There was a serious change within the newest set of School Soccer Playoff Rankings, as Texas A&M dropped out of the highest 4 to No. 7 following its loss to Texas within the last 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 Preventing 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 Sport conflict in opposition to Georgia, whereas Notre Dame — as an impartial — left its final impression on the choice committee in Week 14. 

It seems to be like Ole Miss might be unaffected by coach Lane Kiffin’s departure for LSU. The Rebels nonetheless rank sixth, which provides them homefield benefit on the projected School Soccer Playoff bracket. Retaining a lot of the remaining teaching workers by means of the postseason no less than seemingly 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 in a position to maintain enterprise in opposition to Duke within the ACC Championship Sport. 

James Madison made its School 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 Sport Friday. That is a doubtlessly enormous 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 Sport, that might seemingly open one of many 5 automated bids. It is arduous to think about a five-loss Duke workforce vaulting over the likes of James Madison. 

So there is a state of affairs the place two Group of 5 groups make the School Soccer Playoff. The belief is that the winner of the American Convention — both No. 20 Tulane or No. 24 North Texas — will get an automated bid it doesn’t matter what occurs. 

School Soccer Playoff Rankings response: Why James Madison at No. 25 may spell catastrophe for the ACC

Shehan Jeyarajah

Notre Dame on the ropes? 

Although Notre Dame fell only one spot to No. 10, that is a really vital improvement. It means the Preventing Irish at the moment are the final workforce to make the sphere with an at-large bid. That is bubble territory. 

Since Notre Dame does not play in a convention title recreation this week, it technically can not management its personal destiny anymore. The Preventing Irish are seemingly cheering for No. 4 Texas Tech within the Large 12 Championship Sport. If No. 11 BYU wins the Large 12 title, there is a robust probability that it supplants Notre Dame as a champion whereas Texas Tech falls to an at-large spot — leaving no room for the Preventing Irish.