LSU’s victory over Florida, Alabama’s triumph at Texas A&M and Michigan State’s miraculous victory at Michigan caused some minor changes in our SEC vs. Big Ten comparison. Still, the top spots stay unchanged with Ohio State and LSU, respectively, staying on top.

But perhaps the most likely playoff contenders may be down a few notches. Alabama and Michigan are playing as well as any other teams in our rankings. Michigan State needed a little luck, but beat a hot Michigan team in Ann Arbor. Iowa remains unbeaten with a soft schedule that does not include Ohio State, Michigan State or Michigan. If the Hawkeyes can pull an upset in the Big Ten title game, they’re likely to make the playoff.

TITLE CONTENDERS

Everybody here has a legitimate shot to win its division, advance to a conference title game and move on to the College Football Playoff.

Despite some struggles against mediocre competition, defending national champion Ohio State remains unbeaten and the favorite to win the Big Ten. The Buckeyes were impressive routing Penn State on Saturday and their offense should improve with  JT Barnett in the lineup at quarterback. Though Leonard Fournette had another big game for LSU, it was the play of quarterback Brandon Harris that inspires optimism that the Tigers can beat Alabama and claim the SEC West.

1. Ohio State (7-0)
2. LSU (6-0)
3. Michigan State (7-0)
4. Alabama (6-1)
5. Michigan (5-2)
6. Florida (6-1)
7. Texas A&M (6-1)
8. Iowa (7-0)

BOWL BOUND

Yes, Ole Miss still controls its destiny in the SEC East race. But the loss at Memphis was a serious blow and continued the Rebels’ fall from glory since their early victory at Alabama. The SEC has a glut of good, but not great, teams. There’s not much difference from No. 9 Ole Miss through No. 15 Kentucky. Northwestern and Indiana have run out of steam after fast starts. Led by QB Zak Prescott, Mississippi State could play spoiler down the stretch with a home game against Alabama.

9. Ole Miss (5-2)
10. Georgia (5-2)
11. Mississippi State (5-2)
12. Arkansas (2-4)
13. Tennessee (3-3)
14. Auburn (4-3)
15. Kentucky (4-2)
16. Wisconsin (5-2)
17. Northwestern (5-2)
18. Indiana (4-3)

TREADING WATER

These teams are somewhat dangerous despite major flaws and should be bowl eligible by December. After a five-game streak of winning ugly against weak opponents, Penn State was exposed by Ohio State. Missouri, a great defensive team, hasn’t scored a touchdown in its last two games. Surprising Illinois, which fired its coach on the brink of the season, has great opportunities the next three weeks against Wisconsin, Penn State and Purdue. Missouri’s bowl hopes would look bleak with a loss on Saturday to Vanderbilt.

19. Penn State (5-2)
20. Missouri (4-3)
21. Illinois (4-2)
22. Nebraska (3-4)
23. Minnesota (4-3)

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Rutgers may not be as bad as it was advertised in its battle with Kansas for what was then billed as a game between the worst Power 5 teams. The Scarlet Knights were impressive two weeks ago while pushing Michigan State until the final seconds and followed up with a victory over Indiana. South Carolina faces an Orange Crush of Tennessee, Florida and Clemson down the stretch.

24. Rutgers (3-3)
25. South Carolina (3-4)
26. Maryland (2-4)
27. Purdue (1-6)
28. Vanderbilt (2-4)