There was a significant change within the newest set of Faculty Soccer Playoff Rankings, as Texas A&M dropped out of the highest 4 to No. 7 following its loss to Texas within the closing full weekend of the common season. The Aggies’ drop allowed Texas Tech to climb into the highest 4 at No. 4.
Georgia additionally climbed one spot to No. 3 whereas Ohio State and Indiana stay No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. That wasn’t the one notable improvement in Tuesday’s rankings, although.
Notre Dame slipped one spot to No. 10 after sitting at 9 for a number of weeks. Alabama leapfrogged the Combating Irish after closing its season with a slender 27-20 victory in opposition to in-state rival Auburn. The Crimson Tide can cement their standing in Saturday’s SEC Championship Recreation conflict in opposition to Georgia, whereas Notre Dame — as an impartial — left its final impression on the choice committee in Week 14.
It appears like Ole Miss can be unaffected by coach Lane Kiffin’s departure for LSU. The Rebels nonetheless rank sixth, which provides them homefield benefit on the projected Faculty Soccer Playoff bracket. Retaining a lot of the remaining teaching employees by the postseason a minimum of possible helped Ole Miss’ outlook.
Tulane remained because the highest-ranked Group of 5 college at No. 20, which might give the Inexperienced Wave the No. 12 seed within the projected bracket. Virginia would sit on the 11-seed if it is capable of deal with enterprise in opposition to Duke within the ACC Championship Recreation.
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James Madison made its Faculty Soccer Playoff Rankings debut after capping an 11-1 common season with a 59-10 win in opposition to Coastal Carolina. The Dukes, who went undefeated in convention play, will face off in opposition to Troy within the Solar Belt Convention Championship Recreation Friday. That is a probably big spot for the Dukes.
They’re going to want some assist, however the path to the playoff is there. If Virginia loses within the ACC Championship Recreation, that may seemingly open one of many 5 computerized bids. It is onerous to think about a five-loss Duke group vaulting over the likes of James Madison.
So there is a state of affairs the place two Group of 5 groups make the Faculty Soccer Playoff. The belief is that the winner of the American Convention — both No. 20 Tulane or No. 24 North Texas — will get an computerized bid it doesn’t matter what occurs.
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Notre Dame on the ropes?
Although Notre Dame fell only one spot to No. 10, that is a really vital improvement. It means the Combating Irish at the moment are the final group to make the sector with an at-large bid. That is bubble territory.
Since Notre Dame would not play in a convention title recreation this week, it technically can’t management its personal destiny anymore. The Combating Irish are possible cheering for No. 4 Texas Tech within the Huge 12 Championship Recreation. If No. 11 BYU wins the Huge 12 title, there is a sturdy likelihood that it supplants Notre Dame as a champion whereas Texas Tech falls to an at-large spot — leaving no room for the Combating Irish.
