College Football Top 10 Ranking: Indiana, Texas A&M, Georgia Move Up
The second year of the 12-team College Football Playoff is upon us, and the seeding rules for this expanded field mean that the rankings won't be the definitive word on team strength. But that doesn't make them any less enjoyable or important. After every weekend, the dust settles, and it's time to update the rankings. So, here's my take on the top 10 teams, with a focus on the teams that have risen in the rankings this week.
- Ohio State (6-0): Despite some questions about the quality of their opponents, Ohio State continues to dominate. They make their opponents feel hopeless, and their defense, led by Matt Patricia, is on an incredible run. It's hard to argue against them being the best team in college football right now.
- Miami (5-0): Miami is the only other team that could realistically be ranked ahead of Ohio State. They have a better resume, with wins over Notre Dame, Florida, South Florida, and Florida State. The Hurricanes have all the pieces to win at a high level, and they are the favorites to win the ACC.
- Indiana (6-0): Indiana's rise up the rankings was met with some skepticism last week, but they've proven their mettle. They outplayed Oregon for four quarters and won 30-20, and their 63-10 win over Illinois further cements their status as a top team. Indiana looks poised to go undefeated in the regular season.
- Texas A&M (6-0): Texas A&M is off to a strong start under head coach Mike Elko. The Aggies have won six straight games, and their recent victory over Florida showcases their ability to dominate in crucial moments. With a manageable schedule ahead, Texas A&M is on track for a CFP bid.
- Ole Miss (6-0): Ole Miss' 24-21 win over Washington State was a close call, but they remain undefeated in the SEC. Their next two games against Oklahoma and Georgia will reveal more about their true strength. Lane Kiffin's squad is expected to remain strong, despite a potential off week.
- Alabama (5-1): Alabama's early-season loss to Florida State looks less concerning as they capture wins over Missouri, Vanderbilt, and Georgia. Quarterback Ty Simpson's performance and Kalen DeBoer's coaching have the Tide back on track.
- Texas Tech (6-0): Texas Tech has navigated every test without breaking a sweat, including a dominant win over Kansas. The Red Raiders may be head and shoulders above the rest in the Big 12, making them a force to be reckoned with.
- Georgia (5-1): Georgia's win over Auburn was a defensive clinic, and they shut down the Tigers' offense in the second half after a controversial fumble. Despite a loss to Alabama, Georgia's coaching prowess and road wins in the SEC keep them in the top 10.
- Oregon (5-1): Oregon's loss to Indiana at home was a significant blow, but they remain a talented team with a manageable schedule. Their signature win over Penn State now looks less impressive, but Oregon has the potential for bigger things.
- LSU (5-1): LSU's offensive concerns are overshadowed by their 5-1 record, with their only loss being a competitive game against Ole Miss. Their recent win over South Carolina showcases a strong defense. The Tigers' next three games will determine their staying power in the rankings.
