Breaking down College Football Playoff Selection Committee’s Week 13 top 6

The College Football Playoff Selection Committee revealed its Week 13 rankings, slotting the top six contenders for the four-team CFP field. With a mixed bag of resume building wins and surprise upsets in Week 12, the top six teams shifted to Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, Cincinnati, Michigan and Notre Dame.

Oregon and Michigan State join the pack of two-loss teams, putting head-to-head talk in the background for a week. With rivalry week ahead, these six teams have now positioned themselves as the favorites. Take a look at what each CFP contender brings to the table heading into Week 13.

Georgia Bulldogs (11-0)

Georgia shared the big man love with a Jordan Davis package on the goal line but showed very little. As rumors about George Pickens’ progress continue rolling in, the excitement on offense builds. Stetson Bennett’s team is finding continuity on offense with the same-old defensive prowess. At 11-0 with a rivalry game against Georgia Tech, the Bulldogs look primed to roll into the College Football Playoff regardless of the SEC Championship outcome.

Remaining schedule: at Georgia Tech.

Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1)

Ohio State’s high-powered offense obliterated No. 7 Michigan State, blasting the Spartans off the CFP radar. CJ Stroud’s big day lofted him into Heisman contention and moved the trio of Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxson Smith-Njigba closer to a historic mark at 1,000 yards each. The Buckeyes still hold plenty strength of schedule cards with Michigan and a potential Big Ten championship matchup.

Remaining schedule: at Michigan.

Alabama Crimson Tide (10-1)

Bryce Young’s record-setting performance lifted Alabama over Sam Pittman’s feisty Arkansas defense, but the same questions remain. The consistency issues linger with pesky in-state rival Auburn looking to upset Alabama after multiple disappointing losses. Despite Young’s Heisman odds, coupled with the emergence of unconventional candidate Will Anderson Jr, Alabama continues searching. The question remains whether two-loss Alabama make the playoff, but the Big Ten contenders and slow rise of Notre Dame complicate matters.

Remaining schedule: at Auburn.

Cincinnati Bearcats (11-0)

After struggling with the eye test, Cincinnati popped against SMU. Facing one of the AAC’s best opponents, the Bearcats cruised to victory behind Desmond Ridder and the always stiff defense. With the lack of respect given to American Conference opponents, strength of schedule remains Cincinnati’s biggest enemy as it looks secure a top-four spot while holding off Michigan and Notre Dame. The Oregon loss offered a big break, and a shot at CFP history.

Remaining schedule: at East Carolina.

Michigan Wolverines (10-1)

After years spent on the hot seat bubble, Jim Harbaugh continues to impress with his old-school team. By abandoning modern football for a strong run game and stout defense, the Wolverines have clawed their way into contention. Impressive work from edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo strikes fear in a pass-first offense like Ohio State. The head-to-head meeting on the final week will prove pivotal in the Big Ten and CFP race.

Remaining schedule: Ohio State.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-1)

After falling out of the CFP picture with its loss to Group of Five Cincinnati, Notre Dame has rebounded nicely. Six straight wins have the Fighting Irish in prime position to capitalize on a two-loss pile up behind them. After seeing Oregon and Michigan State fall away with a battle of one-loss teams headlining the Big Ten slate, and a chance for one-loss Alabama to fall against Georgia in December, a late-night road trip to California could be all that stands between Notre Dame and a comeback story.

Remaining schedule: at Stanford