2024 college football rankings: Joel Klatt’s top 10 teams after Week 14 highlight the fierce competition as rivalry week brought thrilling matchups to the forefront.
The weekend was packed with nail-biting finishes, with Michigan’s stunning upset over Ohio State stealing the spotlight. This victory marked a significant moment for Sherrone Moore, especially after a season filled with ups and downs. The coaching staff had expressed confidence in their strategy, believing that if the game was close in the final moments, they would have a solid chance to prevail.
The post-game scuffle at the Michigan-OSU clash was just one of many intense moments that characterized Saturday’s games. For a deeper analysis of “The Game” and the various altercations that erupted across college football, listeners can tune into the latest episode of “The Joel Klatt Show.”
As rivalry week wraps up, the regular season draws to a close. With conference championship weekend on the horizon, eight teams have seemingly clinched their spots in the College Football Playoff. Below are the top 10 teams, featuring those eight that appear secure in their playoff bids.
1. Oregon (Last week: 1)
Record: 12-0
Week 14 result: Defeated Washington, 49-21
Oregon continues to assert itself as the clear frontrunner in the nation. While quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the offense have garnered attention, the defense shone brightly with 10 total sacks against Washington. The Ducks will need to overcome Penn State in the Big Ten title game to secure a first-round bye, but they have been comfortably positioned in the CFP rankings.
2. Texas (Last week: 3)
Record: 11-1
Week 14 result: Defeated Texas A&M, 17-7
The score of Texas’ game against Texas A&M does not reflect their dominance. The Longhorns showcased a powerful defense, with the Aggies only scoring on a fluke pick-six. Texas, when firing on all cylinders, stands as a strong contender for the national championship, rivaling even Oregon and Ohio State.
3. Penn State (Last week: 4)
Record: 11-1
Week 14 result: Defeated Maryland, 44-7
With Ohio State’s defeat, Penn State is now set to compete for the Big Ten title. The Nittany Lions decisively beat Maryland, and their late-game scoring will likely fuel discussions about their playoff prospects. If they continue this momentum, they could potentially secure the No. 1 seed in the CFP.
4. Notre Dame (Last week: 6)
Record: 11-1
Week 14 result: Defeated USC, 49-35
Notre Dame has quietly established itself as a formidable team in recent weeks. Although their passing game could improve, their offense has been prolific, scoring at least 49 points in five of their last seven games. The Irish’s defense, while ranked high in scoring, allowed USC to gain significant yardage, raising questions about their overall defensive consistency.
5. Georgia (Last week: 5)
Record: 10-2
Week 14 result: Defeated Georgia Tech, 44-42 (8 OT)
Georgia’s spot in the CFP seems secure, regardless of the outcome in the SEC title game. However, their performance against Georgia Tech raised concerns about their readiness for the playoffs. The game showcased vulnerabilities that could be exploited by other contenders.
6. Tennessee (Last week: 7)
Record: 10-2
Week 14 result: Defeated Vanderbilt, 36-23
Tennessee’s recent victory over Vanderbilt has positioned them well for the CFP. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s four touchdown passes after an early deficit demonstrate the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
7. Ohio State (Last week: 2)
Record: 10-2
Week 14 result: Lost to Michigan, 13-10
Ohio State’s loss to Michigan has sparked significant discussion. The Buckeyes struggled against Michigan’s defense, which effectively controlled the game. Coach Ryan Day’s record against Michigan has become a focal point, as he faces mounting pressure to adjust his strategies for future matchups.
Despite the setback, Ohio State remains in contention for the national championship. The team must address key issues to enhance their playoff chances, particularly in offensive execution.
8. Indiana (Last week: 9)
Record: 11-1
Week 14 result: Defeated Purdue, 66-0
Indiana’s impressive performance against Purdue solidifies their position in the CFP. The Hoosiers have consistently outperformed expectations this season, showcasing a strong overall record and a dominant point differential.
Concerns about Indiana’s strength of schedule are diminishing, as their performance against ranked opponents strengthens their case for playoff inclusion.
9. SMU (Last week: 10)
Record: 11-1
Week 14 result: Defeated Cal, 38-6
SMU’s position in the rankings is precarious, especially with the upcoming ACC Championship Game against Clemson. Depending on the outcome, they could either solidify their CFP spot or face elimination. Their consistent scoring ability keeps them in the conversation.
10. Alabama (Last week: Unranked)
Record: 9-3
Week 14 result: Defeated Auburn, 28-14
Alabama’s recent victory has placed them back in the playoff discussion. While they are considered a bubble team, the brand’s reputation may help them secure a spot in the CFP, even amidst debates about other contenders like Ole Miss.
