BeastLine CFB Playoff Rankings
As we hit Week 11 of the College Football season, we are about to receive our second installment of the college football playoff rankings. Last week, Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame and Clemson were the top four teams, and all of them won, with Alabama and Clemson notching wins against ranked opponents. #5 Oklahoma had a huge win in the Bedlam Game against rival Oklahoma State, a game that was a must-win for both teams to have their playoff hopes stay alive. While the top five teams all had huge wins, #6 Ohio State and #7 Penn State, two teams coming off of an epic clash against each other, each lost road games, with Ohio State being blown out by Iowa 55-24, and Penn State losing a wild and wet contest to #24 Michigan State 27-24. In a past week that was filled with statement wins, including Oklahoma, Clemson, Miami and Alabama, and crushing losses such as Ohio State, Penn State and the surprising Iowa State Cyclones, the CFB Playoff Rankings should look much different next week. Below is my personal rankings, and some things to keep an eye on. I will have long blurbs for the teams I believe are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, shorter blurbs for the teams I think need to win out and get help, and pure rankings for those who I believe have a miniscule chance of making the Playoff.
CFB Playoff Rankings:
1. Alabama Crimson Tide (9-0)
-I know a lot of people want Georgia here, and for good reason truthfully. I'll dive more into Georgia later, but right now, I think Alabama has been the most dominant and impressive team in college football so far. People seem eager to forget that Alabama beat #3 Florida State Week 1 24-7. The Crimson Tide dominated the entire game, and while that win hasn't aged well, Florida State was ranked the 3rd best team in the nation at the time. Since the Seminoles lost their star QB DeAndre Francois after the game, obviously they would not have played as well this year, but I don't think anyone should ignore a win over a team ranked inside the top 5. Besides their opening week statement win against Florida State, Alabama has steamrolled opponents, including Vanderbilt (59-0), Ole Miss (66-3), and a lost Tennessee team (45-7). With a massive win against Florida State, and domination against teams they should destroy, it's hard to argue that Alabama has not been exactly what we thought they would be. Alabama's schedule has been picking up, as they won a tough game in Kyle Field against a resurgent Texas A&M team in a tough environment, and just beat a really good and improving LSU team in Tuscaloosa. If Alabama can go into Starkville this weekend and knock off Mississippi State, then the Iron Bowl in Auburn on November 25 could be the decider as to whether or not Alabama gets the #1 seed in the Playoff.
Remaining Games:
November 11: @ #16 Mississippi State Bulldogs
November 18: vs Mercer Bears
November 25: @ #10 Auburn Tigers
2. Georgia Bulldogs (9-0)
-I wasn't necessarily a doubter in Georgia entering this season, as I am a fan of the Bulldogs, and also of what coach Kirby Smart has done in just his second year as head coach, but I didn't think Georgia would be this good. Georgia lost their starting QB, Jacob Eason in the first game of the season, and he has been replaced by true freshman Jacob Fromm, who has been phenomenal. In Fromm's first career start, he led the Dawgs into South Bend, a tough environment to play in, and led Georgia to a tough 20-19 victory over the Fighting Irish. With a young stud at QB in Fromm, and arguably the best backfield in the country with Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, the Bulldogs quietly possess one of the best offenses in the country, along with an absolutely dominant defense (allowing 11.7 PPG, 254.1 YPG, both top 5 in the country). I think Georgia's win against Notre Dame gets a little more credit than it should, as the Irish are a much better team now than they were September 9, but it is still hard to ignore the fact that a freshman QB in his first career start beat the Irish, and that Notre Dame only ran for 55 yards as a team (ND averages 324.8 YPG, 5th best in the country). Georgia added in an extremely impressive demolition of Mississippi State in Athens, beat their rival Florida in embarassing fashion, and are fresh off of a solid win against an underrated South Carolina team. Georgia has already clinched a spot in the SEC Championship, and if they can win in Auburn this weekend, it's hard to see how this Georgia team won't be one of the top 4 teams in the country by the end of the season.
Remaining Games:
November 11: @ #10 Auburn Tigers
November 18: vs Kentucky Wildcats
November 25: @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-1)
-I agree with the consensus that the Notre Dame Irish are ranked 3rd in the CFB Playoff Rankings, mainly due to their very strong resume. Notre Dame has lost once this year, almost two months ago to who we rank #2, the Georgia Bulldogs, by one point in South Bend. Since that loss to UGA, Notre Dame has been on a tear, winning eight straight games including defeating Michigan State in East Lansing, USC, and a red-hot NC State team that gave Clemson a run for its money this weekend. Notre Dame is one of the best teams in the nation, as new defensive coordinator Mike Elko (who came from Wake Forest), has completely revamped the team's biggest weakness last season. Notre Dame ranks 50th in YPG allowed, and 17th in scoring defense, which is extremely impressive considering they have faced teams like USC, UGA and NC State. Notre Dame also possesses an underrated QB in Brandon Wimbush who is a tremendous dual threat, the heisman candidate nobody is talking about in Josh Adams, stud WR Equanimeous St. Brown, and two of the best OL prospects in the entire draft in Mike McGlinchey & Quenton Nelson. Add in an improved defense, an elite offensive line and rushing attack (5th best in the nation), and Notre Dame has all of the ingredients to be holding up the trophy at the end of the season. If Notre Dame can beat Miami on Saturday, it's tough to see how they could be left out of the playoff, even if they lose to Stanford on November 25.
Remaining Games:
November 11: @ #7 Miami Hurricanes
November 18: vs Navy Midshipmen
November 25: @ Stanford Cardinal
4. Wisconsin Badgers (9-0)
-Wisconsin has been the team where opinions differ dramatically, although I believe it is hard to overlook an undefeated team, no matter what the strength of schedule is. In the preseason poll, Wisconsin was ranked #9, and all they have done is win, including fighting off potential upset games over Big Ten opponents such as Northwestern, Purdue and Nebraska. Wisconsin hasn't faced an elite opponent yet, but that will change in the coming weeks, and it starts this Saturday against an Iowa team that just blew out Ohio State 55-24. Wisconsin's defense, the usual staple of this team, is ranked 5th overall in YPG allowed, #4 in rushing defense, and is #1 in the NCAA in time of possession. Add in the Heisman candidate nobody is talking about in Jonathan Taylor (1,368 yards, 7.2 YPC, 12 TDs), and a phenomenal offensive line. Alex Hornibrook has to cut the turnovers down for Wisconsin to be successful against elite teams, and expect him to continue to struggle as leading receiver Quintez Cephus has been ruled out for the season. It's a tough loss for the Badgers, but if their defense can continue their elite play, and Jonathan Taylor keeps doing Heisman things, the Badgers will continue to be one of the most underrated teams in college football. Keep an eye on the Badgers season finale in Minneapolis, as Wisconsin will have to win a rivalry game against the BEAST P.J. Fleck and company. Fleck's Western Michigan team lost to the Badgers in the Cotton Bowl last year, and expect him to be out for revenge this year, especially in a rivalry game.
Remaining Games:
November 11: vs #20 Iowa Hawkeyes
November 18: vs Michigan Wolverines
November 25: @ Minnesota Golden Gophers
5. Miami Hurricanes (8-0)
-I believe Wisconsin is the most underrated team in college football, but the Miami Hurricanes are a close second. Similarly to Wisconsin, all Miami does is win, and that has to count for something. As P.J. Fleck said last year "we won all of our games, what more can we do?" is exactly what the Hurricanes and the Badgers are thinking. Miami is led by a team loaded with swagger, including a defense that has a "turnover chain", a first-year gunslinger who has pioneered wins against rival Florida State and a pesky Syracuse team, and Miami is having this success even without star RB Mark Walton, who is out for the season. Miami has been on a roll, and they remind me a lot of Penn State last year, a team that just finds ways to win close games. There is a special vibe around these Hurricanes, one I think was really demonstrated by their dominating win against Virginia Tech. Miami welcomes Notre Dame this weekend for another installment of "Catholics vs Convicts", and this game will determine if Miami has a chance for the playoff. Personally, I think this game will be the best of the entire season, and is must-watch TV for any college football fan. While Miami has played a tougher schedule than Wisconsin, the Badgers have been more dominant overall on the season. I think Miami has a great shot to make the Playoff, but they must beat ND this weekend to garner the respect of the committee.
Remaining Games:
November 11: vs #3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
November 18: vs Virginia Cavaliers
November 24: @ Pitt Panthers
6. Clemson Tigers (8-1)
-Clemson is a team that is in the "real" College Football Playoff rankings, but not mine, as I believe going undefeated is more impressive than a few highlight wins, but one loss. Clemson's loss I don't think is bad at all however, as they lost to a Syracuse team that has impressed this year, by a score of 27-24. A few things to keep in mind; the game was played in the Carrier Dome on a short week which led to a lot of quick travel for the Tigers, their QB, Kelly Bryant, was hurt going in and left the game late in the 2nd quarter due to a concussion, and they had almost 120 penalty yards. You could argue that Clemson should have won this game despite all the things to go against them. As it is, the Tigers have one loss, but still have the best defensive front in College Football, headlined by Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence and Clelin Ferrell. Kelly Bryant leads an underrated Clemson offense that has solid receivers in Deon Cain & Hunter Renfrow, and a RBBC with Travis Etienne and Tavien Feaster, along with playmaker Ray-Ray McCloud. The Tigers also have an impressive resume, with a dominating home victory against Auburn, a blowout in Louisville against Lamar Jackson and company, beating Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and a massive win in Raleigh against a terrific NC State team. Clemson still has the opportunity for another solid win if they can defeat the Gamecocks on the 25th and make the ACC Championship game, which could line Clemson up for a shot to repeat.
Remaining Games:
November 11: vs Florida State Seminoles
November 18: vs The Citadel Bulldogs
November 25: @ South Carolina Gamecocks
7. TCU Horned Frogs (8-1)
-TCU is another team I have felt have been somewhat overlooked this year, but I personally have them over Oklahoma, which is probably a very unpopular opinion. However, when comparing the teams, there are a lot of similarities. Both teams lost to Iowa State, however TCU lost to a ranked Iowa State team in Ames, Oklahoma lost to Iowa State in their first game with their third-string QB in Norman. Both teams beat Oklahoma State in Stillwater, but TCU won by 13, and held the Cowboys to only 31 points. Both teams also beat Texas, but TCU won 24-7, while Oklahoma won 27-24. In other words, TCU has the same results as Oklahoma, but TCU's are more impressive. In addition, the Horned Frogs are led by a great QB in Kenny Hill and RB Darius Anderson. TCU's calling card is its defense, as the Horned Frogs are allowing a meager 69.7 YPG on the ground and only 2.15 YPC, both BEST in the NCAA. TCU has the 6th best total defense in regards to YPG, and what makes this even more impressive is the fact they play in the Big 12, a conference known for teams consistently putting up 40+ points. TCU has been really good this season, and besides a small hiccup in Ames, a game they probably should have won, they would be undefeated and probably in the Playoff right now. TCU has a mammoth showdown against Oklahoma this weekend in Norman, and if they win that game, it'll be hard to imagine that the Horned Frogs won't be in next week's playoff rankings.
Remaining Games:
November 11: @ #5 Oklahoma Sooners
November 18: @ Texas Tech Red Raiders
November 24: vs Baylor Bears
8. Oklahoma Sooners (8-1)
-While I rank the Oklahoma Sooners much lower than the majority of the College Football world, it is not because I don't like Baker Mayfield. As a matter of fact, I love Baker Mayfield, I think he's the best player in the nation, should win the Heisman Trophy, and deserves to get a chance to play in the College Football Playoff. However, I am simply not that impressed with this Oklahoma team. First off, I thought their win in Columbus against Ohio State was insanely impressive, and Baker Mayfield was a huge part of that. However, ever since their win against the Buckeyes, Oklahoma hasn't looked dominant; they've played to their competition in every game, which can be concerning. As a matter of fact, Oklahoma's largest win since the Ohio State game was against Texas Tech when they won 49-27. Oklahoma has the offensive firepower to beat any team in the nation, as Baker Mayfield, Trey Sermon, Abdul Adams, CeeDee Lamb and Mark Andrews is a fantastic offensive core. However, if the Sooners cannot stop teams in the upcoming weeks, then Baker Mayfield won't have the chance to play in the Playoff, a honor he definitely deserves.
Remaining Games:
November 11: vs #6 TCU Horned Frogs
November 18: @ Kansas Jayhawks
November 25: vs West Virginia Mountaineers
9. Auburn Tigers (7-2)
-The Auburn Tigers are quietly one of the best teams in College Football, and are in a situation where they can easily crash the party of the final four teams. Auburn plays #1 Georgia on the plains this weekend, plays Alabama at Jordan-Hare in two weeks, and if they win both of those games, could be in the SEC Championship game against Georgia again. If Auburn were to beat Georgia twice, and Alabama, it would be extremely hard for the committee to leave them out. This weekend is a win-or-go-home game for Auburn, and I expect them to give Georgia a run for their money.
10. Washington Huskies (8-1)
-The Huskies have another year with an unimpressive resume (best win was home against UCLA where Josh Rosen left with an injury), but this year, it is accompanied by a brutal loss to an Arizona State team that was 2-3 on the season entering that game. The Huskies have to win out, and get a lot of luck if they want a chance to make the Playoff. Washington has impressive numbers (6th best rush defense, #1 total defense), but their loss in Tempe will most likely prove to be their death blow.
11. Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-2)
12. Michigan State Spartans (7-2)
13. Penn State Nittany Lions (7-2)
14. Mississippi State Bulldogs (7-2)
15. Ohio State Buckeyes (7-2)
16. UCF Knights (8-0)
17. USC Trojans (8-2)
18. Michigan Wolverines (7-2)
19. Virginia Tech Hokies (7-2)
20. NC State Wolfpack (6-3)
21. Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3)
22. Iowa State Cyclones (6-3)
23. Memphis Tigers (8-1)
24. South Florida Bulls (8-1)
25. Washington State Cougars (8-2)
-Let me finish off with this, your Saturday plans should be as simple as watching College Football all day long. Below is a schedule of the big games you should be watching, and as always, I hope you enjoyed this article and follow us on Twitter (@BeastlineSports)!
12:00
#12 Michigan State @ #13 Ohio State (FOX)
#15 Oklahoma State @ #21 Iowa State (ABC/ESPN 2)
Arkansas @ #24 LSU (ESPN)
3:30
#1 Georgia @ #10 Auburn (CBS)
Florida State @ #4 Clemson (ESPN)
#20 Iowa @ #8 Wisconsin (ABC)
7:00
#2 Alabama @ #16 Mississippi State (ESPN)
8:00
#3 Notre Dame @ #7 Miami (ABC)
#6 TCU @ #5 Oklahoma (FOX)
