(from Bryson Gordon-GTCC, college football writer for GreensboroSports.com)
Another week, another shakeup in the polls. The third edition of the College Football playoff rankings will be coming out Tuesday night at 9:30 after the good college basketball games (featuring Duke vs. Kentucky). For the second straight week I will be putting my spin on the Top 4 and First two out.
1) Clemson ( Won 37-27 at Syracuse)
Why are they my number 1? Many people are ready to justify an Alabama jump after another impressive showing, but until Clemson loses, I believe they are the best team in college football. This team is balanced on both sides of the ball, with a flourishing offense, and a stingy defense that is on pace to roll through the regular season, before facing UNC or Pitt in the ACC championship.
Next up- Vs. Wake Forest 11/21
2) Alabama ( Won 31-6 at Mississippi State)
Why are they my number 2? Alabama rolled over Mississippi St. this week on the road, but I am still very cautious of this Alabama team. The running game has been dominant behind Heisman candidate Derrick Henry, but if somebody stops the run game, and forces Jake Coker, who has been very bleak this season, to throw, could crack the Alabama Code.
Next up- Vs. Charleston Southern 11/21
3) Ohio State (Won 28-3 at Illinois)
Why are they my number 3? Ohio State won again, taking their record to a dominant 48-3 since the beginning of the 2012 season. This team is finally starting to find its identity behind JT Barrett, and Ezekiel Elliot, the team many people thought to be the National Champs are still undefeated, and still rolling. This team will be a problem if they make the playoffs. They play a very good Michigan St. team this week, who may be without its QB Connor Cook. The remaining schedule will really test Ohio State, having to face MSU, and Michigan, before the Big 10 championship game.
Next up- Vs. Michigan State 11/21
4) Notre Dame (Won 28-7 vs Wake Forest)
Why are they my number 4? No changes in my top four this week, as Notre Dame finished off a strong performance against Wake. The Irish are still rolling, but they have a tough game coming up, against top 15 team Stanford. If Notre Dame wins out, I think they will have a strong shot at the playoff.
5) Oklahoma State (Won 35-31 at Iowa State)
Why are they my number 5? Oklahoma State’s win against TCU does not hold much merit anymore, because Oklahoma defeated Baylor to have the “best win” in the Big 12 now. But I do not believe the win over Baylor will boost the Sooners over the Cowboys. Until the Final Four comes out, there will probably be a new “Best Team” from the Big 12, due to the backloaded schedule. This week it is the Cowboys.
Next up- vs Baylor 11/21
6) Iowa (won 40-35 vs Minnesota)
Why are they my number 6? I am not completely sold on Iowa. They have played a relatively subpar schedule, not been over impressive in their wins, and still have a lot to prove in the remaining games. Unfortunately for them, they play two teams with losing records for their final two regular season games, in Purdue and Nebraska. If they win out, they will get a chance to prove themselves in a Big 10 championship though, which could be the game that puts them in the final 4.
Next up- vs Purdue 11/21