Brent Venable talks about Oklahoma State preparing for the playoffs.
Brent Venables said Oklahoma’s resiliency against its opponents proves it’s ready for the playoffs.
Ohio State beat Michigan, Indiana beat Purdue and Georgia topped Georgia Tech to determine the top three spots in this week’s U.S. LBM Coaches Poll.
The debate in the new poll will be about which team will finish fourth between Oregon State and Texas Tech.
Oregon State defeated Washington State 26-14, ending the year with one loss. Although the Ducks missed the Big Ten Championship Game, they are still a team expected to win at least one game in the College Football Playoff.
A&M lost to Texas 27-17 and will not play in the SEC Championship Game as Alabama attends to business against Auburn. The Aggies’ resume is highlighted by wins over Notre Dame, LSU, and Missouri State.
Here are this week’s top 10 poll results:
1. Ohio State (12-0)
The Buckeyes advanced to the Big Ten Championship Game with a 27-9 victory over Michigan. This was the Buckeyes’ seventh win over a bowl team, joining previous losses to Texas, Ohio, Washington, Minnesota, Illinois and Penn State.
2. Indiana (12-0)
The Hoosiers didn’t need much from Fernando Mendoza in their 56-3 win over rival Purdue. Mendoza had a season-low 15 attempts, but the running game led the Boilermakers to 355 yards and five touchdowns, an impressive 9.6 yards per carry.
3. Georgia (11-1)
The University of Georgia defeated Georgia Tech 16-9, moving up one spot to third place. The defense has been great lately, but the offense has been a mixed bag. Gunner Stockton had just 70 yards against the Jackets, but the Bulldogs finished with a season-low 260 yards on 3.9 yards per play.
4. Oregon State (11-1)
The Ducks defeated Washington, clinching an at-large berth and a home game in the opening game. Dante Moore had 286 passing yards and one score and could have earned a trip to Manhattan as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
5. Texas A&M (11-1)
It’s possible they could end up in fourth place, but considering Mississippi State hasn’t won a major over Oklahoma State, it will almost certainly end in fifth place. Of course, missing the SEC Championship Game hurts, but there are benefits to the extra week of rest, as well as a chance to be the No. 5 seed in the playoff standings, with the Aggies likely facing a representative from the Group of Five.
6. Mississippi State (11-1)
The Rebels avoided an upset at Mississippi State and tied the program’s single-season winning record. With or without Lane Kiffin, this team will host the opening round of the playoffs and should have a chance to at least advance to the quarterfinals.
7. Texas Tech (11-1)
Tech will earn a rematch with Brigham Young after defeating West Virginia 49-0. Although the Red Raiders lost once to Arizona State, there has been no doubt all season that they are the best team in the Big 12 and one of the best teams in the nation.
8.28 Offer (10-2)
The beautiful and ugly win over LSU would seal a ferocious win close to the regular season and send the Sooners to the playoffs. After a disappointing first year in the SEC, the program has at least ironed things out on defense, although the offense still looks like a frustrating work in progress.
9. Notre Dame Cathedral (10-2)
The Irish would finish with just two losses and defeat Stanford to advance to the playoffs. All that remains is where Notre Dame lands in the final rankings and whether running back Jeremiah Love becomes a Heisman Trophy finalist.
10. Alabama (10-2)
Alabama defeated Auburn 27-20 in the Iron Bowl and will now face Georgia for the SEC Championship. The biggest question next weekend will be whether the Tide, which defeated Georgia earlier this year, can make the playoffs even if they lose in the rematch.
