W2Mnet College Football Top 25: Week 14

Championship Week went according to ranking, for the most part. The Alabama Crimson Tide did what they’ve done all season and that’s win. They absolutely crushed Florida in the SEC Championship Game. The Washington Huskies did the same to the Colorado Buffaloes in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Clemson Tigers outlasted the Virginia Tech Hokies to win the ACC Championship Game. While the Penn State Nittany Lions came from behind to beat the Wisconsin Badgers and win the Big Ten Championship Game. The stage is now set for the College Football Playoff committee to make their decision at Noon ET on Sunday afternoon. We’ve made our decision on who should be in the top four in the final College Football Top 25 of the season.

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide

Record: 13-0 (8-0 in SEC, SEC Champion)

Last Week: 1

Was the outcome ever in doubt? Alabama has been the most consistent team in College Football this year. Barring looking ahead, no one really gave Florida a chance to pull off the upset. Despite Florida jumping out to an early lead, Alabama had the lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back. Unlike other teams this year, Alabama has not been caught sleeping against any opponent. They will without a doubt continue their excellent play into the playoffs. – Daniel Anderson

Next Game: College Football Playoff Semi-Final in Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl: Saturday, December 31, 2016 vs. Washington

#2 Clemson Tigers

Record: 12-1 (7-1 in ACC, ACC Champion)

Last Week: 3

DeShaun Watson accounts for 373 total yards and five touchdowns to lead Clemson to an ACC Championship crown. Virginia Tech fought valiantly until the end, but each time The Hokies scored, Clemson had an answer. The Tigers defense held off Virginia Tech for the last five minutes and secured their spot in the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year. Aside from the one point loss at Pittsburgh, Clemson put up a great year and are going to be a tough out in the playoffs. – Sean Garmer

Next Game: College Football Playoff Semi-Final in Playstation Fiesta Bowl: Saturday, December 31, 2016 vs. Ohio State

#3 Washington Huskies

Record: 12-1 (8-1 in Pac-12, Pac-12 Champion)

Last Week: 4

The Huskies ran all over Colorado on Friday to win the Pac-12 Championship game. Washington combined for 265 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in a 41-10 blowout win. Things got easier when Colorado quarterback, Sefo Liufau, left the game for a while with an ankle injury. Washington tormented Liufau when he was in the game, forcing him to throw three interceptions in only 13 attempts. Washington is one of the four teams to vie for a National Championship. – Randy Isbelle

Next Game: College Football Playoff Semi-Final in Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl: Saturday, December 31, 2016 vs. Alabama

#4 Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: 11-1

Last Week: 2

Next Game: College Football Playoff Semi-Final in Playstation Fiesta Bowl: Saturday, December 31, 2016 vs. Clemson

#5 Penn State Nittany Lions

Record: 11-2 (8-1 in Big Ten, Big Ten Champion)

Last Week: 8

Penn State came back from 21 points down to win 38-31 and make the College Football Playoff committee have to make a tough decision on Sunday afternoon. Quarterback Trace McSorley threw four touchdowns, including the eventual game winner early in the fourth quarter. The Nittany Lions defense held in the final quarter and kept Wisconsin off the board to secure the win. Penn State has the big win against Ohio State on their resume and now the Big Ten Conference Championship as well. Penn State has obliterated its competition since the big win against the Buckeyes too. – Sean Garmer

Next Game: Northwestern Mutual Rose Bowl: Monday January 2, 2017 vs. USC

#6 Michigan Wolverines

Record: 10-2

Last Week: 5

Next Game: Capital One Orange Bowl: Friday, December 30, 2016 vs. Florida State

#7 Oklahoma Sooners

Record: 10-2 (9-0 in Big 12, Big 12 Champion)

Last Week: 6

The Oklahoma Sooners successfully defeated rival Oklahoma State. The Sooner offense had over 600 yards in total, as they controlled time of possession. Samaje Perine was a big reason for the Sooners success controlling the clock with his 239 yards rushing in 37 attempts and a touchdown. Baker Mayfield had a three score day himself, as he was not forced to be the hero to win. Oklahoma’s defense did a great job taking over in the second half to dash any hopes for Oklahoma State. The Oklahoma Sooners showed they deserve high praise for the incredible season they’ve had. – Gary Vaughan

Next Game: Allstate Sugar Bowl: Monday, January 2, 2017 vs. Auburn

#8 Western Michigan Broncos

Record: 13-0 (8-0 in MAC, MAC Champion)

Last Week: 12

On Friday Night, the Western Michigan Broncos topped off their 2016 campaign with a 29-23 win over Ohio to win the MAC Conference Championship. The Broncos finish the season undefeated at 13-0. Zach Terrell had 300 pass yards, along with a pair of touchdowns. His best target, Corey Davis, was again phenomenal with nine catches for 154 yards and a touchdown. This win solidified Western Michigan as the best Group of 5 team, which will more than likely result in them heading to the Cotton Bowl. A New Year’s Six bowl game will result in great exposure for the Bronco program win or lose. Thus making this season a job very well done for P.J. Fleck and this Western Michigan football team. – Noah Mooney

Next Game: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: vs. Monday, January 2, 2017 vs. Wisconsin

#9 USC Trojans

Record: 9-3 (7-2 in Pac-12)

Last Week: 11

Next Game: Northwestern Mutual Rose Bowl: Monday, January 2, 2017 vs. Penn State

#10 Wisconsin Badgers

Record: 10-3

Last Week: 7

The Badgers decided to start their backup quarterback Bart Houston instead of the injured, but yet available Alex Hornibrook. For a lot of the first half it looked like the decision wasn’t going to hurt the end result too much. Wisconsin got out to a 28-7 lead with five minutes left in the second quarter thanks to star RB Corey Clement and the vaunted defense. However, the second half was a much different deal. Penn State rallied and shut out Wisconsin in the fourth quarter to get the win. Despite the loss, Wisconsin had one heck of a season. They kept it close against their three biggest competitors and outright took out their competition in the Big Ten West. The Badgers defense was incredible for this season and will probably still wind up in a pretty important Bowl game. – Sean Garmer

Next Game: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Monday, January 2, 2017 vs. Western Michigan

#11 Florida State Seminoles

Record: 9-3

Last Week: 13

Next Game: Capital One Orange Bowl: Friday, December 30, 2016 vs. Michigan

#12 Colorado Buffaloes

Record: 10-3 (8-1 in Pac-12)

Last Week: 9

After having one of the best years in school history, Colorado were outclassed in the Pac-12 Championship game. It didn’t help either that starting quarterback Sefo Liufau went down after the first drive and did not return until the second half. When he did return, he crippled his team with three interceptions and facilitated an easy day for Washington. Still, their incredible year should be celebrated and I’m sure the team and coach will do just that. – Sean Garmer

Next Game: Valero Alamo Bowl: vs. Thursday, December 29, 2016 vs. Oklahoma State

#13 Oklahoma State Cowboys

Record: 9-3 (7-2 in Big 12)

Last Week: 10

The Oklahoma State Cowboys suffered a disappointing loss against in state rival Oklahoma. The Cowboys struck first blood and would trade blows with the Sooners as they went into halftime in a tie. Though, after the half, the Sooners went on a tear as they took over the game. Mason Rudolph was held under 200 yards passing with only one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Oklahoma State found themselves on the losing end with their offense limited by a swarming Oklahoma defense. Oklahoma State has had a year with great promise, despite a tough loss in their final regular season game. – Gary Vaughan

Next Game: Valero Alamo Bowl: Thursday, December 29, 2016 vs. Colorado

#14 West Virginia Mountaineers

Record: 10-2

Last Week: 14

The West Virginia Mountaineers just edged out a victory against Baylor on Saturday. Baylor took the lead at halftime, but West Virginia would comeback in the third quarter to take the lead back. The Bears made the game look closer than it was with a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, even though the Mountaineers had full control of the game by that point. Justin Crawford lead the Mountaineer rushing attack that would keep time of possession in West Virginia’s favor. He rushed for just over 200 yards. Skyler Howard was able to take a lesser role, while still managing to be a part of all three touchdowns. West Virginia was not overly impressive, but still gained another win. – Gary Vaughan

Next Game: Russell Athletic Bowl: Wednesday, December 28, 2016 vs. Miami FL

#15 Louisville Cardinals

Record: 9-3

Last Week: 16

Next Game: Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: Saturday December 31, 2016 vs. LSU

#16 Stanford Cardinal

Record: 9-3

Last Week: 15

Next Game: Hyundai Sun Bowl: Friday, December 30, 2016 vs. North Carolina

#17 Auburn Tigers

Record: 8-4

Last Week: 20

Next Game: Allstate Sugar Bowl: January 2, 2017 vs. Oklahoma

#18 LSU Tigers

Record: 7-4

Last Week: 22

Next Game: Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: Saturday, December 31, 2016 vs. Louisville

#19 Virginia Tech Hokies

Record: 9-4

Last Week: 21

Jerod Evans and the Hokies fought their hearts out on Saturday, but it just wasn’t enough to unseat Clemson. Evans put up 310 total yards, two scores on the ground, and one through the air. His last two were absolutely vital too, as they kept The Hokies within a touchdown with around five minutes left. Unfortunately, Virginia Tech wasn’t able to get the win. However, this doesn’t take away from a terrific season and being able to represent in the Championship game. Especially since they did a lot more than many expected in Justin Fuente’s first year as head coach. – Sean Garmer

Next Game: Belk Bowl: Thursday, December 29, 2016 vs. Arkansas

#20 Iowa Hawkeyes

Record: 8-4

Last Week: 23

Next Game: Outback Bowl: January 2, 2017 vs. Florida

#21 Pittsburgh Panthers

Record: 8-4

Last Week: 25

Next Game: New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Wednesday, December 28, 2016 vs. Northwestern

#22 Temple Owls

Record: 10-3 (7-1 in American, AAC Champion)

Last Week: NR

The Temple Owls were able to win the American Athletic Conference Saturday by obliterating Navy 34-10. P.J. Walker led the offense by example with 199 pass yards and two touchdowns, one to Keith Kirkwood and the other to Ventell Bryant. On the ground, Ryquell Armstead and Jahad Thomas each tallied a score. Temple finishes the season at 10-3 on a seven game win streak. Temple wins the American Conference Championship this year as redemption after falling to the Houston Cougars last year. – Noah Mooney

Next Game: Military Bowl: Tuesday, December 27, 2016 vs. Wake Forest

#23 South Florida Bulls

Record: 10-2

Last Week: 18

Next Game: Birmingham Bowl: Thursday, December 29, 2016 vs. South Carolina

#24 Air Force Falcons

Record: 9-3

Last Week: 24

Next Game: Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Friday, December 30, 2016 vs. South Alabama

#25 Nebraska Cornhuskers

Record: 9-3

Last Week: NR

Next Game: Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Friday, December 30, 2016 vs. Tennessee