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SALT LAKE CITY — A majority of the SEC essentially took the week off, but there were still a handful of interesting games this week that shifted the balance in my ballot.
After a relatively lackluster early schedule, Georgia went on the road and took care of business against Tennessee, and Missouri found a way to come out on top over Florida.
The biggest game on my mind, though, was Washington's win on the road against Oregon State, in which the Huskies clinched a spot in the Pac-12 championship game and found another way to stay undefeated.
Here's the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press this week that will be counted toward the official consensus poll released later today before the College Football Playoff rankings are released Tuesday.
1. Georgia
Tennessee struck first, but it was all false hope as Georgia had no trouble putting the Vols away in the penultimate game of the regular season. Georgia's roster isn't like the last two years, but it's still better than anybody in the country. Maybe somebody will beat Georgia soon — maybe Alabama? — but it's not looking likely anytime soon.
2. Ohio State
Ohio State had no trouble against Minnesota this week, but who really cares when next week's game means the season?
3. Washington
For the last couple weeks, I've ranked Oregon higher than Washington because I believe they're the most complete team in the Pac-12 and likely could beat the Huskies in a neutral site setting, but Washington's resume is better and they continue to find ways to win games to keep an unblemished record. It may not always be pretty, but Washington continues to get it done against tough teams — in bad weather no less.
4. Michigan
I dropped Michigan for the sake of Washington, but that's largely due to the resume disparity. Michigan remains one of the best teams in the country, but I still want to see more. Unfortunately, their only big win is against Penn State, which was convincing; but if I'm comparing resumes, Washington has done more.
5. Oregon
Oregon took care of business against Arizona State this week, which isn't anything earth shattering. Biggest news, though, is Bo Nix had six touchdowns in the blowout win — not bad! Doubt the Ducks at your peril.
6. Florida State
I hate putting Florida State here based off what the Seminoles have been able to do this season. But at this point, the teams above them have better resumes and are more complete teams. Plus, the loss of Jordan Travis to a gruesome injury looms over the program.
7. Texas
Texas went on the road and had to battle it out against a tough Iowa State team, which adds to the resume for the Longhorns. Texas remains a championship-contending team, but I don't see the Longhorns in the same tier as the teams above them — at least most of them.
8. Alabama
As I've said before, Alabama is sneaky underrated at No. 8. But they're close enough to remind teams that if they slip Alabama will easily occupy their spot. Alabama is only getting better as the season progresses, too — even if it's not the same type of team Nick Saban has had the last few years. It's also not crazy to see Alabama as a playoff team that could win it all, either.
9. Missouri
What a year for Missouri. They avoided a scare against Florida but have remained a resilient team — even giving Georgia a worthy fight. Missouri may not be a top-tier team, but they're certainly playing like one of the best teams in the country.
10. Louisville
Welcome to the ACC championship game, Louisville. In a close battle against Miami, Louisville did just enough in the fourth quarter to pull away for a win. That loss to Pittsburgh still remains a head scratcher, but that's the only game stopping the Cardinals from being undefeated.
Checking in: Iowa, UNLV, Liberty
Dropping out: Utah, Tennessee, Kansas
In consideration: Toledo, SMU, NC State, Utah, Tennessee, Kansas, West Virginia, Clemson
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
