The third College Football Playoff rankings of the 2023 season will be defined by two debates inside the top four.
That starts at No. 1, with another comparison between Ohio State and Georgia. The Buckeyes’ offense was on a roll in a 38-6 laugher against Michigan State, cracking the 500-yard mark for the second time this season and the first time against Power Five competition. Georgia made an enormous statement with a 52-17 destruction of Mississippi.
While able to stay on top a week ago, Ohio State will be hurt by Penn State’s loss to Michigan, the Nittany Lions’ second on the season. The playoff selection committee has an obvious argument for swapping the Buckeyes and Bulldogs.
And then at No. 4, the playoff will again weigh Florida State and Washington in a comparison that “can’t get much closer,” committee chair Boo Corrigan said last week. Neither team looked dominant on Saturday − the Seminoles beat Miami 27-20 and the Huskies topped Utah 35-28 − but the committee will look kindly on the win against the Utes, who should stay in the rankings despite a third loss.
Here’s how this week’s top 10 should look:
1. Georgia (10-0)
Wins against Missouri and Mississippi the past two weeks give Georgia the résumé for No. 1. Isn’t that what the committee has been waiting for? There would’ve been an argument for keeping Ohio State at the top had the Bulldogs struggled with the Rebels, but not after a 35-point beatdown. Georgia is likely to stay at No. 1 with a win against Alabama in the SEC championship game.
Georgia defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse (78) celebrates after making an interception during the second half against Missouri in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.
2. Ohio State (10-0)
That OSU looked like a No. 1 team against Michigan State will give the committee something to think about. But the Penn State win…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football-playoff-rankings-prediction-111403264.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2023-11-14 11:14:03
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