With the first rankings coming out today (10/31/2023) we dive into the first 4 teams in. While the AP Poll has certain rankings, the end all be all comes from the Playoff Committee. There are fights at tops of every conference, as this year is one of the most competitive in recent times.
In the SEC, Georgia (8-0-0) is at the top of the East, not far behind are Missouri (7-1-0) and Florida (5-3-0). Missouri heads to Athens this Saturday to take on Georgia for first place in the SEC East at 3:30 PM EST. Alabama (7-1-0) is atop of the West, not far behind are Ole Miss (7-1-0) and LSU (6-2-0). LSU heads to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama this Saturday at 7:30 PM EST for first place in the SEC West.
In the Pac-12 Washington (8-0-0) is at the top, not far behind are USC (7-2-0) and Oregon (7-1-0). Washington beat Oregon back in week 7 of the CFB season 36-33. USC has also lost 2 out of their last 3 games. Washington heads to Los Angeles, to take on USC this Saturday at 7:30 PM EST, for first place in the Pac-12.
In the Big Ten, Michigan (8-0-0) and Ohio State (8-0-0) are tied for the first spot in the East. Not far behind is Penn State, who lost to Ohio State 20-12 back in week 8. Michigan and Ohio State square off in Ann Arbor on November 25th, presumably for the rights to go to the Big Ten title game. In the West, there is a 4 way tie currently. Iowa (6-2-0), Minnesota (5-3-0), Nebraska (5-3-0), and Wisconsin (5-3-0) are all 3-2 in conference play with each team playing each other in the coming weeks.
In the Big 12, Oklahoma (7-1-0), Oklahoma St (6-2-0), Iowa St (5-3-0), Texas (7-1-0) and Kansas St (6-2-0) are all 4-1 in conference play. Oklahoma beat Texas back in week 6, 34-30. since then, Texas has been unbeaten, and Oklahoma fell to Kansas last week 38-33 in Lawrence. Oklahoma plays Oklahoma St in the Bedlam rivalry this Saturday at 3:30 PM EST. While Texas plays Kansas St this Saturday in Austin. Both these matchups will give the winner a likely road to the Big 12 Championship game.
In the ACC, Florida St (8-0-0) is in first place, not far behind is Louisville (7-1-0). The ACC is shaping out to be Florida St and Florida St only. UNC, Miami, Clemson, and Duke all have 2+ losses and their chances to get to the ACC Championship game are slim to none.
Predicting the first rankings is based on Resume. While teams like Georgia, and Michigan are dominant, their strength of schedule (SOS) are in the 70’s according to powerrankingsguru.com. Ohio State comes into the first ranking week with the best wins over #9 Penn State, and #12 Notre Dame. The second best resume is Florida St. They come into the first rankings week with wins over #13 LSU, Clemson, and Duke. Third and Fourth can be a toss up between teams like Georgia, and Michigan or even Washington. Georgia has gotten between each week that they have played and show no sign of slowing down, even without their best player, Brock Bowers. Michigan has been dominant in every game they played, coming off a bye week they look poised to continue their dominance (we will see what comes from the scandal). Washington may have the best win over #6 Oregon, they have a shot to be in the first rankings as well. The only way they may be held out is due to their recent games since beating Oregon, have been 1 score wins over teams that they are favored by 20+ points.
Prediction: 1. Ohio St. 2. Georgia. 3. Michigan. 4. Florida St.
