Wisconsin football: Badgers ranked No. 12 in week 13 CFP poll

One step back, two steps forward.

After falling from No. 13 to No. 14 last week, the Badgers jumped ahead to No. 12 in the College Football Playoff rankings released Tuesday evening. The committee continues to view the Badgers favorably, as it once again ranks Wisconsin higher than the Associated Press or coaches.

Key notes for Wisconsin

No. 10 Minnesota remains ahead of Wisconsin after the Gophers’ fell at the hands of the No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes. On the other hand, should both teams win next week, Paul Chryst will have another crack at a road victory against a top-ten team during Axe Week.

I can’t believe I typed that last sentence.

Of the 11 teams in front of Wisconsin, four are in the SEC, three are in the B1G and two are in the Pac-12. The ACC and Big 12 each have one team in front of Wisconsin. Therefore, even if Wisconsin were to complete a miracle and win the B1G, a spot in the top four would require at least two more miracles.

Around the country

• The top seven remained completely unchanged from week 12.
• No. 18 Memphis jumps No. 19 Cincinnati for the inside track as the highest ranked “Group of Five” team.
• The Pac-12 is in striking distance for a spot in the CFP.
• The No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners are probably huge Badgers fans right now. If Wisconsin wins out, it will likely clear the way for the OK Boomer Sooners into the playoffs.