The Post’s college football rankings and Heisman watch following Week 12.
1. Georgia (11-0) (Last week: 1)
Each team still has a rival to beat up on. Georgia has Georgia Tech. Alabama faces Auburn. But make no mistake, the two powers are focused on one another, knowing the winner on Dec. 2 in Atlanta is arguably the favorite to win it all.
2. Ohio State (11-0) (3)
Since that ugly win over Penn State, Ohio State has beaten its last four opponents: Wisconsin, Rutgers, Michigan State and Minnesota, by a combined 134-32. The Buckeyes are primed for Michigan.
3. Michigan (11-0) (4)
This version of Michigan, the one that was fortunate to beat Penn State and Maryland the last two weeks, isn’t beating Ohio State. Either suspended coach Jim Harbaugh’s gameday absence is that big of a deal or this team just wasn’t all that good to begin with.
4. Florida State (11-0) (2)
Jordan Travis’ left leg injury changes everything for the Seminoles, who go from a legitimate title contender to a major question mark to even reach the College Football Playoff without their senior leader and star quarterback. Sports can be unfair.
5. Washington (11-0) (5)
Unimpressive as it has been for several weeks now, Washington will play in the Pac-12 championship game after its victory over Oregon State on Saturday. Still, it’s hard to see the Cougars getting past likely opponent Oregon unless something drastically changes by Dec. 1.
6. Oregon (10-1) (6)
Top-10 in scoring (46.5) and points allowed (16.7), Oregon has outscored the opposition by 328 points this season. The Ducks’ lone loss, a three-point setback at Washington, feels like an anomaly.
7. Texas (10-1) (7)
Travis’ injury creates a lot of new potential possibilities for the playoff. Texas could be the beneficiary if it wins out. That road win at Alabama is now as good of a victory as anyone in the country can claim.
8. Alabama (10-1) (8)
The Crimson Tide were the last team to beat Georgia, back on Dec. 4, 2021. Now, they can end the Bulldogs’ 28-game winning streak in the SEC championship game.
9. Louisville (10-1) (9)
For the first time in program history, Louisville will play for the ACC championship. It won’t be a major underdog, either, after the injury to Travis. Nobody could have envisioned such a strong first season for coach Jeff Brohm.
10. Missouri (9-2) (NR)
Patience has paid off for Missouri. After three consecutive losing seasons under Eli Drinkwitz, the Tigers have broken through with a nine-win campaign and second-place finish in the SEC East, their best year since 2014.
Heisman Watch (in predicted order)
QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
That’s now 13 total touchdowns and 1,115 yards of offense the last two weeks for my Heisman Trophy leader, though the decision to have him play the entire game Saturday against overmatched Georgia State was a weak move by coach Brian Kelly.
QB Bo Nix, Oregon
Nix is surging at the right time, with consecutive 400-yard passing games and two top opponents left — Oregon State and Washington if Oregon takes care of business Saturday — before votes are cast.
WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Harrison has an opportunity to turn heads Saturday, a chance to basically lock up a playoff spot against bitter rival Michigan. A monster effort is needed from the all-world receiver.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Another shaky performance from Penix, who is no longer a lock to even be a finalist right now. His interceptions are up and his completion percentage is down since that brilliant Oct. 14 performance against Oregon.
QB Carson Beck, Georgia
Four straight games with at least two touchdowns through the air for the junior, who hasn’t thrown just one interception in that span.
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