College Football Playoff Week 13 rankings reaction

Welcome back, Washington.

For the first time since 2016, the undefeated Huskies are in the College Football Playoff selection committee’s top four. Washington earned the No. 4 spot on Tuesday at the expense of undefeated Florida State, which slipped to No. 5.

It was the only change to the top 10, and it coincided with the biggest story of the week: FSU quarterback Jordan Travis suffering a season-ending injury Saturday against North Alabama. How the committee views Florida State with backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker in the lineup will be a critical storyline in the Seminoles’ final two games — against rival Florida on Saturday followed by Louisville in the ACC championship game.

The flip that occurred Tuesday evening was a strong possibility even before Travis was injured, as Washington has slowly padded its playoff résumé and addressed areas of the committee’s concern — such as on defense. Let’s take a closer look at why the teams swapped spots and also preview what a 12-team playoff could look like next year.

Jump to: What would a 12-team CFP look like?

Why Washington rose and Florida State fell

In a gritty 22-20 road win against Oregon State, Washington’s defense held the Beavers to a season low in points (20), total yards (317) and passing yards (169), although rainy weather might have contributed to the lower output. Oregon State, No. 16 in the committee’s latest ranking, also converted a season-low third-down percentage (3-of-12 for 25%) and had an uncharacteristic three turnovers.

“It really was about Washington and what Washington did this past weekend, going up to Beaver Stadium, tough place to play,” selection committee chair Boo Corrigan told ESPN’s Rece Davis.

It was Washington’s third win against a CFP top 25 team, including No. 6 Oregon and No. 15 Arizona. (USC and Utah were ranked when the Huskies beat them but have since fallen out of the top 25.)

With a healthy Travis, Florida State trailed 13-0 to FCS North Alabama on Saturday. Rodemaker took over and led the offense to 58 unanswered points. It was a good start against a bad opponent, but the committee took note of his performance.

Corrigan told…