College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 11

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) is brought down by Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) during the second half at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) is brought down by Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) during the second half at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) drops back for a pass against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) drops back for a pass against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

On a day when there have been so many upsets, it could be dangerous to call Washington State’s two-touchdown lead on California a harbinger of success… especially when we’re talking about #Pac12AfterDark action. But with a shot at turning the Apple Cup into a winner-take-all affair for the Pac-12 North, the smart money is on Mike Leach’s team managing to continue extending this lead until the final whistle.

Our projection is that the Cougars will prevail and move up a few spots in the AP Top 25. Washington’s loss could make the Pac-12 look a little weaker in the eyes of the College Football Playoff committee, so they aren’t likely to move much higher in their rankings on Tuesday night, but Wazzu is still in great shape to make noise through the rest of November. Before they host the Huskies on Black Friday, they must first go to Boulder to face Pac-12 South leader Colorado.