CFP Rankings

Rankings at the beginning of the season don’t mean much, they just add to the hope or despair that a fan has about their favorite team. We love to project how good each team will be, often finishing the season with a completely jumbled top 25 compared to our initial predictions. With the emergence of the College Football Playoff in the last decade, the AP poll means even less than before. Once the playoff committee begins ranking teams at the end of October, all previous numbers have no bearing. Now a month into the season, why wait? There are many 50/50 games left that will alter the rankings, but we already seem to have a steady grasp on most teams' identities. A prediction only means so much, it’s why we play the game, but man aren’t they fun. These initial top 10 rankings are not a prediction of where they will finish the season, but rather what have you done for me as of October 4th.

#1 TEXAS LONGHORNS

Texas fight, Texas fight. 18 years after winning it all, the Longhorns find themselves at the top of my list. While you can consider the first half of their contest with Wyoming a hangover from the Alabama game, Texas hasn’t skipped a beat since. In years past, Baylor and Kansas were a trap game for them, but not in 2023. Hoisting the most impressive road win so far this year and starting conference play with a 78-20 point differential, the boys in burnt orange top my list.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#2 MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

I would love nothing more than to see the top two teams in my rankings meet later this season. Their only matchup was one of my favorite games growing up as a child - a classic at the Rose Bowl. The Wolverines are allowing a quiet 6 points per game and have one of the most well-balanced offenses in the country. You have a two-headed monster in the backfield and the quarterback who leads the country in QBR? Sign me up.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#3 WASHINGTON HUSKIES

If this article had been written a week earlier, they would have a strong argument to be the top team on my list. Michael Penix Jr continues to put up monster numbers, but the sloppy game against Arizona raised a couple questions. They weren’t in a position to lose, they just didn’t win the way they were expected to. With 5 of their final 7 games against current ranked teams, expect the Huskies to look sharper as they bring their A-game when it’s needed most.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#4 PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS

The kings of covering find themselves as the last team to get in the playoff for my initial rankings. Drew Allar continues to get better, but we aren’t surprised by this, as all-time great football minds hyped him up prior to the start of the season. Similar to Texas, outside of one tricky first half, they have been rolling the rest of the way. With a pivotal matchup against Ohio State looming, the Nittany Lions look to end their days as the little brother of the Big 10 East heavyweights. Don’t root for them too hard, Ryan Day might explode with his victim complex. Dork.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#5 OREGON DUCKS

The Ducks can’t slow down, scoring over 51 points per game through the first five games of the season. Bo Nix, the pimple-ridden king of college football, continues to secure his spot at the Heisman ceremony. Few teams have the talent from 1 to 22 that the Ducks have, making them a nightmare outing for any opponent. Mark your calendars: October 14th at 2:30pm CST on ABC: the Huskies host the Ducks in one of the most anticipated games of the year. Whoever wins that game will be in prime contention for a conference championship and playoff selection.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#6 GEORGIA BULLDOGS

Cry me a river. Congrats on remarkable 2021 and 2022 seasons, but those years have no impact on this season. The coaching is elite, the talent is there, but the results have been underwhelming. Auburn and South Carolina, teams in the lower half of the SEC, have given you fits. Play that sloppy in the first half against a ranked caliber team and you would already have a loss. Lucky for them, Missouri and Kentucky are the toughest teams they have to see in the next 5 weeks. Another candyland walk in the park to the SEC championship game. Oh what I would do to see you drop one of these gimme games.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#7 FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES

With a couple impressive wins on the resume, FSU has an argument to be higher on the list. Boston College was an ugly game, but I have learned that it is nearly impossible to look good all the time. Great skill players and a phenomenal defensive line make them a headache for any opponent. Job well done by Mike Norvell, bringing this program back into the national spotlight. There are a couple of possible road bumps ahead, but the remainder of the year should be smooth sailing into the ACC championship with a shot to play in the Final 4.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#8 OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

Ever so slightly biased, they maybe get a spot or two higher if Ryan Day’s rosie cheeks didn’t aggravate me, but the Buckeyes come in at 8. Last time we saw them play was the dramatic game with Notre Dame. Although I am a partial Maryland fan, I am excited to see the Buckeyes showcase how talented they are this weekend against the Terrapins. We know how good this defense is, but can the team put an all-around performance together to solidify their spot in the top of the rankings? Remember, being ranked 4th in the country with a receiving vote for first place after only one impressive win means the whole universe is against you. Dork.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#9 NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH

Last second game against Ohio State. Last second game against Duke. Time to take a breath of fresh air, right? Wrong, the Fighting Irish hit the road again to take on the surprise 5-0 Louisville Cardinals and follow that up with a showcase against the USC Trojans. A grueling stretch for Marcus Freeman and company gives them exactly what they have lacked: opportunities to compete with tough competition prior to bowl season. If the Irish can get Sam Hartman and Audric Estime to elevate the offense, this Notre Dame team will be battle tested and ready for a big time bowl game, unlike years past.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#10 ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

After a rough 2 week stretch for the Tide, they resurrected their hope for the season with impressive wins over the Mississippi schools. It is foolish to put a “they’re back” tag on them, we have seen how that has worked out in years past, but Alabama is picking up speed and still remains a tough out for anyone. With a big showdown at Kyle Field this weekend, Alabama and Texas A&M meet to determine sole possession of 1st in the SEC West. Let’s keep this sweet: 14 is coming.