College Football Rankings 2020: Projected AP Top 25 for Week 11

With Clemson behind at halftime against Notre Dame, look for Alabama to climb into the top spot of the AP Top 25 despite remaining idle in Week 10. The Crimson Tide head into Week 11 play rested and ranked No. 1 thanks to the marquee matchup of the weekend swinging in favor of the home team. As a result, Alabama extends a streak of seasons with at least one appearance in the top spot of the AP poll that dates back to 2008.

Nick Saban’s crew entered Week 10 ranked third nationally in scoring, as the Mac Jones- and Najee Harris-fueled offense averaged 47.2 points per game through its first half-dozen outings. That has easily outpaced the 22 yards per game allowed by the Crimson Tide defense, as Alabama has won every game to date by at least 15 points (including the scare against Ole Miss). That has Alabama in position to capitalize on a Clemson loss and jump into a familiar position in the national race.

Alabama returns to the field in Week 11 for a night game in Death Valley against rival LSU. With Kentucky, Auburn, and Arkansas also on the schedule before the end of the regular season, the Crimson Tide must remain vigilant lest they land in a trap. In an otherwise weird season for the SEC, Alabama remains a constant as the hegemonic force in the West.