What a day for college football.
Here's how I'd assess the playoff race as we enter the final three weeks of the season.
Playoff spots:
1. Alabama or Florida from the SEC
2. Clemson if they win out
3. Ohio State or Iowa
4. The Big 12 champ
5. Notre Dame if they finish 11-1
1. Alabama
I officially apologize to Alabama fans, players, and coaches. The Crimson Tide is the best team in college football.
2. Clemson
The Tigers weren't great on the road at Syracuse, but it really doesn't matter. Win out and Clemson's in the playoff.
3. Iowa
The Hawkeyes just win. And if they just keep winning they'll be playing for a spot in the playoff in the Big Ten title game. Sure, they'd be a big underdog against Ohio State, but in a one game setting, who knows what might happen?
And for all you guys chirping about Iowa not being any good, their resume puts them squarely in the top three so far.
4. Oklahoma State
It wasn't pretty at Iowa State, but now the Big 12 title runs through Stillwater. Can the Cowboys beat Baylor and Oklahoma and finish perfect? We'll see.
5. Ohio State
I have the Buckeyes at number five and I think that's still probably overrating them. They haven't been impressive all year and they're the only team in my top ten without a single game against a top 25 opponent.
6. Oklahoma
This is an interesting debate, do you reward a one loss team for its good wins or punish them for a bad loss? I'm rewarding Oklahoma for going on the road and beating Baylor more than I'm punishing them for losing to Texas.
7. Notre Dame
I think the Irish will be on the outside looking in when it comes time for the playoff. I just don't see how the Irish are going to get in over any one loss Big 12 champ.
8. Florida
Yes, the Gator offense is awful. But that defense is fantastic. Win out and the Gators will 100% be in the playoff. The problem? Does anyone think this Gator offense can score on this Alabama defense? I don't think so at all.
9. Baylor
I feel like Oklahoma at Baylor was probably the Big 12 championship game. But if the Bears win out and Oklahoma loses to TCU or Oklahoma State then Baylor could still win the Big 12.
10. UNC
The Tar Heels are playing fantastic football right now. Welcome to Outkick's top ten.
