With the playoff rankings now coming out on Tuesdays, the impact of the games is realized with more intent. Ohio State quixotically rose to number one with last week’s first playoff poll, with the shuffled top five still involving all of the undefeated schools. This week saw impactful matchups with results that saw everyone sure to hold their positions.

We had two games pitting top-10 squads against each other, with the Friday announcement that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh would be banned from the sidelines as a result of the cheating scandal involving his staff. To start though, we have a doubly curious episode, with Joseph Scates of Memphis getting hit with an official’s flag, and clearly a case of a player not wearing adequate nether protection.

If an NFL referee threw a flag like that, the league would fine him $12,592.43. pic.twitter.com/0mJeuDMquV

— Michael Hauff (@TheFFRealist) November 11, 2023

(1) Georgia 52 - (13) Ole Miss 17

The chances of the Rebels possibly slipping into the postseason have been dashed as they fall to 8-2. The Bulldogs dominated entirely with 300 yards on the ground and QB Carson Beck throwing for another 311 yards and two strikes. The defense then shut things down in the second half, giving up only a field goal in the rout.

(2) Michigan 24 - (12) Penn State 15

Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore took over the head coaching duty with Harbaugh sent away, and he had a simple game plan: Run the damn ball. Blake Corrum carried the load as he ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Moore essentially dared Penn State to stop their run, and they failed. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy only made eight passes all day, with one epic stretch of the game seeing the Wolverines make 32 straight running plays.

(5) Washington 35 - (16) Utah 28

While Utah has the respected defense, it was Washington’s usually dismissed D that made the difference. QB Michael Pennix had his usual impressive performance, throwing for 332 yards and two touchdown strikes while running for a third, but the Huskies' defense proved to be the surprise difference. No runner gained 40 yards and they shut out the Utes in the second half to take over the game.

(6) Oregon 36 - USC 27

With its only blemish on their record a close loss to Washington, the Ducks are driving to make their way to the post-season. Bo Nix was blazing all game, tossing for 412 yards and 4 TDs, as the offense racked up over 550 yards. His favorite target was Tez Johnson, who caught seven passes for 126 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns.

(4) FSU 27 - Miami 20

As they have shown all year, the Hurricanes play down to lesser squads but challenge the strong teams. With backup quarterback Emory Williams not lighting it up, a good defensive performance and decent running game kept the game in reach, but the Seminoles shut down the run in the second half and stopped Miami on a final drive late with a chance at tying things up. Trey Benson managed big runs at key times and scored twice to give FSU the lift it needed.

(11) Missouri 36 - (21) Tennessee 7

In one of the bigger surprises, the 13th and 14th-ranked teams did not play a close game. The Tigers delivered a balanced attack with 275 yards in the air and 255 on the ground, scoring 33 straight points after trailing briefly in the second quarter.

Here is this week’s new AP poll, with first-place votes in parenthesis, which will feed into the playoff rankings released on Tuesday night.

1. Georgia (54): 10-0

2. Michigan (7): 10-0

3. Ohio St. (1): 10-0

4. Florida St.: 10-0

5. Washington: 10-0

6. Oregon: 9-1

7. Texas: 9-1

8. Alabama: 9-1

9. Louisville: 9-1

10. Oregon St.: 8-2

11. Missouri: 8-2

12. Penn St.: 8-2

13. Mississippi: 8-2

14. Oklahoma: 8-2

15. LSU: 7-3

16. Utah: 7-3

17. Tulane: 9-1

18. James Madison: 10-0

19. Arizona: 7-3

20. Notre Dame: 7-3

21. Tennessee: 7-3

22. North Carolina: 8-2

23. Kansas St.: 7-3

24. Oklahoma St.: 7-3

25. Liberty: 10-0