The initial rankings for the College Football Playoff (CFP) are set to be released on November 7, 2023. Expectations indicate that defending national champion Ohio State will secure the top position, followed closely by Indiana. The only debate appears to be whether Texas A&M or Alabama will claim the third spot.
With the CFP committee’s rankings, discussions will inevitably arise regarding team placements beyond the top four. The Buckeyes, holding a record of 8-0, have had notable victories over ranked opponents. They triumphed over Texas and Illinois when both were in the AP Top 25, and they also marked a significant win against Washington, a team currently in the rankings. Ohio State’s defense has been formidable, allowing less than one touchdown per game and not permitting a first-half touchdown in their first seven games.
First-year starting quarterback Julian Sayin has shown exceptional performance, completing 80% of his passes with 23 touchdowns against just three interceptions. His impressive play has made him a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy.
Indiana, also undefeated at 8-0, has made headlines with its offensive prowess, scoring over 50 points in three Big Ten matchups. Their victory over then-No. 3 Oregon, with a score of 30-20, highlights their strength. Critics, however, point to Indiana’s relatively weak non-conference schedule as a potential drawback. The Hoosiers’ only common opponent with Ohio State has been Illinois, which the Buckeyes defeated 34-16 on the road, while Indiana dominated with a 63-10 win at home.
Texas A&M and Alabama are also contending for a top-four seed. The Aggies, currently unbeaten, moved up to No. 3 in the AP Poll after defeating Notre Dame and LSU, both ranked teams at the time. Their recent performance against LSU, where they won 49-25, is under scrutiny, as LSU has since struggled and made coaching changes.
On the other hand, Alabama has rebounded well from an early-season loss to Florida State. The Crimson Tide have secured four consecutive wins against ranked opponents, demonstrating resilience and strength in their gameplay. Despite a close win against South Carolina, Alabama maintains a strong case for a high ranking.
Excitement Builds for Key Matchup
This week’s only top-10 matchup features No. 8 BYU facing No. 9 Texas Tech. ESPN’s “College GameDay” will be present to cover this event, which is significant for the Red Raiders. Coach Joey McGuire expressed hopes that former player and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will attend, potentially as a guest picker on the show.
Texas Tech is experiencing its best season since 2008, currently holding a record of 8-1. Meanwhile, BYU remains undefeated at 8-0 for the second consecutive year, alongside Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M.
Washington Returns to Rankings
In a notable return to the AP Poll, Washington has re-entered at No. 24. After a challenging previous season, the Huskies, under coach Jeff Fisch, have shown significant improvement. Quarterback Demond Williams leads the Big Ten in total offense, averaging 319 yards per game and playing a pivotal role in the team’s success.
As teams gear up for the final weeks of the regular season, the CFP rankings will continue to evolve, shaping the landscape of college football. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how the teams perform and how the rankings shift in the lead-up to the playoff.
