Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Huskies, Badgers rise in this week's Ben Ten

Rivalry Week is upon us. It's perhaps the greatest week of the college football season. Bragging rights are on the line across the land and in some cases, much more. One thing for sure is a spot will open up inside the Top 4 as Michigan visits Ohio State. Will any other crazy things happen before the season ends? Only time will tell. For now, onto the Ben Ten rankings.

Playoff Teams
Nick Saban wasn't a happy camper after
a 31-3 Alabama win over Chattanooga.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

1) Alabama
Last week: No. 1
Record: 11-0
Wins over currently ranked teams: USC, Texas A&M, LSU
This week: vs. Auburn
Uh oh. The Crimson Tide beat Chattanooga by only 28 points. Is this team slipping?

**Currently hiding from Nick Saban who is surely sending someone to get me**

2) Ohio State
Last week: No. 2
Record: 10-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Nebraska
This week: vs. Michigan
Ohio State escaped East Lansing when Sparty decided to throw the ball on a two-point conversion (which failed) after running the ball eight straight times for 56 yards to score the TD. That kinda year for MSU. But this is about Ohio State, which now turns its attention to Michigan.

3) Clemson
Last week: No. 3
Record: 10-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Auburn, Louisville, Florida State
This week: vs. South Carolina
Clemson claimed the ACC Atlantic Division championship for the second straight year. The Tigers had a balanced performance in a 35-13 win over Wake Forest. A visit from South Carolina is next.

4) Michigan
Last week: No. 4
Record: 10-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Colorado, Penn State, Wisconsin
This week: at Ohio State
Michigan trailed Indiana late in the third quarter before finally kicking into gear to pull away for the win. It wasn't the perfect bounce back performance, but the Wolverines have their sights set on Ohio State.

Next in line

5) Washington
Last week: No. 6
Record: 10-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Utah
This week: at Washington State
Washington looked better in a romp over Arizona State. The Pac-12 North is on the line on the Palouse as the Huskies look to take down in-state rival Washington State. A win in the Apple Cup would likely put UW back in the Top 4.

6) Wisconsin
Last week: 7
Record: 9-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: LSU, Nebraska
This week: vs. Minnesota
The Badgers have been better than a lot of teams, but their two losses are to the two top dogs of the Big Ten East. A win against Minnesota not only gives Wisconsin Paul Bunyan's Axe, but also the Big Ten West championship and a trip to the B1G Championship Game.

7) Oklahoma
Last Week: 8
Record: 9-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: West Virginia
This week: Bye
Without a doubt, Oklahoma has been on a tear since Big 12 play began. The Sooner Schooner is rolling. The caveat, though, is the Big 12 is not on par with other conferences. OU gets the week off after demolishing West Virginia in Morgantown. Up next: Bedlam for the Big 12 championship.

8) Penn State
Last week: 10
Record: 9-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: Ohio State
This week: vs. Michigan State
Two things have to happen for Penn State. First, it must win against Michigan State. Easier said than done, yes, but the Spartans have just three wins on the season. Second, Ohio State must beat Michigan. If those two happen, the Nittany Lions will head to Indianapolis.

9) Colorado
Last week: NR
Record: 9-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: Washington State
This week: vs. Utah
What has transpired in Boulder this season is remarkable. Colorado continues to impress, taking down previously unbeaten in the conference Washington State, and can put a bow on the season by beating Utah to clinch the Pac-12 South.

10) Western Michigan
Last week: NR
Record: 11-0
Wins over currently ranked teams:
This week: None
Kudos to those in Kalamazoo, Mich., this past weekend for putting on quite a show for ESPN's College GameDay. Western Michigan, as was pointed out by one GameDay sign, has more Big Ten wins than Michigan State. That's not saying much this season, but still a proud accomplishment for the Broncos. And what's not to love about Coach P.J. Fleck?

Dropped out: Louisville (5), Utah (9)

Four on the outside: Oklahoma State, Louisville, Southern Cal, Florida State

-BtW

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