Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 11: League in a precarious CFP position
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Big Ten faces uncertainty about College Football Playoff (CFP) representation, with hopes now likely limited to two teams instead of the anticipated three or four, as recent rankings show UCLA at No. 4 but Indiana dropping to No. 9.
- USC controls its own destiny with upcoming key games against Indiana and UCLA, which could significantly impact the Big Ten's playoff chances and potentially displace other top teams from the CFP spots.
- The conference's playoff hopes hinge on UCLA and Indiana winning out and meeting in the Big Ten title game, but risks remain if UCLA suffers multiple late-season losses or if Indiana and USC falter.
- Other Big Ten teams like Iowa, Oregon, and Ohio State face challenging schedules with no ranked opponents left, making upward movement in rankings difficult without external chaos among higher-ranked teams.
- The Big Ten's internal unpredictability contrasts with the SEC's relative stability, which currently holds four teams in the CFP top 11, complicating the Big Ten's bid for multiple playoff spots despite national chaos benefiting some conferences.
