Playoff Picture - Week 10
by Aaron Lynn and Jonny Gaunt
Contenders
#1 Georgia Bulldogs (8-0)
Aaron: Georgia has already claimed a spot in the SEC Title game. Now, the next few weeks are all about improving before what seems like an inevitable showdown with Alabama in Atlanta. Even if Georgia loses that game, they are still likely in the Playoff, so the only way UGA can mess things up is by losing in a shocking upset to the four remaining teams on the schedule, Missouri, Tennessee, Charleston Southern, and Georgia Tech.
Jonny: With the SEC East officially clinched, there is little to do for the Bulldogs before the SEC title game except avoid a major upset. This is an all-time great Georgia defense with the skill to win the Playoff all by themselves.
#2 Alabama Crimson Tide (7-1)
Aaron: Alabama was given the #2 seed in the first College Football Playoff rankings despite a somewhat shaky performance against Tennessee. That being said, if Alabama wins out and beats Georgia along the way, the Crimson Tide are (deservedly) in the Playoff, so the early ranking doesn't matter. The big focus for Alabama should be not slipping up against LSU or Auburn.
Jonny: A bye week perhaps came at the right time for the Tide. Not because of LSU this week, but instead to fix their defensive woes. Now, three separate times the defense has been exposed against somewhat middling offenses.
#3 Michigan State Spartans (8-0)
Aaron: The Spartans claimed a statement, come-from-behind win, against Michigan on Saturday. Kenneth Walker put himself into the top of the Heisman discussion, and the Spartans now have two weeks to prepare for the next big showdown against Ohio State. This amazing run is even more impressive considering last season's 2-5 record.
Jonny: The old-fashion family feud did not disappoint, as Walker and company had a magnificent comeback in the second half against their in-state rivals. Walker seized control of the big stage to launch himself to the top of the Heisman pack and more importantly, the Spartans announced their status as a true contender to the country.
#4 Oregon Ducks (7-1)
Aaron: It appears as though the committee strongly values Oregon's win over Ohio State, which is good news for the Ducks, who do not have very many statement opportunities available. Oregon needs to win out, and probably needs to be a little more convincing in their wins over mediocre PAC-12 competition.
Jonny: The UCLA game was a great sign for the Ducks and could be a turning point considering that Oregon. beat down an inferior Colorado team. Far too often, Oregon has played to the level of their competition, so this was a welcome sight. It could also mean that Oregon could survive the PAC-12 and run the table.
#5 Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1)
Aaron: It wasn't pretty, but Ohio State did what they needed to to get past Penn State. There are certainly issues to address following the win, which the Buckeyes will look to do the next two weeks until the two key games await at the end of the season: Michigan State and Michigan. OSU needs to be more effective in the red zone and the offensive line will need to improve moving forward.
Jonny: Red zone struggles are now a concern to add to the list of Ohio State issues, as failure to finish drives allowed the Nittany Lions to remain in the game long after they should have. Ohio State earned their first real quality win of the season and now has some "get right" games before two gigantic clashes.
#6 Cincinnati Bearcats (8-0)
Aaron: It's clear that the Committee has absolutely no respect for any Group of 5 team, including Cincinnati. While I may disagree with that opinion, it's also clear that UC hasn't "wowed" anybody in their wins over Navy and Tulane. It's time for the Bearcats to make statements in every game, including over SMU and whoever they may face in the American Championship game. It's also time for UC to root for chaos, as running the table may not be enough for the Bearcats to make the Playoff if the initial CFP Rankings are any indication.
Jonny: Back-to-back shaky wins for the Bearcats won't bode well with the selection committee. While it might be unfair, more than just a victory is expected from Cincinnati if they are to make the CFP.
#7 Michigan Wolverines (7-1)
Aaron: Another rivalry loss for Harbaugh (is anyone really surprised?). Still, Michigan can knock off Penn State and Ohio State to end the season to cause chaos. That being said, it seems extremely unlikely the Wolverines will pull off that feat, especially since the coaching staff seems unlikely to allow quarterback Cade McNamara to truly let it lose.
Jonny: Big game demons continue to torture this team. At one point holding a 16-point lead in the second half, the defense continued to bleed in the run game and the offense went stagnant. It's certainly not over for the Wolverines, but now they will need help in the Big Ten East.
#8 Oklahoma Sooners (9-0)
Aaron: One of the most surprising rankings from the CFP rankings was that 9-0 Oklahoma was ranked #8. That's in part because of their struggles but more because the key games are all ahead for the Sooners. Oklahoma needs this bye week before three straight Top-25 clashes to determine the fate of the Big 12 this season.
Jonny: Caleb Williams and the Sooner offense continue to improve in consistency. However, it was a good opportunity to get the defense right against a struggling Texas Tech team before their bye. Oklahoma has huge upcoming tests the last three weeks to finish their season.
#9 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-0)
Aaron: The magical run for Wake Forest continues. This season is shaping up to be the best in program history and could cause major chaos in the Playoff if Wake Forest can continue their unbeaten streak. Wake Forest heads to North Carolina in a bizarre non-conference matchup against a conference opponent. The passing game is special, but the defense is what might cause Wake to finally drop a game.
Jonny: With Hartman at QB, the Demon Deacons can score with the best of the country. The question is whether the defense will be able to step up when the competition level rises. They are surely in play for the Playoff, but only if they run the table.
#11 Oklahoma State Cowboys
Aaron: Kansas ended up on the wrong side against a motivated Oklahoma State team. Bedlam awaits. And, as long as there are no slip-ups for the Cowboys until then, and if Oklahoma survives their gauntlet, it should make for a fascinating end to the season in the Big 12, where Oklahoma State is certainly in place.
Jonny: Oklahoma State responded well to the tough loss against Iowa State to wipeout the overwhelmed Jayhawks. Unfortunately, no one will believe in the Pokes until they beat their in-state rivals.
#12 Baylor Bears
Aaron: Like Oklahoma State, Baylor's season will probably be won or lost in a contest against Oklahoma. If Baylor can win that game, then expect major chaos in the Big 12 and a potential rematch of the Bears and Sooners in the conference title game.
Jonny: Winning a tough battle against the Longhorns allows for the Bears to remain in the hunt. With a strong defense and serviceable offense, Baylor might just have what it takes to spoil the Big 12 Championship game for the favorites.
ELIMINATED
Mississippi - A second loss for the Rebels means the Playoff is out of reach. A New Year's Six opportunity is certainly still a possibility, and a win over rival Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl would be a nice way to end the season for the Rebels.
On the Verge
#10 Notre Dame - Notre Dame continues to win despite their best efforts (to lose). Last time out, the Fighting Irish won a shootout against the Tar Heels. The Playoff probably isn't in the cards for the Irish, as they have lost to their only ranked competition at home. Yet, their variety of ways to win games has been impressive.
UTSA - The Roadrunners are still undefeated, and frankly, it's ridiculous the Committee doesn't have them ranked in the Top 25. Obviously, there's no chance at the Playoff, but the Roadrunners should get far more respect.
Jonny's Week 10 Top 25
1. Georgia (8-0)
2. Michigan State (8-0)
3. Alabama (7-1)
4. Ohio State (7-1)
5. Cincinnati (8-0)
6. Oregon (7-1)
7. Oklahoma (9-0)
8. Michigan (7-1)
9. Notre Dame (7-1)
10. Oklahoma State (7-1)
11. Wake Forest (8-0)
12. Texas A&M (6-2)
13. Baylor (7-1)
14. Auburn (6-2)
15. Mississippi (6-2)
16. Kentucky (6-2)
17. Houston (7-1)
18. SMU (7-1)
19. UTSA (8-0)
20. Coastal Carolina (7-1)
21. Penn State (5-3)
22. BYU (7-2)
23. Louisiana (7-1)
24. Iowa (6-2)
25. Fresno State (7-2)
Heisman Standings
Kenneth Walker - RB
Michigan State Spartans
1,194 YDS, 14 TD
36 Rec YDS, 1 TD
Bryce Young - QB
Alabama Crimson Tide
2,453 YDS, 26 TD/3 INT
Matt Corral - QB
Ole Miss Rebels
2,202 YDS, 15 TD/2 INT
519 Rush YDS, 10 TD
Desmond Ridder - QB
Cincinnati Bearcats
1,847 YDS, 18 TD/4 INT
171 Rush YDS, 3 TD
Sam Hartman - QB
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2,475 YDS, 22 TD/3 INT
207 Rush YDS, 6 TD
Others:
C. Stroud - QB - OSU
K. Pickett - QB - Pitt
T. Henderson - RB - OSU
J. Davis - DL - Georgia