25. Illinois Fighting Illini (7-3) — An argument can be made that if a three-loss team is considered for an at-large spot in the College Football Playoff, Illinois deserves strong consideration, given that two of its losses came against top-tier opponents in Oregon and Penn State.
24. UNLV Rebels (8-2) — UNLV is still fighting for a spot in the Mountain West Championship Game and could play spoiler with a rematch against Boise State should it get there.
23. Missouri Tigers (8-3) — Missouri remains ranked even with a heartbreaking loss in the closing minute at South Carolina.
22. Iowa State Cyclones (8-2) — A path to the Big 12 Championship Game is still open for Iowa State if the Big 12 shakes out just right. The Cyclones have an outside shot at reaching the playoff too.
21. Arizona State Sun Devils (8-2) — How about this turnaround for Arizona State and second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham? The Sun Devils are in contention for the Big 12 title as a new member this season.
