In one of the biggest weeks in College Football, and so many top teams playing each other, there were bound to be upsets. However, I don’t think anyone expected so many lopsided and blowout results. The closest game of these big matchups wound up being the Alabama and Mississippi State contest. The chaos is certainly there for the College Football Playoff committee, as they have tough decisions to make in this week ahead. There’s even one championship game match-up decided thanks to losses below Miami earlier in the day. How do all the wins and loses effect our rankings? Check it out in this week’s W2Mnet College Football Top 25.

W2Mnet College Football Top 25 (Week 11)

* just a reminder that seven staff members voted on this Top 25*

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide (all seven first place votes)

Record: 10-0 (7-0, 1st in SEC West)

Last Week: 1

The Alabama Crimson Tide had their toughest test so far this year against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mississippi State fought Alabama hard all game, and it took a touchdown late to beat the Bulldogs. Alabama showed that they could win in a close game when needed. Especially, when other top teams were losing in blowouts. This certainly helps pad the resume for the CFP, as they await a big showdown in two weeks with Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl. – Daniel Anderson

Next Week: vs. Mercer Bears (5-5)

#2 Miami Hurricanes

Record: 9-0 (6-0, 1st in ACC Coastal)

Last Week: 4

Critics said the Miami Hurricanes couldn’t get a big win. Critics questioned how the Hurricanes could handle the Notre Dame offense. Well, Chains vs. Rosaries, Catholics vs. Confidence, Catholics vs Convicts II, whatever you want to call it. Miami came on Saturday and made their biggest statement of the Mark Richt era with a 41-8 win at Hard Rock Stadium. Between four Turnover Chain appearances, Malik Rosier throwing for a touchdown and running for another. DeeJay Dallas scoring on two four-yard runs in the second half, the ‘Canes got the complete effort they needed just hours after learning they would go to Charlotte for the first time ever. Like it or not, The U is coming back. – Erik Watkins

Next Week: vs. Virginia Cavaliers (6-4)

#3 Clemson Tigers

Record: 9-1 (7-1, 1st in ACC Atlantic)

Last Week: 6

The Clemson Tigers came in needing an easy win against a disheartened Florida State Seminoles team. And that’s not exactly what they got on Saturday. Clemson opened the game on the ground, using scoring runs by Kelly Bryant and Travis Etienne to open up a 17-0 halftime lead. James Blackman did lead two second-half scoring drives to cut the deficit to three. However, Etienne sealed another Atlantic Division win with another short run, and now the countdown is on for a big date with Miami. – Erik Watkins

Next Week: vs. The Citadel Bulldogs (5-5)

#4 Wisconsin Badgers

Record: 10-0 (7-0, 1st in Big Ten West)

Last Week: 5

The Wisconsin Badgers remain one of just four undefeated teams left in the country. Taking down an Iowa Hawkeyes team that had dominated the Ohio State Buckeyes the week prior. Alex Hornibrook had a pair of TD passes, Jonathan Taylor ran for 157 yards and Wisconsin held Iowa out of the end zone (only scores by Iowa were on an INT returns). – Harry Broadhurst

Next Week: vs. Michigan Wolverines (8-2)

#5 Oklahoma Sooners

Record: 9-1 (6-1, 1st in Big 12)

Last Week: 7

Memorial Stadium was rocking as their Oklahoma Sooners took down their closest competitor in the Big XII. By halftime Oklahoma had scored 38 points and were in complete control of the game. The TCU Horned Frogs could not overcome the pressure put on them by such a big deficit laid on them by the Sooners offense. Baker Mayfield was at the top of his game and may have put himself in the lead of the Heisman Trophy race just in the first half alone after this one. – Gary Vaughan

Next Week: @ Kansas Jayhawks (1-9)

#6 Auburn Tigers

Record: 8-2 (6-1, 2nd in SEC West)

Last Week: 10

Auburn soundly earned their spot, as the second best team in the SEC by destroying the Georgia Bulldogs. This was a shocking game, not because of the outcome of Auburn winning, but just how one sided the game was. Auburn held Georgia to 46 rushing yards, (Georgia was averaging 279 yards a game on the ground before this week). The Tigers showed that they are a major threat not only to Alabama and Georgia, but also they made a case for Top 6 in CFP consideration too. – Daniel Anderson

Next Week: vs. Louisiana Monroe Warhawks (4-5)

#7 Central Florida Knights

Record: 9-0 (6-0, 1st in American East)

Last Week: 11

The Central Florida Knights historic season takes yet another big step, as UCF is 9-0 for the first time in school history. Otis Anderson scored both early and late, and McKenzie Milton pitched in with three total touchdowns as part of a 42-14 run that turned into a 49-24 win against the Connecticut Huskies on Saturday. The offense piled up 519 yards, and the defense came in with two turnovers and several other key stops to ensure the Huskies had no hope. Now, the Other War on I-4 looms ever larger. – Erik Watkins

Next Game: @ Temple Owls (5-5)

#8 Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: 8-2 (6-1, 1st in Big Ten East)

Last Week: 13

For as awful as the Buckeyes played in Iowa City the week before, they were that good and better against the Michigan State Spartans to regain control of their destiny in the Big Ten East. J.T. Barrett had four TDs (two each passing and running) and the Buckeyes defense held the Spartans to just a field goal in the ‘Horseshoe’. Mike Weber also contributed 162 yards on just nine carries with a pair of rushing scores in the rout. – Harry Broadhurst

Next Week: vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (2-8)

#9 Georgia Bulldogs

Record: 9-1 (6-1, 1st in SEC East)

Last Week: 2

Remember last week when everyone thought Georgia would meet Alabama in a matchup of undefeated’s in the SEC Championship game in December? Auburn had something to say about that. Georgia could not get their rushing game going against Auburn’s defense. Jake Fromm couldn’t get anything going through the air either. However, it is not all over for Georgia though. They are guaranteed either a rematch against Auburn, or a battle against Alabama in the SEC Championship gane. Thanks to other losses, it is still within the realm of possibility that Georgia could still secure a playoff spot too. Daniel Anderson

Next Week: vs. Kentucky Wildcats (7-3)

#10 Penn State Nittany Lions

Record: 8-2 (5-2, 3rd in Big Ten East)

Last Week: 14

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights scored the first six points against the Penn State Nittany Lions in Happy Valley. Those would be the only six they would score as Penn St ripped off 35 straight points for the win. Trace McSorley had two TD passes and ran for a third. Saquon Barkley added a pair of rushing touchdowns from inside the five yard line, and PSU snaps a two game losing streak as well. – Harry Broadhurst

Next Week: vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-6)

#11 TCU Horned Frogs

Record: 8-2 (5-2, 2nd in Big 12)

Last Week: 10

TCU took a major blow to their playoff hopes Saturday night against Oklahoma. The Horned Frogs offense seemed to be treading water all night; as they captured 424 yards of total offense with only 20 points to show for it. It was TCU’s defense that was the biggest surprise, as they could not contain the Oklahoma offense, which was very uncharacteristic for a team that had been a reliable unit all season. It’s a tough loss to overcome, but TCU still has the pieces to put together a strong finish to their season; even if they are not in playoff contention. – Gary Vaughan

Next Week: @ Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-5)

#12 Oklahoma State Cowboys

Record: 8-2 (5-2, 3rd in Big 12)

Last Week: 16

The Oklahoma State Cowboys were thrust into a game of tug of war against the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday. The Cowboys put their offense to work as they battled to keep up with Iowa State. Mason Rudolph and Justice Hill accounted for three touchdowns each as they captured the lead towards the end of the game. It may have been the Cowboys’ offense keeping them afloat, but it was their defense that sealed the victory. The Cyclones were close to scoring the game winning touchdown, until Cowboys’ cornerback A.J. Green saved the day with a crucial interception. Oklahoma State prevailed with a win they could not afford to give away. – Gary Vaughan

Next Week: vs. Kansas State Wildcats (5-5)

#13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Record: (8-2, Independent)

Last Week: 3

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were on the road for the first time in five games and proceeded to play like it. The Miami Hurricanes easily handled ND a sound defeat. Four interceptions by Notre Dame QBs and a rushing game that never got off the ground lead to the much hyped ‘Catholics vs Convicts’ being over by halftime. – Harry Broadhurst

Next Week: vs. Navy Mid-Shipmen (6-3)

#14 USC Trojans

Record: 9-2 (7-1, 1st in Pac-12 South)

Last Week: 15

The USC Trojans got out to a 27-0 lead and never looked back. Thanks in large part to three total touchdowns from quarterback Sam Darnold. Plus, a pick-six from the defense. Colorado tried to make it a game late, but a 22 yard TD run by Ronald Jones II sealed it for USC. Clinching the Pac-12 South in the process as well. USC has an outside shot at the CFP, but need a lot of help. At least they know they have their spot guaranteed in the Pac-12 Championship game. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: vs. UCLA (5-5)

#15 Washington Huskies

Record: 8-2 (5-2, 3rd in Pac-12 North)

Last Week: 9

In perhaps their best chance to make any kind of impression on the CFP, outside of the Apple Cup, the Washington Huskies failed by losing to the Stanford Cardinal. The nation’s best defense allowed 406 yards of offense and more than 23 points for the first time on the season. While Jake Browning was held to 190 yards passing on the day. The lone bright spot was Myles Gaskin who ran in all three of Washington’s touchdowns, and also contributed 120 yards on the ground too. Now the Huskies need some help from California, or they may find themselves out of the New Year’s Six completely. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: vs. Utah Utes (5-5)

#16 Washington State Cougars

Record: 9-2 (6-2, 2nd in Pac-12 North)

Last Week: 18

Luke Falk threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns. The defense forced seven turnovers, and the Washington State Cougars got a very important win, as they head to a week off. After that it’s a “win and your in” (to the Pac-12 Championship Game), against heated rival Washington in the Apple Cup. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: OPEN, Next Game: @ Washington Huskies (8-2) on 11/25

#17 North Carolina State Wolfpack

Record: 7-3 (5-1, 2nd in ACC Atlantic)

Last Week: 19

The North Carolina State Wolfpack looked for a win on Saturday to end a terrible downward spiral. Then, they found themselves in a 60-minute battle against Boston College. AJ Dillon’s lone score of the day came on a 66-yard run to open the scoring in the second quarter (he finished with 32 carries for 196 yards). However, NC State rebounded with 10 straight points (including a Jaylen Samuels touchdown run) to end the first half. BC fought back, but Nyheim Hines ran 50 yards into the end zone halfway through the fourth quarter to take the game. Now the ‘Pack can work towards school pride, and a better bowl game. – Erik Watkins

Next Week: @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-4)

#18 Michigan Wolverines

Record: 8-2 (5-2, 4th in Big Ten East)

Last Week: 22

The Michigan Wolverines took the Maryland Terrapins to task in the first half. Shutting out the Terps 28-0 on their way to a 35-10 win. Brandon Peters had a pair of touchdown passes in the second quarter. Chris Evans had a pair of rushing TDs and Michigan didn’t allow Maryland into the endzone until almost midway into the fourth quarter as well, for an all-around win. – Harry Broadhurst

Next Week: @ Wisconsin Badgers (10-0)

#19 Mississippi State Bulldogs

Record: 7-3 (3-3, 4th in SEC West)

Last Week: 17

In what surprisingly wound up the closest of the big matchups on the weekend, the Mississippi State Bulldogs put up a huge fight against Nick Saban’s Alabama squad. Aeris Williams played his part providing 97 yards on the ground and two rushing scores. The defense held on as long as they could to the 24-24 tie, but a TD score with 25 seconds left got the victory for the Crimson Tide. The Bulldogs gave Alabama its closest game this year and it bodes well for them to have a strong finish to this season. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: @ Arkansas Razorbacks (4-6)

#20 Memphis Tigers

Record: 8-1 (5-1, 1st in American West)

Last Week: 20

Owning wins over their closest rivals in the American West already, and coming off a commanding victory over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, the Memphis Tigers enjoyed a week off. Now they have an important game against a tough SMU Mustangs. If Memphis can get to 9-1 on the year, they clinch their spot in the American Conference Championship game. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: vs. SMU Mustangs (6-4)

#21 South Florida Bulls

Record: 8-1 (5-1, 2nd in American East)

Last Week: 21

The South Florida Bulls won fairly easily over the UConn Huskies last week. Thanks majorly to the 516 yards of total offense brought forth by Quinton Flowers. They enjoyed a week off this week, and now face a Tulsa team, which could wind up in a trap game. Due to the huge game happening in two weeks, which basically decides who represents the American East in the championship game against Central Florida. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2-8) on 11/16

#22 Stanford Cardinal

Record: 7-3 (6-2, 2nd in Pac-12)

Last Week: NR

Bryce Love ran for 166 yards and three scores helping Stanford get a big win that gives them a split against the two Washington squads. After a tough loss last week against Washington State, they held down Jake Browning and the defense contributed when it mattered. Now Stanford just has to win next week, and they get to sit and await their fate in the Pac-12 North. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: vs. California Golden Bears (5-5)

#23 LSU Tigers

Record: 7-3 (4-2, 3rd in SEC West)

Last Week: NR

The LSU Tigers bounced back from last week’s loss against Alabama, with a blowout victory against the Arkansas Razorbacks. The offense and defense were clicking in the second half and they handily won. LSU has a chance to finish the season strong within the next few weeks. – Daniel Anderson

Next Week: @ Tennessee Volunteers (4-6)

#24 Northwestern Wildcats

Record: 7-3 (5-2, 2nd in Big Ten West)

Last Week: NR

The Northwestern Wildcats continue to roll, winning their fifth in a row as they downed the Purdue Boilermakers. Clayton Thorson threw for two touchdowns and Charlie Kuhbander hit all three of his field goal attempts. The ‘Cats chase a nine win season and a New Year’s or better bowl. – Harry Broadhurst

Next Week: vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-5)

#25 South Carolina Gamecocks

Record: 7-3 (5-3, 2nd in SEC East)

Last Week: NR

The South Carolina Gamecocks have been consistently tough all year. Jake Bentley overcame throwing three interceptions, by running in two touchdowns and still throwing for 249 yards on the day. While Mon Denson ran for the other two scores, and A.J. Turner ran for 136 yards as well. This all helped in defeating a very disappointing Florida Gators squad. – Sean Garmer

Next Week: vs. Wofford Terriers (9-1)

Others Receiving Votes for this week’s Top 25: Army (2), Michigan State (1)

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