College Football Playoff: Which Teams Are Staying or Going?

Washington Huskies

The lone undefeated in the Pac-12, the Huskies now find themselves among the nation's elite. Their nERD of 31.34 is fourth, so their number four ranking is suitable given their record and consistency of play.

As difficult as it was for Washington to make it into the projected Playoff teams, it might be more difficult for them to stay there. They're only hanging on by a spot, and they still have two stiff tests before them.

Two weeks from now, they'll play host to the Arizona State Sun Devils -- their weakest opponent of the three yet outstanding. But, on the front and tail end of that likely win are two matchups with top-25 clubs.

Southern Cal and Washington State have a combined nERD of 41.62 while the two rate 14th and 7th among our top teams, respectively. The Apple Cup looms largest, as the Huskies will be forced to go on the road to cap off what could be a perfect regular season.

With the lackluster reputation of the Pac-12, it could take just one loss for the Huskies to be ousted from the top four. Be that as it may, if they're on top of their game, the Huskies could build upon their resume with two top-25 wins in three games. They could drop a game but just as easily enter the two-versus-three matchup before all is said and done.