The unbeaten University of Washington football team — receiving begrudging respect and favor as its magical season continues to play out — moved up to No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings, its highest standing yet.

The committee rewarded the Huskies after they beat Washington State 24-21 in the Apple Cup to improve to a perfect 12-0, and elevated them at the expense of previously unbeaten Ohio State, which lost to Michigan 30-24 and dropped four spots to No. 6 and likely out of CFP contention.