Projected 2020 College Football Playoff Top 25 rankings for Week 15

A COVID-19 outbreak on the Minnesota football team forced the cancellation of their Week 14 game against Northwestern. Coming off their loss a week earlier against Michigan State, the absence from the gridiron could cost the Wildcats a spot or two in the College Football Playoff selection committee’s hierarchy when they gather to sort out their next set of Top 25 rankings.

With the canceled game, Northwestern effectively clinched the Big Ten West despite their most recent defeat. No secondary has rendered opposing passing attacks more impotent than the Wildcats, who rank first nationally in opposing passing efficiency and average two interceptions per game. Even though their offense is ranked 90th in scoring, Northwestern keeps winning thanks to a defense that concedes only 15.3 points per game.

All that remains on Northwestern’s schedule is a home date against state rival Illinois in Week 15. Then they will play in the Big Ten championship game, with their most likely opponent Ohio State — unless COVID-19 prevents their finale against Michigan and puts them below the minimum number of games to qualify for the division crown.