College Football Rankings 2020: Projected AP Top 25 final rankings

Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Brian Robinson Jr. (4) runs the ball against Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tuf Borland (32) and linebacker Baron Browning (5) during the fourth quarter in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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(Photo by Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports) /

San Jose State headed to Arizona as a nine-point favorite against MAC champion Ball State. The Spartans, undefeated through the regular season, lost any chance for a claim to the national title as they collapsed 34-13 against the Cardinals in Tucson. After a season where they opened training camp at Humboldt State and played their final two home games in Las Vegas, the Spartans had enough points entering the postseason to remain in the AP Top 25 despite the loss.

Nick Starkel threw for 268 yards and a touchdown on 25-of-42 passing, but he also launched three interceptions and exited early. Nick Nash fared no better, completing only one of his four attempts for 10 yards and tossing a pick of his own. Ball State held the Spartans to only 69 rushing yards, in part because of a strong Cardinals defense and in part because San Jose State played from behind the whole game after spotting their opponent a 27-0 lead in the first quarter.

Before this loss, San Jose State was ranked in the top 10 in two different computer rankings that count toward national championship claims. Now they will barely cling to top 25 status in any poll or computer algorithm, just barely making the cut among AP voters in their final set of rankings this year.

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