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The College Football Playoff rankings are nearly upon us. Week 8 will have a huge impact on the initial rankings due to Penn State’s upset of second ranked Ohio State. November is usually the time where the elite teams separate themselves from the pack. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out. As we all know, the initial College Football Playoff rankings don’t mean much of anything. There is plenty of football left to be played.
What could effect playoff rankings?
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There are some intriguing story lines developing, for instance, will Ohio State still make it into the playoff? Will LSU be the first two loss team to make it into the playoff? Which conference will not feature a playoff team? Will any conference feature two playoff teams?
Clemson has a chance to solidify their playoff spot with a win over Florida State this weekend. If the Tigers were to lose however, I am not sure that they have enough big games left to earn a spot in the playoff.
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1. Alabama
Nick Saban continues to pad his resume this season. The reigning National Champions are hitting on all cylinders right now after defeating three straight ranked opponents. What makes the Tide so impressive is their ability to score on defense and special teams. Alabama has scored a whopping 12 defensive and special teams touchdowns through eight games this season. Saban and his staff reload on an unprecedented level, especially on defense. Ryan Allen, Tim Williams, and Dalvin Tomlinson are causing havoc for opposing quarterbacks. The Tide lead the country in sacks with 32 through eight games.
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Offensively, Lane Kiffin has done a masterful job of handling true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts. What Hurts lacks in experience he makes up for in poise and athleticism. Alabama’s offense has always had a dominate running game, Hurts adds another dimension to that rushing attack with his ability to gash defense with his legs. The offensive line is beginning to mesh, they consistently opened gaping holes for Damien Harris against a talented Texas A&M front.
The only issue Alabama may have going forward is replacing Eddie Jackson. Jackson is one of the premier defensive backs in the entire country. The senior safety has already recorded two punt return touchdowns and one interception on the season.
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2. Washington
Washington has been quite impressive thus far this season. The Huskies fixed their offensive woes from a season ago, averaging 48.3 points per game through seven games this season. Pair
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that with Chris Peterson’s stingy defense, which is allowing 14.6 points per game this season, and you’ve got yourself an elite team. Washington’s average margin of victory is 33.71 points. What makes the Huskies special is their ability to control the football. Washington’s absurd turnover margin of 14 is tops in the country.
Michigan has been impressive as well this season; however, Washington’s offense appears much more explosive than the Wolverines’. Jake Browning pushed the Huskies over Michigan in my mind. The only issue for the Huskies going forward is their schedule. Washington plays Utah this week which will have enormous playoff implications. Then, the Huskies have three tough road games against the likes of CAL, UCLA, and USC. Chris Peterson has his work cut out for him in the ladder half of the Huskies schedule.
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3. Michigan
Michigan has come back to life under Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines are back to playing tough, smash-mouth football. Jabrill Peppers may be the best college football player in America regardless of position. Michigan’s defense, aided by Peppers efforts, leads the country in scoring
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defense at 10 points per game. The Wolverines also lead the country in total defense, allowing just 207.0 yards per game. Any form of production is hard to come by against this group. Michigan will likely be included in the initial College Football Playoff rankings.
Offensively, Wilton Speight has done a great job of taking care of the football. Speight has thrown just two interceptions on the year. Also, Michigan is consistently running the football well. While Michigan may not have a premier back, their stable of backs is wearing opposing defenses down.
The only issue for Michigan going forward is their match-up with Ohio State in the regular season finale. That game is essentially a play-in game for the College Football Playoff. Ohio State will be all the more hungry coming into the game with one loss.
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4. Clemson
The Tigers are without question one of the elite teams in the country. The problem is they have not consistently shown that. Despite Clemson’s inconsistent play, they remain undefeated heading into their match-up with Florida State. Defensively the Tigers are stout once again. The defensive line lead by Christian Wilkins has played terrific football through seven games this season.
The secondary was the main issue coming into 2016, however Jadar Johnson and company have not flinched once this season. In fact, Clemson’s secondary is the reason the Tigers are still undefeated at this point. Marcus Edmond sealed the victory over Louisville with a stop on fourth down and the victory over NC State with an interception in overtime.
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Clemson’s offense came into the season with gaudy expectations. While the Tigers may not have lived up to outsiders expectations thus far, Clemson is actually better at this point in the season than last year. The only real issue with Clemson going forward is turnovers. The Tigers have displayed a lack of focus at times. Receivers fumbling the ball or Deshuan Watson making an arrant throw. That issue must be addressed moving forward, however, with Ohio State losing I doubt Clemson gets left out of the initial College Football Playoff rankings. The only way Clemson gets left out of the playoff rankings is if they lose to Florida State.
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