College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 12

There is no reason to expect that anyone but Alabama will occupy this spot when the AP Top 25 is released on Sunday. The Crimson Tide actually fell behind in the first quarter to Chattanooga, but there was never really any doubt that the SEC West champions were going to emerge victorious even against a high-quality FCS team. Jalen Hurts threw for fewer than 200 yards but notched three touchdowns, and he kept the Mocs defense honest with his running ability. Chattanooga mustered just 183 yards of offense in the loss.

All that is left now for Alabama to complete a perfect regular season is their Iron Bowl matchup at home against rival Auburn over Thanksgiving weekend. The Crimson Tide are already guaranteed their spot in Atlanta to contest the SEC championship game, meaning that all Auburn can really do is play spoiler at this point. Even if Nick Saban’s team were to lose to the Tigers, however, it is unlikely that they would drop out of contention for the College Football Playoff given their reputation and level of competition. Essentially, if the Tide win the SEC they are in the semifinals.