PULLMAN, WA – NOVEMBER 25: Washington sophomore quarterback Jake Browning (3) rears back to throw a long completion during the game between the University of Washington Huskies and the Washington State University Cougars on November 25, 2016 at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by Robert Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
By Kevin Trahan on

Each week, before the college football rankings come out, we at The Comeback will give you a look at our predictions for upcoming rankings. These aren’t just based on our opinion of what the Top 25 and College Football Playoff rankings will look like. It’s also based on trends regarding how the voters and CFP committee have treated similar teams in the past.

Here’s the outlook on the College Football Playoff Rankings after Week 12 action, the final full week of the 2016 season. How does the top of the rankings look after Michigan-Ohio State, along with wins by Clemson and Washington?

Biggest risers

Western Michigan (No. 21 to No. 15)

The committee has been skeptical of Western Michigan so far, but looking at how most of the teams ahead of the Broncos fared (Florida, Nebraska, Tennessee, Boise State and Houston all lost, some in embarrassing fashion), I’m not sure how they can’t move up. Operation Row The Boat to the Playoff is one game away from a reality.

Washington (No. 5 to No. 4)

The committee has been skeptical of Washington all year too, but the Huskies got their biggest win of the year, demolishing a good Washington State team. That should be enough to move them ahead of two-loss Michigan. Add in a potential top 10 win against Colorado in the Pac-12 title game, and the Huskies should be in great shape to make the Playoff.

Florida State (No. 14 to No. 12)

Not many bowl scenarios changed at the very top, but Florida State’s impressive win over Florida, coupled with Louisville’s loss to Kentucky, might very well push the Seminoles into a New Year’s Six bowl over the Cardinals.

Biggest fallers

Michigan (No. 3 to No. 5)

Michigan isn’t out of the Playoff hunt yet, but the Wolverines no longer control their own destiny. They need a Washington or Clemson loss next week, while also hoping the committee takes their strength of schedule into account and prefers their head-to-head wins over Penn State and Wisconsin over one of those teams earning the title of Big Ten Champion.

Nebraska (No. 16 to not ranked)

Nebraska was in the top 10 once upon a time, but the Huskers didn’t play a good team until late in the season. They lost to the three good teams they played, including blowouts at Ohio State (62-3) and Iowa (40-10), the latter to end the season.

https://youtu.be/0_otEQFmc-k

Tennessee (No. 17 to No. 25)

Can you still be Champions of Life when you lose to Vanderbilt? Probably not.

Projected rankings

  1. Alabama (no change from previous College Football Playoff rankings)
  2. Ohio State (no change)
  3. Clemson (+1)
  4. Washington (+1)
  5. Michigan (-2)
  6. Wisconsin (no change)
  7. Penn State (no change)
  8. Oklahoma (no change)
  9. Colorado (no change)
  10. Oklahoma State (no change)
  11. USC (+1)
  12. Florida State (+2)
  13. Auburn (no change)
  14. Louisville (-3)
  15. West Virginia (+3)
  16. Western Michigan (+5)
  17. Florida (-2)
  18. Stanford (+6)
  19. Navy (+6)
  20. LSU (+6)
  21. Virginia Tech (+5)
  22. Utah (no change)
  23. Iowa (+3)
  24. South Florida (+2)
  25. Tennessee (-8)

5 games to watch next week

1. No. 4 Washington vs. No. 9 Colorado

Lots of eyes will be on the Big Ten Championship Game, but for the Playoff picture to truly change, Washington needs to lose this game. That’s possible, though. Colorado has an awesome secondary that could give Washington QB Jake Browning fits.

2. No. 3 Clemson vs. No. 21 Virginia Tech

Ditto the Pac-12 title game, Clemson needs to lose for the Playoff picture to really change much. Both teams have been hot and cold, so Virginia Tech definitely has the ability to pull off the upset. But Colorado has a better chance of beating Washington than the Hokies have of beating the Tigers.

3. No. 6 Wisconsin vs. No. 7 Penn State

This game could matter in the Playoff picture, but it probably won’t unless Washington or Clemson loses. The winner should go for a blowout, too, because Michigan has head-to-head wins over both, and considerably more top 10 wins (three) than either the Badgers (zero) or the Nittany Lions (one).

4. No. 10 Oklahoma State at No. 8 Oklahoma

It’s Bedlam, and the winner goes to the Sugar Bowl to face a four-loss SEC team.

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Ronnie Harrison #15 and Tim Williams #56 of the Alabama Crimson Tide react after a defensive stop against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 26: Ronnie Harrison #15 and Tim Williams #56 of the Alabama Crimson Tide react after a defensive stop against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

5. No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 17 Florida

Let’s see if Florida can pull off the upseLOLOLOL.

About Kevin Trahan

Kevin mostly covers college football and college basketball, with an emphasis on NCAA issues and other legal issues in sports. He is also an incoming law student. He's written for SB Nation, USA Today, VICE Sports, The Guardian and The Wall Street Journal, among others. He is a graduate of Northwestern University.

View all posts by Kevin Trahan