An expected quiet weekend unfolded exactly like that, very little chaos happened over the past few days which isn’t great news for Notre Dame but also not the end of the world, either. So this won’t be a very interesting set of rankings, and I don’t expect the College Football Playoff committee to have a whole lot to do on Tuesday night, as well.

Here’s the latest poll from 18 Stripes:

18 Stripes Top 20 Poll

Dropped Out:

#16 USC

Well, it’s another season for Lincoln Riley at USC with at least 3 losses–although if we’re kind and give them their next game it’s at least an improvement to 7-2 in their second season in the Big Ten. Just think (and you know this is Riley’s mental state), if they didn’t have to play Notre Dame they’d still be in the playoff conversation! Their game at Oregon was close for a while but the Ducks pulled away late for a 42-27 win in Eugene. For the hosts, it solidifies their playoff chances (although the finale at Washington could be tricky). The Ducks can even make the Big Ten Championship if Michigan beats Ohio State.

For USC, that’s just about season over as they’ll host UCLA this weekend and then go to the Holiday Bowl or something.

Top Games Recap:

Oklahoma tried their best to make it as ugly as possible in a 17-6 home victory over Missouri. The Sooners were outgained but +2 in turnover margin to avoid an upset.

BYU continues to not go away while going into Cincinnati and winning somewhat comfortably 26-14. That’s 3 straight losses for the Bearcats.

An absurd ending in Salt Lake City where Utah and Kansas State combined for 1,125 yards. The Wildcats led by 10 with 6 minutes remaining but the Utes came storming back to win 51-47. Once pre-season ranked Kansas State is now 5-6 this year.

Diego Pavia kept his name in the Heisman voters minds piling up 484 passing yards, while leading his team in rushing, as Vanderbilt beat Kentucky easily 45-17.

Pitt jumped out to a quick 21-0 lead against Georgia Tech and ended up hanging on 42-28 in Atlanta. The Nard Dog ACC plan worked after the loss to Notre Dame. Let’s hope the crazy man can pull it off at home this weekend.

Houston was ranked coming into the weekend. A late TCU field goal sent the Frogs past the Cougars 17-14, though.

Interesting Games to Note:

Western Michigan 35-19 Northern Illinois: The Broncos remain atop the MAC standings going into the final weekend.

Tennessee 31-11 Florida: We have the Vols back in our rankings again.

Wisconsin 27-10 Illinois: Despite a tough year, a big win for the Badgers.

Tulane 37-13 Temple: The playoff hopes remain alive in New Orleans.

Arizona State 42-17 Colorado: They’ve been largely out of the spotlight this season but the Sun Devils can get to 9-3 next weekend.

SMU 38-6 Louisville: The Cardinals have lost 3 straight while SMU remains in the fight for the ACC Championship Game.

James Madison 24-20 Washington State: They trailed on two separate occasions only to execute a late game-winning touchdown drive for JMU.

Auburn 62-17 Mercer: Deuce Knight goes for 239 passing and 162 rushing with 6 total touchdowns in his first career start.

UConn 48-45 FAU: The Huskies regular season is over and they finish 9-3!

UCF 17-14 Oklahoma State: The Cowboys led 14-0 at halftime but extend their long Big 12 losing streak.

LSU 13-10 Western Kentucky: A loss here by the Tigers would’ve been pretty funny. Close but no cigar.

Opponent Recap:

Miami (9-2): Carson Beck threw 4 touchdowns as the Canes beat Virginia Tech 34-17 in Blacksburg.

Texas A&M (11-0): Mighty Samford was no problem for the Aggies who won 48-0.

Purdue (2-9): The Boilers couldn’t be hurt this week, they were on a bye.

Arkansas (2-9): This defense has given up at least 30 in 7 out of their last 8 games. They lost 52-37 at Texas.

Boise State (7-4): Back at home, the Broncos crushed Colorado State 49-21.

NC State (6-5): Played last Friday night, the Wolfpack held off Florida State 21-11 to move over .500 again.

USC (8-3): USC remains in 4th place within the Big Ten after their loss to Oregon.

Boston College (1-10): It was a bye week for BOB and the Eagles.

Navy (8-2): Navy was also on a bye, and due to their late matchup with Army, still have 2 regular season games remaining.

Pittsburgh (8-3): Pitt would play Virginia in the ACC Championship Game if the regular season was over today, but it’s not.

Syracuse (3-8): It’s shaping up to be a long winter in central New York.

Stanford (4-7): They got a coach fired! Stanford beats rival California 31-10 in Palo Alto to send Bears head coach Justin Wilcox packing nearing the end of his 9th season with the program.