The College Football Playoff selection committee is faced with the decision to rank the 12 best teams. Oregon Ducks are mentioned as the top-ranked team, followed by Ohio State, despite their loss to Oregon. Indiana’s position is the most intriguing of the rankings. Indiana is currently 9-0 for the first time in their program history and has scored 41 or more points in most of their last games. However, they’ve never reaped the same rewards as larger, powerhouse schools. Should Ohio State continue their successful season, Indiana might claim a top-five victory.
Listed as number one after defeating their ninth opponent, Michigan, are Oregon Ducks, who won despite losing star wideout Tez Johnson early in the game. They are the only undefeated team this season with a victory against a top-five opponent. One could attribute the Buckeye’s success to penalties throughout their games, which saw them score significant points and allowed them to secure seven victories.
With a halftime lead of 13-6 against Florida, translated into a final victory, Georgia comes in at number three in the rankings. Quarterback Carson Beck is attributed for the team’s seventh win despite a significant hamstring injury to DJ Lagway. Yet another undefeated for the season, Miami (Fla.), ranks fourth after their victory against Duke, trailing behind at halftime. Fifth and sixth positions go to Texas, who were idle in week 10, and Indiana, who defeated Michigan State.
The list continues with Tennessee claiming its third straight SEC victory and Notre Dame in tenth place. Clemson’s defeat against Louisville meant they fell behind both Miami and SMU in the ACC conference standings, which led to them rank nineteenth. Army managed their eighth victory this season against Air Force, making them the twentieth in the rankings.
Pittsburg’s lost to SMU meant that they didn’t make an 8-0 completion for the first time since 1981. Kansas State also lost to Houston, missing their chance to capitalize on Iowa State’s loss. The Commodores defeated Auburn in the 10th week, marking the first time since 1982 that they have stood at 6-3. They also defeated Alabama and Auburn in a single season for the first time since 1955, landing them the twenty-fourth spot. Finally, Washington State managed the twenty-fifth spot in the rankings, being idle in week 10.
RJ Young serves as a national college football writer and analyst for FOX Sports, and he hosts the podcast “The Number One College Football Show.” College Football fans can follow their favorite teams and get information about their favorite games, news, and more. Some highlights of the games are also appreciated.
