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College Football Playoff Rankings 2020, Week 13: 3 biggest surprises

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 21, 2020; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Nik Bonitto (11) reacts at the end of the first half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2020; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Nik Bonitto (11) reacts at the end of the first half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 7, 2020; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Lorenzo Fauatea (55) celebrates with defensive lineman Alden Tofa (57) after a play against the Navy Midshipmen during the second half at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2020; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Lorenzo Fauatea (55) celebrates with defensive lineman Alden Tofa (57) after a play against the Navy Midshipmen during the second half at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports /

2. BYU Cougars (No. 14)

I’ve bought stock in BYU this season and after a 9-0 start and No. 8 ranking in the AP Top 25, I figured the Cougars were a lock to make the top 10 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings.

Zach Wilson is one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the nation and it could be argued that BYU is the best team outside of the Group of Five — along with Cincinnati. But seeing them ranked No. 14 behind teams like Iowa State, Indiana, Oklahoma, Miami, Northwestern and Georgia was surprising.

BYU is 9-0 and three of the above teams have two losses. Sure, the Cougars have an awful strength of schedule, but that’s no fault of their own. The Cougars are an independent team and before COVID-19 hit, they have a number of Power Five teams on the schedule and there’s a good chance they would have won those games.

Unfortunately for BYU, the playoff rankings aren’t based on hypotheticals but results instead. But the Cougars are unbeaten and have barely been challenged by anyone.

This team is blowing through opponents this year and deserves better than a No. 14 ranking.

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