What the College Football Playoff rankings should look like for Week 12
![Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart screams during the first half against the Florida Gators at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, October 28, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fdd19e8eb1f6f959bf1b60932bda74e47f1b228e737c2033032f56f6771c99dfd.jpg "Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart screams during the first half against the Florida Gators at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, October 28, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]")
No. 20: North Carolina Tar Heels (8-2, +4). The Tobacco Road Rivalry could not be decided in 60 minutes and required two OTs to be decided in favor of the home Tar Heels. Nothing is sweeter for Carolina fans than putting the final nail in the coffin on Duke’s above-expectations season. Drake Maye continues to play far above the level you would expect from a sophomore QB in a Power 5 conference. With this win, UNC stays in the hunt to make the ACC Championship Game, despite the slim opportunity. The Tar Heels stay on the redemption path this weekend at Clemson.
No. 19: Tulane Green Wave (9-1, +4). It’s been tight these past 3 games for the Green Wave, all wins coming down to 2 or 3 points. The Green Wave still holds the title of Best Group of 5 teams, albeit that title holds a lot less weight than it has in years past. Junior QB Michael Pratt has been sturdy this year, holding an 8-0 record in games in which he’s played. Tulane holds a 6-0 record in AAC play but holds only a share of first place, tied with SMU and UTSA, both with 6-0 records. Tulane looks to retain a spot atop the AAC this weekend at FAU.
No. 18: Iowa Hawkeyes (8-2, +4). After another defensive masterclass against Rutgers, holding the Scarlet Knights scoreless 22-0, the Hawkeyes take the driver’s seat in the Big 10 West. If Iowa produced just 10 more offensive points per game, this team would be fighting for a top 10 spot in these rankings. A Power 5 conference team limiting opponents to 12.3 points per game should be better than 8-2. The team lacks offensive star power but boasts an embarrassment of defensive riches. If the offense can kick it into gear, Michigan and Ohio State might be on upset watch come conference championship weekend. The Hawkeyes face Illinois at home in hopes of clinching an appearance in the Big 10 Championship Game.
No. 17: Arizona Wildcats (7-3, +4). Not many people expected Arizona to be knocking on the door of the top 15, and some might even be surprised to see them bowl-eligible. Simply put, Noah Fifita has taken this offense to the next level. Backed by amazing performances by Sophomore RB Jonah Coleman (179 rushing yards) and Senior RB DJ Williams (33 yards, 2 TDs), the Wildcats held off Coach Prime and the Buffaloes 34-31 in enemy territory to improve to 5-2 in conference play. The Pac-12 Championship might be out of reach but the Alamo or Holiday Bowl are not. HC Jedd Fisch is on the hunt for a statement win and fifth in a row this weekend at home against Utah.
No. 16: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-3, +4). The Fighting Irish were inactive so they ride the tide of teams ahead of them losing up to 16. Notre Dame hosts Wake Forest on the weekend.