Undefeated After Week 12

The only two undefeated teams remained as such, as #1 Alabama toppled FCS opponent Chattanooga 31-3, while #21 Western Michigan blew out Buffalo 38-0.  Both teams now have tough regular season finales, with Alabama getting a visit from #13 Auburn for the Iron Bowl on Saturday, while the second-best team in the MAC, Toledo (9-2, 6-1), will make the trip to Kalamazoo to face Western Michigan on Friday.

As you may know, the non-Power-Five conference team ranked highest in the College Football Playoff rankings that also wins its conference gets a berth in a New Years Six bowl.  That is relevant here because right now Western Michigan is ranked #21 in the CFP rankings, while Boise State is ranked #19.  However, if Wyoming beats New Mexico this weekend, Wyoming would clinch the Mountain West's Mountain division, meaning that Boise State could not win the Mountain West.  As long as Western Michigan wins the MAC, they should get the nod for a New Years Six bowl.  Frankly, if they go undefeated and somehow end up ranked lower than another non-Power-Five conference team, that's bullshit.

The Top 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings didn't change this week.  Here they are (along with each team's best win and worst loss, where applicable):

1.  Alabama (10-0)

Best win:  #12 USC (9/3; 52-6)

Worst loss:  N/A

2.  Ohio State (9-1)

Best win:  at #6 Wisconsin (10/15; 30-23 (OT))

Worst loss:  at #7 Penn State (10/22; 24-21)

3.  Michigan (9-1)

Best win:  #6 Wisconsin (10/1; 14-7)

Worst loss: at Iowa (11/12; 14-13)

4.  Clemson (9-1)

Best win:  at #11 Louisville (10/1; 42-36)

Worst loss:  Pittsburgh (43-42; 11/12)

Here is a breakdown of the undefeated teams and each team's remaining games (rankings are College Football Playoff Committee rankings):

#1 Alabama 9-0

11/26 – #13 Auburn (8-3)

12/3 – SEC championship game (Atlanta) - #15 Florida (8-2)

Remaining opponents' combined record:  16-5 (.762)

Best win:  #12 USC (9/3; 52-6)

#21 Western Michigan 10-0

11/25 – Toledo (9-2)

12/2 – MAC championship game (Detroit) - Ohio (8-4)

Remaining opponents' combined record:  17-6 (.739)

Best win:  at Northwestern (9/3; 22-21)