College Football Playoff Rankings Prediction Top 5 Projection
5. Texas A&M Aggies 5-1
The Case For This Spot: Not being able to play over the last few weeks hurts the overall cause, but the Aggies beat Florida, were rocking over their last few games, and only lost to Alabama on the road.
Should Be Higher: Theoretically, Texas A&M could be No. 2 if you believe the Florida win was among the best of the season, if not the best. There’s something to be said for being 5-1 in the SEC.
Should Be Lower: It was a tough fight against Vanderbilt, the Mississippi State game was a bit too much of a fight, and … there’s no real case to be lower. It should probably be in the top four, maybe three.
Up Next: LSU
4. Ohio State Buckeyes 4-0
The Case For This Spot: Talent-wise, this is the best team in the Big 12 with the explosion and skill to match up with anyone. The offense is averaging well over 40 points per game. The win over Indiana will be enough to cement a spot in the top four.
Should Be Higher: It shouldn’t be. It would be a gift to be in the top three, but on talent level, a case could be made to be ahead of Notre Dame.
Should Be Lower: The defense has been shaky. Beating Indiana was tough, but the other three wins were against teams with a combined 2-12 record.
Up Next: at Illinois
3. Clemson Tigers 7-1
The Case For This Spot: The committee isn’t going to punish the Tigers too much for an overtime loss at Notre Dame without Trevor Lawrence and with the defense hurt. With Lawrence, the Tigers obliterated everything in their path, including handing Miami its only loss.
Should Be Higher: It shouldn’t be. The only case would be if Notre Dame is No. 1, but Alabama can’t and shouldn’t be lower than Clemson.
Should Be Lower: It’s not like Clemson struggled against Boston College and lost to Notre Dame because DJ Uiagalelei was under center. It’s possible Ohio State could be here.
Up Next: Pitt
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2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish 8-0
The Case For This Spot: It’s an unbeaten team with the best win by anyone this season on the resumé. There hasn’t been a whole lot of drama outside of the win over Clemson.
Should Be Higher: That 47-40 overtime win over Clemson is better than anything Alabama has done, but Bama has two great wins – Georgia and Texas A&M.
Should Be Lower: There’s not a lot to like outside of the Clemson victory. Beating Pitt and Boston College just isn’t a big deal.
Up Next: at North Carolina
1. Alabama Crimson Tide 7-0
The Case For This Spot: The most dominant team in college football, this is a no-brainer with wins over Texas A&M and Georgia. No one has come closer than 16 to the Tide.
Should Be Lower: There isn’t a win like Notre Dame has over Clemson, and the defense should be a bit better, but that’s nitpicking.
Up Next: Auburn
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