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SALT LAKE CITY — Rivalry week lived up to the hype.
Michigan and Ohio State came down to the wire, Florida State had to overcome an early deficit to rival Florida, and Georgia had a closer-than-expected game against an average Georgia Tech team.
That's not even counting Washington needing some luck to get past rival Washington State, or Alabama needing a miracle to get past an Auburn team that just lost to New Mexico State the week prior.
In short, it was a perfect college football weekend.
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
Georgia held a 31-13 lead going into the fourth quarter against rival Georgia Tech and was well on its way to another victory, but Georgia Tech scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to make the Bulldogs sweat a bit. Could it spell vulnerability? Sure, but I don't see it as a sign to worry. But a championship game against Alabama is a real threat — maybe.
2. Washington
Washington became the first team in the Pac-12 era to go undefeated ... in the de facto last week of the conference no less. The Huskies have good wins, continue to find some luck, and have an unblemished record going into the Pac-12 championship game. Though I have Washington at No. 2 this week (mostly based on resume), I maintain my belief that Oregon is the most complete team in the Pac-12.
3. Michigan
Without Jim Harbaugh roaming the sidelines in arguably the biggest game of the season, Michigan had no trouble against rival Ohio State. The game plan was perfectly tailored to beat the Buckeyes. It's familiar territory for Michigan lately — who doesn't love a three-peat? — but will it mean anything in the postseason?
4. Florida State
Without quarterback Jordan Travis under center, Florida State found itself in an early hole against a Florida rival needing a win to claim bowl eligibility. It wasn't perfect by any means, but the Seminoles came away with a win in the end — talk about fortitude with an undefeated season on the line. There's teams probably more deserving of No. 4, but going undefeated is nothing to knock.
5. Oregon
As mentioned above, I believe Oregon is one of the most complete teams in the Pac-12, but it may be in the country, too. The Ducks have the roster, talent, and momentum to compete for a national championship. There's not a lot of teams that can match what Oregon has done since its loss to Washington earlier in the season. We'll see if that means anything this week in Las Vegas.
6. Ohio State
Ryan Day officially has a Michigan problem, but it may be more of a Ryan Day problem given that he's lacked the aggressiveness needed to combat a Michigan team that will push the limits to get a victory — and I'm not talking about sign stealing. Ohio State had chances against Michigan, but often played it safe in the end. Yeah, the game-sealing interception hurt, but Ohio State lost the game well before then.
7. Alabama
Phew, Alabama. Rivalry games are always wild, but Alabama had seemingly put away the inconsistent play from earlier in the season until Saturday. I have a feeling "fourth-and-31" will be one of those iconic moments in Iron Bowl history. Alabama has a great resume and is a sneaky contender to be back in the College Football Playoff.
8. Texas
Texas wanted nothing to do with a close game Friday. The Longhorns scored double digits in the first three quarters, and then held Texas Tech scoreless in the final three quarters. Not bad at all.
9. Missouri
In another quiet Friday game, Missouri took care of business against Arkansas to claim the program's 10th win for the first time since the 2014 season. It's difficult to ignore what Missouri has done this season.
10. Penn State
Rounding out the "boring" games on Friday, Penn State dominated a Michigan State team in need of some serious help. Fortunately, the Spartans get Jonathan Smith as the new head coach, but he wasn't there for this one. Penn State is still good.
Checking in: NC State, Tennessee, Toledo
Dropping out: Kansas State, UNLV, North Carolina
In consideration: Kansas State, Utah, Clemson, SMU, Kansas, Kentucky, Wyoming
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
