Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

Washington cracks top four of latest College Football Playoff ranking

There is a major change at the top of this week's College Football Playoff ranking as the Washington Huskies moved into the No. 4 spot, jumping ahead of the Florida State Seminoles.

The top-three spots all remained the same with Georgia staying at No. 1, followed by Ohio State at No. 2 and Michigan at No. 3.

Florida State, who had been ranked in the fourth spot, fell to No. 5 even with its 58-13 win over Georgia State on Saturday. 

That was a costly win for the Seminoles as they lost starting quarterback Jordan Travis to a season-ending leg injury. Florida State still has a very formidable team without Travis, but losing a top-tier quarterback is a game-changer for its season. That injury, combined with the fact that Washington has a superior resume with more quality wins was enough to finally get the Huskies into the top-four.

Washington was able to beat Oregon State, 22-20, for its fourth win over a ranked opponent (and third in a row). Along with Oregon State, Washington has also beaten Oregon, USC and Utah. 

The Huskies go for a 12-0 record on Saturday in a rivalry game with Washington State. 

It is important to keep in mind that one of the top four is guaranteed to get a loss this week as Ohio State and Michigan will play each other. That could create an opportunity for Florida State (or Oregon or Texas) to perhaps jump over the loser depending on how much weight the committee puts on that game. 

The rest of the top 10 includes Oregon (No. 6), Texas (No. 7),  Alabama (No. 8), Missouri (No. 9) and Louisville (No. 10).

Liberty (11-0) is a new addition to the top-25 this rank, coming in with a No. 25 ranking. 

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