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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 26
Next
Nov 12, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Aaron Williams (24) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Lender (7) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Aaron Williams (24) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Lender (7) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

In a game where either Nebraska or Minnesota was going to keep pace with Wisconsin in the Big Ten West, the Cornhuskers prevailed in a tense affair at home. Both defenses were strong throughout the game, as the Blackshirts allowed fewer than 300 total yards to the visitors. Rebounding from a 17-10 deficit at halftime, Mike Riley’s team pitched a shutout in the second half to prevail thanks to a strong dual-threat performance from Tommy Armstrong Jr. that will keep the Huskers in the AP Top 25 for another week.

The Cornhuskers now need to root for either Purdue or Minnesota to knock off Wisconsin if they hope to reach the Big Ten championship. They also need to close out their regular season schedule. Next week they take on Maryland in their final home game before closing out the year at Iowa. If they win both and the Badgers don’t lose another game, Nebraska will probably be headed to one of the second-tier Florida bowl games affiliated with the Big Ten such as the Capital One Bowl.