Every power 5 conference has a at least 1 team in the thick in the playoff chase. Isn’t that what we wanted?
Let me point out on my philosophy on these rankings – you’re most recent OOC results count a lot, and you’ll see me reference that throughout the season.
We’ll give each conference a relative strength value 1-10.
1) SEC – 7.25
The SEC took a big hit Saturday, when one of their higher rated teams Ole Miss lost 37-24 to Memphis in a game they were outscored 30-10 over the final 3 quarters. The game had a triple effect. It eliminated Ole Miss completely from the playoff chase, and now gives Alabama one very suspect looking loss. It also dropped the SEC back into a tie for best conference with the Pac 12. The Tide despite a solid road win at Texas A&M, is not the best positioned SEC playoff team.
That would be LSU who beat Florida this weekend. The SEC has only 2 teams halfway through October that are currently under playoff consideration. That’s a little surprising for the SEC.
Next week Alabama hosts Tennessee, but I don’t expect the Vols to really challenge Alabama.
Playoff Contenders
LSU
In the Playoff Picture
Alabama
1) Pac 12 – 7.25
USC couldn’t win at Notre Dame. That doesn’t hurt the Pac 12, but it obviously could have really helped. Utah looked solid against Arizona and remains a playoff contender.
Stanford had a big win against UCLA, but it still too far back to be seriously considered a playoff team. The need to just keep winning.
This week Utah plays at USC. The Trojans are more than talented enough to beat Utah.
Playoff Contenders
Utah
In the Playoff Picture
NONE
3) Big 10 – 7.15
Michigan gift-wrapped a game to Michigan State that keeps the Spartans in the playoff chase. Ohio State finally looked like a playoff team after pounding Penn State.
Iowa at 7-0 has reached the fringes of playoff consideration.
Michigan State and Ohio State play Indiana and Rutgers next week, and that shouldn’t be much issue. Iowa is off.
Playoff Contenders
Ohio State
In the Playoff Picture
Michigan State, Iowa
4) Big 12 – 7
Quiet week in the Big 12. Oklahoma destroying Kansas State 55-0 at Kansas State was a shocking score. Baylor and TCU easily took care of business against West Virginia and Iowa State.
Until Baylor, TCU, and Oklahoma starting playing each other later in the year there won’t be a lot of movement in the Big 12.
Playoff Contenders
TCU
In the Playoff Picture
Baylor
5) ACC – 6.75
Clemson shredded Boston College’s highly rated defense. Don’t forget about FSU though. They looked very sharp at times handling a decent Louisville team.
Both Clemson and FSU are playing winnable but still tricky road games with Miami and Georgia Tech. The Tigers and Noles need to keep their momentum going.
Playoff Contenders
Clemson
In the Playoff Picture
Florida State
The Rest
Notre Dame got a decent win against USC, but they need more help to be a playoff team. Memphis, Toledo, and Houston are ranked\undefeated Group of 5 teams. We’ll have to keep an eye on them, and check back if one of them breaks into the top 10.
Playoff Contenders
NONE
In the Playoff Picture
Notre Dame
My Current Playoff Teams
As my personal criticism of the playoff committee, I don’t think the top 4 seeds order should be released until the final rankings. The playoff committee’s inconsistent and ever changing criteria is causing unnecessary frustration and confusion. It’s one of the improvement points I’d have for them.
If I had a vote this is who I would put in the playoff right now.
In – LSU | TCU | Clemson | Utah
Just Missed – 5) Ohio State 6) Alabama 7) Baylor 8) Michigan State
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