AP Top 25 college football poll. The rankings are in order from 1-25 in the poll, with the top 25 being ranked in order of their expected performance in the upcoming season.
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The AP Top 25 college football poll is out, and there’s some movement in the standings following a crazy weekend of games. What’s next for each rated team is as follows:
1st place previously 
Georgia Tech was defeated 45-0 in Week 13 of the season.
Next up: the SEC championship game against Alabama (Saturday, 4 p.m. ET)
WR George Pickens is the X factor. Pickens was one of the top returning wideouts in the NCAA before tearing his ACL in spring practice in March and missing the rest of the season. On Saturday, he made his debut against Georgia Tech, catching one pass for 5 yards. All indications are that he will gradually get more playing time in both the SEC title game and the playoffs, adding to the Bulldogs’ skill pool at just the right moment.
What you should know: This is undoubtedly the season’s most anticipated game. Georgia and Alabama are vying for the SEC championship and, in Alabama’s case, a playoff berth. While the Tide have been failing to win comfortably of late, the Bulldogs seem to have been under-appreciated. Perhaps Georgia is just too excellent to ever get into problems since it is so far ahead of everyone else. Perhaps that will be the case on Saturday, but a game of this size, with so much skill on both sides, should be competitive. Fasten your seatbelts. Paolo Uggetti (Paolo Uggetti)
Previous position: 6 
Week 13 score: 42-27 victory against Ohio State
Next up: the Big Ten championship game against Iowa (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
The X-factor is a running back. Hassan Haskins scored five touchdowns against Ohio State to help the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes. It’s difficult to stop Haskins and Michigan when they’re running the ball effectively.
What you should know: Under Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines have reached the Big Ten championship game for the first time and have accomplished a stunning turnaround season. Michigan won two games in 2020 and only lost one game in the regular season after defeating Ohio State. If Michigan wins the Big Ten, it would play in the College Football Playoff for the first time, which would also be a first for Harbaugh. Tom VanHaaren (Tom VanHaaren)
Previous position: 4
Week 13’s outcome was a 35-13 victory against East Carolina.
Next up: the AAC title game vs Houston (Saturday, 4 p.m. ET)
QB Desmond Ridder is the X factor. The veteran quarterback has completed all of the tasks necessary to put the Bearcats in a position to compete in the College Football Playoff. Ridder has passed for more than 300 yards in two of his last three games, indicating that he has found his stride at the most crucial time of the season.
What you should know: On Saturday, Cincinnati will host Houston in the AAC championship game, giving them a huge home-field advantage. The Bearcats have won 26 consecutive games at Nippert Stadium, and Ridder has never lost there. With a victory, the Bearcats would not only finish their second consecutive perfect regular season, but they would also be in position to become the first Group of 5 school to join the College Football Playoff. Andrea Adelson’s remark
3rd place before. 
Week 13’s outcome was a 24-22 victory against Auburn.
Next up: the SEC championship game against Georgia (Saturday, 4 p.m. ET)
The X factor: A comeback victory at Auburn doesn’t hide major offensive line flaws. How can Alabama stop Georgia, which has perhaps the greatest defense in college football, if it can give up seven sacks to the Tigers?
What you should know: Nick Saban replaced right tackle Damieon George with Chris Owens and center Darrian Dalcourt with Seth McLaughlin in the second half against Auburn, which benefited the team. While Owens’ career at right tackle may be certain, Dalcourt’s future at center may hinge on the health of his ailing ankle, which Saban stated restricted him in the Iron Bowl. Alex Scarborough’s remark
Week before: 7
Week 13 score: 37-33 victory against Oklahoma
What’s next: Baylor vs. Texas A&M in the Big 12 championship game (Saturday, noon ET)
QB Spencer Sanders is the X-factor. Despite two interceptions, Coach Mike Gundy was happy with Sanders’ performance against Oklahoma, stating he followed the game plan. He ended with 93 yards running and a 37-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to stem the Cowboys’ collapse (OU had scored 16 consecutive points to take a 33-24 lead). Gundy will continue to find ways to get Sanders moving against an opportunistic Baylor defense.
What you should know: The Cowboys, who are vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff, have four victories against teams listed in the AP Top 25. Only Georgia and Alabama have a chance to equal it. However, OSU is the only FBS school to have two victories against teams rated in the CFP top 10 this week (including Baylor, whom the Cowboys beat 24-14 on Oct. 2). Dave Wilson is an author.
Previous position: 5
Week 13’s outcome was a 45-14 victory against Stanford.
What comes next: The regular season has ended.
QB is the X factor. Jack Coan finished the regular season with one of his greatest performances, throwing for 345 yards on 26-of-35 passing in a thrashing of Stanford. It was his first 300-yard passing game since the season opener against Fresno State, when he threw for 366 yards.
What you need to know: Can Notre Dame still make the College Football Playoff at 11-1? Consider this scenario: If Georgia thrashes Alabama, Iowa thrashes Michigan, and Baylor thrashes Oklahoma State, the Irish would have a strong case. Kyle Bonagura (Kyle Bonagura)
Previous position: 2
Week 13’s outcome was a 42-27 defeat to Michigan.
What comes next: The regular season has ended.
X factor: C.J. Stroud has had better games than the Michigan game, but he may have aided himself in a tight Heisman Trophy race. He threw for 394 yards and two touchdowns on 69 percent of his throws with no interceptions, keeping a one-dimensional offense in the game for a while.
What you should know: With Ohio State’s first Big Ten defeat under Ryan Day, Michigan has won the Big Ten East Division and will play in the conference championship game. The Buckeyes are expected to drop out of the top four and out of contention for the College Football Playoff. A New Year’s Six bowl might be on the way for Ohio State, but it would seem like a hollow reward for a team that prides itself on Big Ten championships and berths in the College Football Playoff. Adam Rittenberg’s remark
Previous position: 8
Week 13 ended with a 31-21 victory against Mississippi State.
What comes next: The regular season has ended.
WR Dontario Drummond is the X-factor. The senior set a season best with 14 catches and 138 yards, his second-highest total of the season. In a rivalry game, having a great quarterback with a reliable go-to target is a formula for success.
What you should know: If quarterback Matt Corral stays healthy, he’ll play in the Rebels’ New Year’s Six bowl game. Corral stated on Nov. 19 that this would be his last season, and despite being considered one of the most fascinating quarterback prospects in the draft, he has no plans to skip one more game. Harry Lyles Jr., Harry Lyles Jr., Harry Lyles Jr., Harry
Week before last: 9
Week 13’s outcome was a 27-24 victory against Texas Tech.
The Big 12 championship game vs. Oklahoma State is up next (Saturday, noon ET)
Abram Smith and Trestan Ebner, the RB combination, are the X factor. Thanks to a heavy serving of these two, the Bears avoided an upset threat from Texas Tech with their backup quarterback. They combined for 295 yards and two scores on 48 runs and catches.
What you should know: The Bears are headed to the Big 12 championship for the second time in three years, thanks to their victory against Tech and Oklahoma State’s win over Oklahoma. They’ve gone 11-3, 2-7, and 10-2 in that time. Nothing out of the ordinary. Bill Connelly’s quote
Previous position: 11
Week 13 score: 38-28 victory against Oregon State
Next up: the Pac-12 championship game against Utah (Friday, 8 p.m. ET)
Anthony Brown is the X-factor. It’s no longer a surprise or a mystery that Oregon can win without Brown playing well, but when he does, the Ducks can be amazing. In his last game at Autzen Stadium, the senior quarterback passed for 275 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 83 yards and a third score while completing 23 of his 28 passes.
What you should know: Oregon is one victory away from making its second appearance in the Rose Bowl in three years. Of course, Utah, who beat the Ducks 38-7 last week, will be standing in its way in Las Vegas next week. But, based on what the Ducks said Saturday night, they’re looking forward to taking another shot at a club they feel they can defeat. They may not be contending for a postseason spot any more, but a conference championship with a side of retribution would suffice. Paolo Uggetti (Paolo Uggetti)
Previous position: 12
Week 13’s outcome was a 30-27 victory against Penn State.
What comes next: The regular season has ended.
Jayden Reed is the X-factor. Given that he watched the finish of the Ohio State game with a boot on his foot, his fourth-down grab in the corner of the end zone on fourth-and-15 was especially spectacular. Against PSU, he had six receptions for 89 yards and the game-winning onside kick.
What you should know: Michigan State has a chance to play in a New Year’s Six bowl game for the first time since 2017. Heather Dinich is a writer.
Previous position: 13
Week 13 score: 35-31 victory against USC
What comes next: The regular season has ended.
RB is the X-factor. Tyler Allgeier is a writer. The former walk-on is still one of college football’s top running backs. Over the last five games, he has ran for 739 yards.
What you should know: While the Cougars are still expected to play in the Independence Bowl, the upheaval this week demonstrated how fast things can change. If enough outcomes go BYU’s way next week, and the committee steps in to aid, the Cougars might find themselves in an at-large New Year’s Six bowl. Kyle Bonagura (Kyle Bonagura)
Previous position: 10
Week 13’s outcome was a 37-33 defeat to Oklahoma State.
What comes next: The regular season has ended.
Motivation is the X factor. Oklahoma’s season has been a grind, as the Sooners have struggled offensively, dealt with a quarterback crisis, and dealt with conjecture surrounding Lincoln Riley and the LSU position. The Sooners will most likely play in the Alamo Bowl after winning the Big 12 for the sixth time in a row. Will the Sooners put their hearts and souls into it?
What you should know: If Oklahoma State or Baylor wins the Big 12 championship on Saturday, the Sooners’ tenure as conference champion would come to an end after 2,199 days. Dave Wilson is an author.
Week before last: 16
Week 13’s outcome was a 28-13 victory against Colorado.
Next up: the Pac-12 championship game against Oregon (Friday, 8 p.m. ET)
QB is the X factor. Cameron is on the rise. Since Rising was introduced in the defeat to San Diego State on Sept. 19, just before Pac-12 play started, the Utes have been an entirely different team. As a consequence, the Utes have an 8-1 conference record, which is tied for the best in the league since the Utes came in 2011.
What you should know: Oregon’s victory against Oregon State sets up a rematch with Utah, who defeated the Ducks lopsidedly in the Pac-12 championship game a week ago in Salt Lake City. If the Utes win, they will play in their first-ever Rose Bowl, while a defeat would send them to the Alamo Bowl. Kyle Bonagura (Kyle Bonagura)
Previous position: 17
Week 13’s outcome was a 28-21 victory against Nebraska.
Next up: the Big Ten championship game against Michigan (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
X factor: Iowa’s special teams coordinator, LeVar Woods, has had a fantastic year, enhancing the crucial third phase for a club that lacks explosiveness on offense and needs to win in a variety of ways. Iowa’s special teams kicked four field goals, and a blocked punt by Joe Evans resulted in a score early in the fourth quarter, igniting the comeback. Tory Taylor, a standout punter, only got two opportunities on Saturday but averaged 44 yards each kick. Woods has shown to be one of the greatest special teams coordinators in the country this season.
What you need to know: Iowa will play in the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2016, courtesy to a win over a rival (Minnesota) on Saturday. The Hawkeyes are attempting to win their first Big Ten Championship since 2004 and their first outright championship since 1985. They’ll play Michigan, which is playing in its first Big Ten championship game. The last three games between the two teams have been decided by seven points or less. Adam Rittenberg’s remark
Week before last: 19
UConn was defeated 45-17 in Week 13 of the season.
Next up: the AAC title game vs Cincinnati (Saturday, 4 p.m. ET)
Doug Belk, the defensive coordinator, is the X factor. The Cougars have improved from allowing 32.0 points per game and 5.8 yards per play in 2020 to 19.8 and 4.7 yards per play this season, making them one of the most aggressive teams in the nation. Belk was selected a semifinalist for the Broyles Award last week, and with good cause.
What you should know: UH has won 11 consecutive games since falling to Texas Tech in Week 1, and if Dana Holgorsen’s ultra-aggressive Cougars beat Cincinnati in next week’s AAC championship, they’ll likely win their first New Year’s Six bowl invite since 2015. For a squad that has only won seven games in the previous two seasons, this is rather impressive. Bill Connelly’s quote
Week before last: 20
Week 13’s outcome was a 31-14 victory against Syracuse.
Next up: the ACC championship game against Wake Forest (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
QB Kenny Pickett is the X-factor. Pitt is only as good as Pickett, and against Syracuse, he was the player they needed him to be. The Heisman Trophy candidate threw for 209 yards, four touchdowns, and just one interception.
What you should know: The Panthers will compete in the ACC championship versus Wake Forest, with the victor earning a berth in the New Year’s Six bowl. Pitt has never won the conference championship since joining the league in 2013. Harry Lyles Jr., Harry Lyles Jr., Harry Lyles Jr., Harry
Week before last: 21
The outcome of Week 13 was a 41-10 victory against Boston College.
Next up: the ACC championship game against Pitt (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
QB Sam Hartman is the X factor. Wake Forest’s offense has been terrific this season, and it all begins with Hartman, who has 44 total touchdowns to his credit. For the first time in school history, Wake Forest has scored more than 500 points this season. In the ACC, only Clemson and Florida State have reached that milestone.
What you should know: This is Wake Forest’s second ACC championship game, and the first since 2006. The Demon Deacons won their first ACC championship since 1970 that season, defeating Georgia Tech in the final game. Andrea Adelson’s remark
Week before last: 22
Week 13 ended with a 27-16 victory against Boise State.
The Mountain West championship game vs. Utah State is up next (Saturday, 3 p.m. ET)
QB is the X factor. With San Diego State down 13 points against Boise State, Jordon Brookshire came off the bench to lead the Aztecs to a 27-16 victory. In his first outing since Oct. 15, he completed 11 of 15 throws for 192 yards.
What you should know: San Diego State’s victory against Boise State secured a berth in the Mountain West championship game. On Dec. 4, the Aztecs will play Utah State, and a victory will give SDSU its first 12-win season in school history. Kyle Bonagura (Kyle Bonagura)
Week before last: 23
Week 13’s outcome was a 21-16 victory against UL Monroe.
What’s next: Appalachian State vs. Sun Belt title (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET)
Levi Lewis, the X-factor quarterback. He didn’t pass for three touchdowns like he had in three of his previous four games, but he did have a 20-yard touchdown and the Ragin’ Cajuns won their 11th game in a row.
What you should know: Since losing to Texas in the season opener, Louisiana has gone unblemished. The Ragin’ Cajuns swept the Sun Belt and will play Appalachian State in the league title game, a team they thrashed 41-13 in mid-October. They’ve won 32 of their last 37 games in the last three seasons. Matt Eisenberg’s quote
Week before last: 24
Week 13’s outcome was a 34-30 victory against North Carolina.
What comes next: The regular season has ended.
QB is the X factor. Devin Leary is a fictional character. Because the ACC has excelled at quarterback play this season, it’s easy to overlook Leary’s contributions to the Wolfpack. Leary not only threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Emeka Emezie to upset rival UNC on Friday night, but he also set a new single-season touchdown record with 35. Leary has passed for 3,433 yards and nine touchdowns this season, leading the Wolfpack to a 9-0 record.
What you should know: For the first time since 2002, and just the second time in school history, NC State has a chance to reach double digit victories. NC State has won nine games three times in the last five seasons under Dave Doeren. Andrea Adelson’s remark
Unranked the week before
The outcome of Week 13 was a 30-0 victory against South Carolina.
What comes next: The regular season has ended.
RB Will Shipley is the X-factor. The freshman had 19 carries for 128 yards and a score in the contest. His 128 yards matched a career best established against Florida State on Oct. 30.
What you should know: For the first time since 2014, the Tigers will not be playing in the ACC championship game. After a shocking 4-3 start, Dabo Swinney’s Tigers have won their past five games and, at the very least, seem to be closer to what was anticipated of them heading into the season. Harry Lyles Jr., Harry Lyles Jr., Harry Lyles Jr., Harry
Week before last: 25
Week 13’s outcome was a 34-17 victory against Missouri.
What comes next: The regular season has ended.
KJ Jefferson, the X-factor quarterback. Jefferson has completed 74 percent of his throws with 10 touchdowns, no interceptions, and an incredible 184.8 passer rating in Arkansas’ last five games (four victories and a near-upset of Alabama).
What you should know: After winning only seven games in three years, Sam Pittman’s Arkansas Razorbacks took on one of the toughest schedules in the NCAA and ended 8-4 in his second season as head coach. For the first time in a decade, they would have nine victories if they won the Super Bowl. Bill Connelly’s quote
Week before last: 14
Week 13’s outcome was a 27-24 defeat to LSU.
What comes next: The regular season has ended.
DL is the X-factor. Clemons, Micheal The defensive tackle had 3.5 sacks before Saturday’s game against LSU and ended with four sacks. Clemons was either providing pressure or enabling his teammates to get to LSU quarterback Max Johnson when he didn’t get to him.
What you should know: Texas A&M concludes the season with two losses in the SEC (Ole Miss on Nov. 13). On Dec. 5, the Aggies will learn their bowl destiny. Harry Lyles Jr., Harry Lyles Jr., Harry Lyles Jr., Harry
Unranked the week before
Week 13 score: 52-23 victory against Louisville.
What comes next: The regular season has ended.
The X-factor: Sure, Chris Rodriguez Jr. got his fourth consecutive 100-yard game, but quarterback Will Levis also has some speed. The junior from Madison, Connecticut, rushed for 113 yards and four touchdowns a week after passing for 419 yards and four touchdowns against New Mexico State.
What you should know: Kentucky won six consecutive games to open the season, then dropped three in a row before winning three straight games to close the season. Mark Stoops would have his second 10-win season in four years if he wins the bowl game. Matt Eisenberg’s quote
UTSA (15) and Wisconsin (15) have dropped out (18)
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The “ap top 25 college basketball” is a reaction to the AP Top 25 college football poll. The article discusses how the rankings are not only flawed, but also doesn’t take into account many other factors.
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