Joel Klatt releases updated Top 10 rankings entering Week 13

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt released his latest top 10 rankings in college football entering Week 13, the final weekend of the regular season.

Klatt aligns with other rankings, for the most part. However, after a devastating injury to one star quarterback, he had to shake things up drastically.

Let’s dive into Klatt’s latest top 10 rankings entering the final weekend of the regular season.

1. Georgia

Georgia dominated once again, this time 38-10 over Tennessee and it’s time to be very afraid of the Bulldogs again. The last month-plus saw the return of the two-time champs, for real. Klatt is a firm believer.

Carson Beck threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns while Kendall Milton got it going on the ground with 66 yards and one touchdown. Georgia Tech next week and then it’s Alabama time.

2. Michigan

Michigan has been dominant all year, sans the last two weeks. Still, Klatt has this team as his second best squad in college football and arguably the biggest challenger to Georgia.

A stifling defense, excellent run game and solid passing from JJ McCarthy could lead this team to a cruising win over Ohio State at the Wolverines’ peak. But we have a funny feeling it’s going to be closer than that.

3. Ohio State

The Buckeyes won’t back down easily. They have payback on their minds after the last two match ups with arch rival Michigan. This team is excellent.

It starts with the defense, which is one of the best in the country. If that offense is humming, this is Michigan’s scariest matchup outside of Georgia. The Game will in fact, be awesome.

4. Washington

So Washington is in the playoff now, according to Klatt. The win over Oregon State was very impressive on the road and it should give the Huskies a bump.

Of course, the argument is going to be if the Huskies should pass Florida State right now. But more on that later. Washington has to take care of business against Washington State and Oregon to make it to the dance.

5. Oregon

Speaking of Oregon, the race for the Pac-12 is neck and neck. By the way, the Ducks have to beat Arizona to get to the conference championship.

Arizona is no pushover, but Oregon is a freight train right now. If there’s a win this weekend, the rematch against Washington should be one of the games of the year.

6. Texas

Simply put, Texas just took care of business and beat Iowa State 26-16. The Longhorns kept their playoff hopes alive and are now 10-1 on the season. Texas knows the roadmap: win out.

Quinn Ewers was efficient and threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns while CJ Baxter ran well in place of the injured Jonathon Brooks. He had 117 yards off 20 carries and could be key these last couple of weeks.

7. Alabama

Nothing new for Alabama this week other than a blowout win over Chattanooga, 66-10. This sets up for the all important Iron Bowl this coming weekend after Auburn was upset by New Mexico State.

Alabama is as hot as any team in the country. Nick Saban knows the path though: win out and beat Georgia in the SEC Championship. That should get the Crimson Tide to the playoff, but there’s a good amount of contenders in front.

8. Florida State

Here is where Klatt differs from other rankings. He has Florida State much lower than most of the projections. That’s due to the Jordan Travis injury.

Now that’s not to say Florida State can still make the playoff, although even an undefeated Seminoles team will raise questions without its starting quarterback. For now, this is a logical ranking based on what we know.

9. Louisville

The Louisville Cardinals are in an interesting spot considering they could be barely in the top 10 of the rankings. However, two straight wins, which would include an ACC title win over Florida State, would be very interesting.

That would certainly give Louisville a chance at the playoff, but the team likely needs help to pass others. However, there would be a good argument to put the Cardinals in the playoff in Year 1 under Jeff Brohm.

10. Penn State

Penn State remained in the top 10 this week, but the Nittany Lions are out of the playoff race. They lost to Michigan and Ohio State and will have no Big Ten title, a drought that’s lasted since 2016.

Sure, 10 wins will be nice, should that happen this weekend. Plus, a potential New Year’s Six win? Also nice. But the fans want more than falling just short to the big two in their own division.

One more week to go folks. Take whatever rankings you want, throw them out the window and get ready for Thanksgiving and rivalry weekend!