Tigers fall in latest Ben Ten

We are now at the point in the season where preseason hype has run out and it's all about the performance. It is certain that at this point, Alabama has passed the eye test as well as the statistical test. After the Tide, there are myriad teams who could rank anywhere from 2-6. We'll continue to dwindle down the unbeaten teams, but for now it remains at 11.

Playoff Teams

Freshman Jalen Hurts has made his way into the Heisman discussion
with big performances like that against Tennessee.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

1) Alabama
Last week: No. 1
Record: 7-0
Key win(s): USC, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee
This week: vs. Texas A&M
The Tide looked smooth on Rocky Top and added two more non-offensive TDs for a total of 11 this season. Alabama returns home to take on the Aggies for this week's biggest showdown.

2) Ohio State
Last week: No. 3
Record: 6-0
Key win(s): Oklahoma, Wisconsin
This week: at Penn State
It took guts and heart, but the Buckeyes got it done in overtime at Wisconsin. JT Barrett continues to rise in Heisman talk. Ohio State trucks on to Happy Valley next.

3) Michigan
Last week: No. 4
Record: 6-0
Key win(s): Colorado, Wisconsin
This week: vs. Illinois
Jim Harbaugh enjoyed his bye week in a way only Jim Harbaugh can. Don't anticipate any upset by Illinois this weekend.

4) Clemson
Last week: No. 2
Record: 7-0
Key win(s): Auburn, Louisville, NC State
This week: Bye
Had it not been for NC State's missed field goal, Clemson would have fallen much further. The Tigers are probably still one of the top four teams in the nation, but they need to prove it over their last five games.

Next in line

5) Washington
Last week: No. 5
Record: 6-0
Key win(s): Stanford, Oregon
This week: vs. Oregon State
The Huskies remain put after the bye week. Washington might get caught looking ahead to next week's game at Utah, but Oregon State still won't have enough to trip up UW.

6) Texas A&M
Last week: No. 6
Record: 6-0
Key win(s): UCLA, Auburn, Arkansas, Tennessee
This week: at No. 1 Alabama
If Texas A&M can find a way to slow down Jalen Hurts and Bama's offense, the Aggies will shoot up to No. 1 in the rankings. Winning in Tuscaloosa won't be easy, but at least they had a week off to get ready for it.

7) Louisville
Last week: No. 7
Record: 5-1
Key win(s): Florida State
This week: vs. NC State
Louisville complained about officiating after its loss to Clemson, but benefited greatly from the refs in a close win over Duke. How sorry the Wolfpack feels for itself will determine if the Cards win in blowout fashion or if they face another stiff test.

8) Nebraska
Last week: No. 8
Record: 6-0
Key win(s): Oregon
This week: vs. Purdue
With a win at Indiana in the rear-view and Purdue up next, the Huskers can officially look forward to the Wisconsin-Ohio State road trips in two weeks.

9) Boise State
Last week: No. 10 
Record: 6-0
Key win(s): Washington State, Oregon State
This week: vs. BYU (Thursday)
Boise State held on to defeat Colorado State 28-23 after leading by 18 late in the game. The win over Washington State (4-2) looks better with every Cougar victory. BYU, fresh off an OT win over the SEC's Mississippi State Bulldogs, visits the Blue for an intriguing Thursday night affair.

10) West Virginia
Last Week: NR
Record: 5-0
Key win(s): Kansas State, Texas Tech
This week: vs. TCU
Welcome to the Ben Ten, Mountaineers. Extremely dominant performance by what may be the Big 12's most complete team. WVU has a Big 12 style offense and a legit defense. That gives the Mountaineers a leg up over their Midwestern brethren.

Dropped out: Tennessee (9)

Four on the outside: Baylor, Houston, Wisconsin, Florida State