Breaking Down The Top Ten Teams in College Football

Earlier today The College Football Playoff committee released the new rankings for week 12. So we’re here to breakdown each of the top ten teams, and they’re chances to actually make the playoffs.

1. Alabama: The Tide have looked like the best team in the nation all year long. So it’s no surprise they remain atop the rankings tonight. Their offense is one of the most efficient we have ever seen, and their defense seems to be finding their strides, shutting out two ranked opponents in a row. The question is now who can beat Alabama, but who can play with them.
2. Clemson: The Tigers come into week 12 off a convincing road win against Boston College. Freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence is looking better and better each week. And don’t forget about Travis Etienne, who has been on a tear all season, rushing for 1,076 yards, and 15 touchdowns. Clemson is looking dangerous as we near bowl season.
3. Notre Dame: Notre Dame remains undefeated through ten games. The defense has been solid allowing only 18.7 points per contest, and the offense continues to progress with Ian Book and Dexter Williams in the backfield. The Irish will get their biggest test since the opener this week against Syracuse.
4. Michigan: This team has come a long way since their week one loss to the Irish. The defense is absolutely suffocating teams allowing only 12.9 points per game, and the offense has stepped up big time. Michigan has outscored their last 4 opponents 143-34. Shea Patterson has been exceptional throwing for 1,927 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions.
5. Georgia: This Georgia football team has completely flipped the script since their loss in Death Valley. In the last 3 weeks, they’ve beat Florida, Kentucky, and Auburn (all ranked at the time) by 3 scores. This team quite possibly has the best backfield in the nation with (a healthy) D’andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield. The Dawgs are starting to put the pieces back together as they get ready for Alabama in the SEC championship game.
6. Oklahoma: The offense, led by star quarterback Kyler Murray continues to excite, but this Sooners defense is struggling big time right now. They’ve given up 94 points to unranked teams over their last two games. If Oklahoma wants to win out, and have a shot at making the final 4, they have to tighten things up on defense.
7. LSU: The Tigers sit as the highest ranked 2 loss team in the nation, and rightfully so. But, last weeks struggle against 2-8 Arkansas was not a resume builder. LSU should win out and make a NY6 appearance, but The Tigers have little to no shot at making the playoffs this year. This ranking seems to be on the slightly generous side.
8. Washington State: The Cougars have probably the most prolific air attack in the nation. Gardner Minshew leads the nation in passing yards with 3,852. Wazzu has one more test in two weeks against in state rival Washington. The Cougars could find themselves with an outside shot at making the top 4 if things go their way.
9. West Virginia: Winners of 3 straight, The Mountaineers are starting to heat up. Will Grier has thrown for 1,050 yards, and 9 touchdowns over this stretch. If West Virginia can take care of business, and finish as a 1 loss conference champs, it would be hard for the committee to leave them out.
10. Ohio State: The Buckeyes have slid under the radar since their ugly loss to Purdue, but they are in no way out of the picture. Coming off a solid 26-6 win over Michigan State, Ohio State seems to be working out the kinks as they inch closer to the Michigan game. Ultimately, that one will likely decide both teams season before the conference championships even kick off.