If we could skip the second and third spots in our Top 10 and rank teams #1 and then #4 through #12--without you, dear readers, thinking we were sniffing too much glue--then by gum we would do it.

That's how strongly we feel that only one team, Alabama, has proved on a consistent basis that it deserves to play for a national title, while the rest of the so-called top teams in the country have, well, simply not distinguished themselves.

However, the last thing we want to do is revolutionize the rankings system in college sports--if for no other reason than we don't like change. Here are our CFB rankings after Week 12, from our usual fantasy perspective (won-loss records in parentheses).

 

NCAA College Football (CBB) Rankings

1. Alabama, (11-0)

With 2,139 passing yards and 803 rushing yards, freshman QB Jalen Hurts has suddenly emerged as a Heisman candidate--not surprising, in a way, given that he plays the most important position on the nation's best team. He operated at half speed this week against Chattanooga. He'll need to play much better in the Iron Bowl against Auburn to keep the Crimson Tide's unbeaten run going.

2. Clemson, (10-1)

Keep in mind, the Tigers are a distant second... Yes, they bounced back with a win over a halfway decent Wake Forest team, but we don't see them as being in the same league--figuratively--as 'Bama. Meanwhile QB Deshaun Watson's stock is dropping faster than the Dow on Black Monday.

3. Ohio State, (10-1)

The Buckeyes can thank Michigan State's bizarre decision to go for two late on Saturday for keeping them in the three spot. Sparty may be 3-8, but East Lansing has been a relative house of horrors for Ohio State in recent years, and running back LJ Scott (160 yards against the Buckeyes) is the real deal. There'll only be room for one Big Ten team in the playoffs, though, and...

4. Michigan, (10-1)

... as expected, it'll come down to this Saturday's "Showdown at the Shoe." Will QB Wilton Speight play for the Wolverines? It may not matter if De'Veon Smith continues to run the ball well. The senior has drawn the attention of NFL scouts with 750 yards and 10 TDs on the season, despite Jim Harbaugh's running-back-by-committee approach.

5. Oklahoma, (9-2)

It's official, the Sooners are the hottest team in the country. They have two running backs (Joe Mixon and Samaje Perrine) who will be playing on Sundays next fall, and a great wideout in Dede Westbrook. And we love the intangibles QB Baker Mayfield brings. The only question will be whether Bob Stoopes' defense can stop the offenses of the elite teams in the country.

6. Oklahoma State, (9-2)

The second hottest team in the land? The Sooners' in-state rivals, the Cowboys, who would be 10-1 had it not been for that officiating snafu against Central Michigan. Like the Sooners, the 'Pokes are loaded with future NFL stars on the offensive side of the ball, starting with QB Mason Rudolph (3,591 passing yards this season). And, they have a better defense. The winner of Bedlam will likely find itself in the BCS picture.

7. Western Michigan, (11-0)

Western won again so it seems unfair to drop them a spot. However, they do play in a weak conference, the MAC. We've mentioned senior wide receiver Corey Davis before. He had 13 catches for 173 yards against Buffalo and has more than 1,200 receiving yards on the season. He'll be a late-round pick in your NFL fantasy draft next season.

8. Boise State, (10-1)

The Broncos also won, but at home against a weak UNLV team, so they fall a bit, too. Frankly, they need someone to beat Wyoming to even play for the Mountain West title, so their hopes for breaking into the BCS are likely dashed. Too bad. More of the country should see running back Jeremy McNichols, who had 206 yards rushing and four TDs against the Rebels and has 1,575 yards and 22 TDs for the year.

9. Washington, (10-1)

Similarly, we think the ship has sailed for the Huskies, too, given that the Pac-12 gets little love from the BCS Selection Committee. Still, with just one loss, they are in the mix, especially since the Big 12 (Oklahoma and Oklahoma State) is hardly a favorite of the bean counters either. With 1,130 yards on the ground, running back Myles Gaskin is two years away from playing at the next level.

10. Penn State, (9-2)

The Nittany Lions stay at #10 because, ahem, they beat Rutgers this week. Seriously, James Franklin's team is a perfect example of the drop off in talent after Alabama. That being said, RB Saquon Barkley (1,205 yards, 14 TDs) could play anywhere.