Highlights, Lowlights, and Results — Plus the New Playoff Rankings From College Football Week #11

Now that we have cleared the national election, we can focus on what is the really important vote: How the College Football Playoff Committee picked this week! We shift to Tuesday evenings now as this is when the new playoff rankings-seedings get released, and there were significant shake-ups with some significant losses.

From here on out, we’ll go with a split offering, delivering the Playoff Committee rankings and the AP Top-25 poll because you cannot have too much information in order to generate proper barroom arguments.

• Army remains undefeated and, as a result, sports the #16 spot in the AP poll, the highest it has been ranked in 62 years.

• The state of Florida had a woeful football weekend. Every single college team and two of the pro squads all lost their games. The Miami Dolphins upsetting the Rams on the road broke the curse, as the Sunshine State went 1-11.

• Indiana had a week of firsts. It went into its game with Michigan as the favorite — something it had never experienced against the Wolverines. The win gave the school its first-ever 10-0 season.

• As for the Wolverines, they fell to 5-5 and now need a win over Northwestern to avoid being a defending National Champion missing a bowl game appearance.

• Syracuse head coach Fran Brown let the press know about his postgame approach to things if his team loses.

Fran Brown on his postgame ritual following a loss:

-He doesn’t shower- “I don’t deserve soap – winners get washed.”

-Watches tape beginning that night

-“My wife, I can’t sleep in the bed if we lose, because I’m not going to get in the shower for that day. I’m just mad.” pic.twitter.com/yL3lbxWo5X

— Ashley Wenskoski (@AshleyWenskTV) November 11, 2024

Ole Miss 28 – Georgia 10

Jaxon Dart had a greatly efficient day as he went 13/22 passing with 199 passing and a touchdown, and 50 yards added on with his legs, while kicker Caden Davis carried the load with five field goals. Dart outdueled Carson Beck who struggled to sustain drives, throwing for 186 yards but no touchdowns, and threw an interception and lost a fumble. Georgia’s playoff hopes faded, and next week’s matchup with Tennessee could make the difference.

Georgia Tech 28 – Miami 23

All season, the Hurricanes have played with fire defensively, and this week they got scorched. The Yellow Jackets’ QB Haynes King controlled the game clock, leaving Miami’s offense sitting for stretches as the running game ate up time and yards. King only threw the ball six times, but he ran for just a hundred as Tech gained 271 yards running. Miami’s Cam Ward could not weave late-game heroics even as he had his usual big stats day, throwing for 348 yards and three strikes.

BYU 22 – Utah 21

The Holy War was a thriller, and the Cougars needed a prayer and maybe had a referee’s blessing in order to drive for the win. The Utes hit three touchdowns in the second quarter for an 11-point halftime lead, but then were shut out in the second half. In the closing minutes, with a fourth down from their own 9-yard line, it appeared BYU was stopped, but a questionable defensive holding call gave BYU a first down and new life. It sparked a final drive, leading to the winning 44-yard kick with four seconds remaining.

Alabama 42 – LSU 13

The Tigers probably are out of playoff hopes with this third loss, as Jalen Milroe ran all over them with a 185-yard 4-TD performance from the pocket.

Boise State 28 – Nevada 21

Ashton Jeanty gave another signature performance with a 209-yard 3-TD game. Despite the win the Broncos slipped one spot but remained in the postseason bracket.

Colorado 42 – Texas Tech 27

Trailing at halftime, the surging Buffaloes racked up 31 second-half points and are striving for committee consideration.

      The Playoff Bracket Positions:

Top Seeds (receiving a bye)

1. Oregon

2. Texas

3. BYU

4.  Miami

Seeded Matchups

5.  Ohio State vs. 12. Boise State

6. Penn State vs. 11. Ole Miss

7. Indian vs.  10. Alabama 

8. Tennessee vs. Notre Dame

[Key games: Tennessee @ Georgia / Texas @ Arkansas / Missouri @ South Carolina]

The AP Top-25

1. Oregon

2. Ohio State

3. Texas

4. Penn State

5. Indiana

6. Tennessee

7. BYU

8. Notre Dame

9. Alabama 

10. Ole Miss

11. Georgia

12. Miami

13. Boise State

14. SMU

15. Texas A&M

16. Army

17. Clemson

18. Colorado

19. Washington State

20. Kansas State

21. LSU

22. Louisville

23. South Carolina

24. Missouri

25. Tulane