Top 10 CFP rankings unchanged following week with no major upsets

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Wednesday, November 14, 2018

The College Football Playoff rankings remained unchanged in its top 10 this week following victories for each school -- the first time in the history of the rankings that has happened.

Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dameand Michiganstayed put in the top four, with Georgiaand Oklahomastill knocking on the door at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.

Alabama is No. 1 for the 15th time in 28 rankings.

"These are complete teams," said committee chair Rob Mullens when asked about the gap between Alabama and Clemson. "We spent a lot of time talking about it. They are both top-10 offenses, top-10 defenses, but at this point, everyone has Alabama one, Clemson two."

LSU, Washington State, West Virginiaand Ohio Statestayed the course to round out the top 10.

There was a shuffle beyond the top 10, with some losses dropping a few teams and knocking out others altogether.

But first, those that gained: Undefeated UCFclimbed one spot to No. 11, as did SyracusetoNo. 13. Penn Stateclimbed six spots to No. 14 after a 22-10 win over Wisconsin.

UCF's No. 11 ranking is the highest for a Group of Five team in the CFP's history.

"You can't avoid the fact that strength of schedule is an issue when compared to the other teams," Mullens said of UCF.

Iowa Statealso climbed six spots to No. 16 after its fifth straight win.Texasis No. 15 this week, up three spots.

ButWashingtonwas the biggest climber, coming in atNo. 18 -- up from No. 25 last week.

Some teams dropped following losses or otherwise uneven performances last week: Kentuckyslipped from No. 11 to No. 17 afterfallingto unranked Tennessee, and Floridaslipped two spots to No. 15 after a close win against South Carolina. Boston Collegeis No. 20, three spots down from last week, following a 27-7 home loss to Clemson. Another SEC team slipped five spots: Mississippi State, down to No. 21 from No. 16 after a 24-0 loss to the Crimson Tide on Saturday.

Utahis back in the rankings at No. 19 while Northwesternmade its CFP debut this season at No. 22.

Michigan State, NC State, Fresno Stateand Auburnfell out of the rankings altogether.

There was movement among Group of Five teams this week, with Boise Statedebuting at No. 25 after defeating Fresno State. The Mountain West conference has another representative inUtah State at No. 23. AndCincinnaticame in at No. 24 this week.

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