The Ben Ten - Seventh Edition

The Clemson Tigers are one win away from capping
their first undefeated regular season since 1981.
(Photo courtesy The Greenville News)

Editor's Note: The Ben Ten is my attempt to put together the Top 10 teams (plus three) as of right now. Each week, I play the role of solo Playoff Committee member and submit my own ballot.

Two of my Top 4 teams fell this past week - Ohio State and Oklahoma State. Thus, there is shakeup at the top. Clemson continues to hold onto the top spot, but the rest of the Top 4 looks much different than a week ago. Without further ado...

1) Clemson (11-0)

Previously: 1
As mentioned, the Tigers hold onto the No. 1 spot in the Ben Ten. Clemson has been the most complete team all season, hasn't lost, has offensive and defensive balance, and has a Heisman hopeful quarterback. A tricky two weeks are on tap with a road trip to in-state rival South Carolina then the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte against North Carolina. It's simple for the Tigers: Win and they're in.

2) Iowa (11-0)

Previously: 4
The only other unbeaten remaining in major college football is the Iowa Hawkeyes. The schedule has been lacking, as Iowa missed out on the top four teams from the Big Ten East division. But, the Hawkeyes keep winning and if they can get past rival Nebraska and upset the East winner (TBD), they will be in the Playoff.

3) Oklahoma (10-1)

Previously: 6
No one has looked better since mid-October than the Sooners. Baker Mayfield is providing his magical playmaking ability and OU has knocked off its toughest tests. The blemish on the Sooners' record is fading with each big win. TCU gave Oklahoma a scare when Mayfield missed the second half with a head injury, but OU found a way to win. Oklahoma can win the Big 12 with a win in Stillwater against the Cowboys. Expect Bedlam.

4) Alabama (10-1)

Previously: 7
OK, so Alabama passes the so-called eye test. However, the résumé is taking a hit. Alabama has one win over a team in the current AP Top 25. That'd be No. 23 Mississippi State. The Tide have wins over quality teams with three and four losses, but let's not forget the struggles at home with Tennessee and Arkansas. I'm still not a believer that this Alabama team doesn't have any holes. The Iron Bowl is up next and Auburn would love nothing more than to spoil Bama's season.

Playoff projection: Clemson vs. Alabama in the Capital One Orange Bowl;  Iowa vs. Oklahoma in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
*NOTE: The CFB Playoff Committee factors in many variables and does its best to send the No. 1 overall seed to its closest destination. Clemson is geographically closer to Miami, Fla., than to Arlington, Texas.

5) Notre Dame (10-1)

Previously: 5
The Irish are slipping in my view, simply because they haven't been dominant. Notre Dame held off a bad BC team for a three-point win. Notre Dame has one last chance to impress with a trip to Stanford. A win caps an 11-1 season and could propel Notre Dame into the Playoff. Lot of factors at play here.

6) Baylor (9-1)

Previously: 9

Great bounce back win by Baylor to go on the road and knock off Oklahoma State. Even better the Bears were able to do a lot of the damage with their third-string quarterback. Baylor is still in the Big 12 hunt, but now needs to win out against TCU and Texas, and have Oklahoma State take down Oklahoma. Even then, that may not be enough to get the Bears into the Playoff.

7) Michigan State (10-1)
Previously: NR
Huge win by Sparty at Ohio State. When Connor Cook was announced out for the game during pregame, it seemed all hope was lost. But Michigan State played a solid game on both sides and is now in control of the Big Ten East. A win over Penn State sets up a huge chance for MSU to make a case for the Top 4.

8) North Carolina (10-1)
Previously: 10
It wasn't pretty this time, but North Carolina overcame adversity and the emotions of Lane Stadium to defeat Virginia Tech in Frank Beamer's final home game. The Hokies gave the Heels their best shot. UNC absorbed the punches and came out with an overtime win to clinch a spot in the ACC title game. A trip to in-state rival NC State is next, followed by a surprisingly good matchup with Clemson.

9) Oklahoma State (10-1)
Previously: 3
The early deficits finally caught up with Oklahoma State. Although OSU spotted Baylor 14 points and came right back to tie the game, it was clear the Bears were not going to lie down in Stillwater. A win over OU in Bedlam could ease the sting of that loss, but it would leave the Pokes asking "what if?"

10) Ohio State (10-1)

Previously: 2

So this is the real Ohio State, huh? Or is it? The Buckeyes fell in their only game against a ranked opponent, at home and to a backup QB no less. Ohio State now looks like it could finish third in its division. The battle in the Big House this week against Michigan is going to tell us what we need to know about the Buckeyes.

Next three up:

Michigan (9-2)
Michigan did what it needed to do against Penn State. That was win. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes didn't do their hated rival any favors. OSU's loss means Michigan State controls its destiny in the division, not Michigan. The Wolverines have the perfect opportunity to knock off Ohio State and make a good case for a New Year's Six Bowl.

Florida (10-1)
In the last three weeks, Florida has defeated Vanderbilt 9-7 and been taken to overtime by two-win Florida Atlantic. Not exactly what Gator Nation had in mind for picking up Ws before the big, bad Noles come to The Swamp. Florida's offense is bad and it's a good thing it has a stout defense. We'll see how far that carries them when Dalvin Cook is running the ball this week.

Stanford (9-2)
The Cardinal secured their spot in the Pac-12 title game and now have two giant matchups in the next two weeks. I don't believe Stanford has a shot at the Playoff, but it can play spoiler against Notre Dame this weekend. The Irish travel to Palo Alto for the regular season finale. After that, Stanford will face the winner of UCLA-USC for the Pac-12 Championship.

Dropped out:
Florida (8)

-BtW