College Football Playoff Rankings Prediction Top 20 Projection
20. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 9-1
Last Week College Football Playoff Ranking: 25
The Case For This Spot: This might be more of a wish than a projection – the Ragin’ Cajuns should be ranked ahead of Iowa State – with the only loss coming by three to Coastal Carolina. Ha ha ha … Louisiana ended the Appalachian State game with a rough landing, and there was a strange safety, but it did beat a strong team on the road 24-21.
Up Next: Coastal Carolina (Sun Belt Championship)
19. Tulsa Golden Hurricane 5-1
Last Week College Football Playoff Ranking: 24
The Case For This Spot: The only loss was in the season opener to Oklahoma State 16-7 on the road, and there are just enough decent wins to move up in a week when a whole lot of teams got knocked out. The showdown this week against Cincinnati at home will be the program’s big chance to make a massive statement.
Up Next: Cincinnati
18. Colorado Buffaloes 4-0
Last Week College Football Playoff Ranking: Not Ranked
The Case For This Spot: There are only five unbeaten Power Five teams remaining. Colorado has been one of the best surprises of 2020 with more wins over teams that will likely finish with a winning record – UCLA, Stanford, San Diego State – than Ohio State can boast.
Up Next: Utah
17. BYU Cougars 9-1
Last Week College Football Playoff Ranking: 13
The Case For This Spot: There’s going to be a certain level of respect from the committee for BYU making the last-moment decision to go across the country to face a dangerous Coastal Carolina, and there will be even more respect for the wonderful game the team played. However, now, there’s a win over Boise State, and that’s really about it.
Up Next: San Diego State
16. Iowa Hawkeyes 5-2
Last Week College Football Playoff Ranking: 19
The Case For This Spot: It might not all look pretty, and the first 20 minutes or so against Illinois was rough, but the Hawkeyes are on a five-game winning streak after coming very, very, very close to beating both Purdue and Northwestern in close losses to start the season.
Up Next: Wisconsin