It’s a new era of college football, and the excitement is palpable as teams battle for a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). With the introduction of the 12-team format, the rankings released by the CFP committee are no longer the definitive end-all, be-all. However, they still ignite debate and discussion among fans and analysts alike. Every weekend, after the dust settles from the games, I present my top 10 teams, and just three days later, we’ll see how closely my rankings align with the committee’s decisions.
Oregon remains a powerhouse
Oregon is currently sitting at an impressive 11-0, with a perfect 8-0 record in the Big Ten. Last weekend, the Ducks faced a tough challenge against Wisconsin but managed to escape with a narrow victory. This week, they enjoyed a bye, allowing their signature win over Ohio State to shine even brighter. While some may question Oregon’s invincibility after a less-than-stellar performance against the Badgers, it’s important to remember that navigating the Big Ten is no easy feat. With their playoff spot virtually secured, fans are eagerly anticipating a potential rematch with the Buckeyes in Indianapolis.
Last week’s rank: 1
Ohio State’s resurgence
In the second spot, we have Ohio State, boasting a 10-1 record and a 7-1 mark in the Big Ten. After a narrow loss to Oregon earlier in the season, the Buckeyes have bounced back, defeating two top-five teams. Their recent 38-15 victory over Indiana showcased their strength, but Ryan Day’s squad still has much to prove on the big stage. This roster is packed with talent, and many believe it could be the last of its kind. With a potential rematch against Oregon on the horizon, the excitement is building for what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
Last week’s rank: 2
Texas proves doubters wrong
Moving on to the third spot, Texas has silenced critics who doubted the Longhorns’ ability to handle the rigors of the SEC. With a 10-1 record and a 6-1 conference mark, they’ve steamrolled through most of their SEC opponents, save for a tough loss to Georgia. Next week, they face a crucial matchup against Texas A&M that could have significant implications for both the SEC and national title races. As the Longhorns continue to build momentum, they appear ready to compete with any team in college football.
Last week’s rank: 5
Penn State’s playoff aspirations
In fourth place, Penn State stands at 10-1 with a 7-1 record in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions faced a nail-biter against Minnesota, but they managed to secure the win late in the fourth quarter. Their only loss came at the hands of Ohio State, but with a victory over Maryland next weekend, they will solidify their position in the College Football Playoff. Despite being on the outside of the Big Ten title race, Penn State remains a formidable contender.
Last week’s rank: 4
Georgia’s resurgence after setbacks
Fifth in the rankings is Georgia, who has bounced back from a tough loss to Ole Miss. With a record of 9-2 and 6-2 in the SEC, the Bulldogs have recorded two victories since that setback, including a significant win over Tennessee. As they await the outcome of the conference race, Georgia looks to secure a win against Georgia Tech next weekend, which would guarantee them a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Last week’s rank: 8
Tennessee’s playoff hopes
In sixth place, Tennessee is riding high with a 9-2 record and a 5-2 mark in the SEC. The Volunteers capitalized on the losses of Indiana and Ole Miss, positioning themselves back in the playoff discussion. After a solid win against UTEP, they face a challenging game against Vanderbilt next weekend. If they can secure the victory, they’ll finish the season at 10-2, likely earning a spot in the 12-team Playoff field.
Last week’s rank: 10
Notre Dame’s strong showing
At seventh, Notre Dame boasts a 10-1 record after a dominant performance against an undefeated Army team. The Fighting Irish showcased their physicality and speed, proving too much for the Black Knights. Despite an earlier loss to Northern Illinois, Notre Dame has a clear path to the College Football Playoff if they can defeat USC next week.
Last week’s rank: 9
SMU’s impressive run
In eighth place, SMU continues to impress with a 10-1 record and a perfect 7-0 in the ACC. After defeating Virginia 33-7, the Mustangs have clinched a spot in the ACC Championship in their first year in the power conference. With the ACC landscape shifting, SMU’s resume stands out, and they are well-positioned for a playoff berth should they win the conference.
Last week’s rank: 9
Indiana’s resilience
Ninth is Indiana, who, despite a tough loss to Ohio State, holds a strong 10-1 record with a 7-1 mark in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers faced a challenging test in Columbus, and while the 38-15 defeat was disappointing, it doesn’t overshadow their impressive start to the season. With Ole Miss losing, Indiana still has a shot at the playoff, proving that they are a team to watch.
Last week’s rank: 3
Miami’s playoff potential
Finally, at tenth, we have Miami, who rebounded from a loss to Georgia Tech to maintain a 10-1 record after a strong performance against Wake Forest. The Hurricanes are in a favorable position following Saturday’s results, with two potential paths to the College Football Playoff. With a powerful offense led by Cam Ward, Miami is gearing up for an exciting postseason run.
Last week’s rank: NR
As the season progresses, the stakes continue to rise, and every game matters more than ever. With the new playoff format, the excitement of college football is reaching new heights, and fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will falter? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this college football season is one for the books!
