The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee will unveil its initial rankings on the evening of November 7, 2023, with expectations that defending national champion Ohio State will secure the top spot. Analysts predict that Indiana, currently undefeated with an 8-0 record, will follow closely at No. 2. The only uncertainty surrounding the top four rankings involves whether Texas A&M or Alabama will claim the No. 3 position.
As the first four seeds in the CFP are critical due to the first-round bye they provide in the 12-team playoff bracket, these rankings will undoubtedly spark discussions among fans and pundits alike. Ohio State, having achieved an impressive record of 8-0, has notable victories against ranked opponents, including a win over then-No. 1 Texas and a significant road victory against Illinois. The Buckeyes’ defense has performed admirably, allowing fewer than one touchdown per game and not permitting a first-half touchdown in their opening seven games.
Quarterback Julian Sayin, in his first season, has completed 80% of his passes, thrown for 23 touchdowns against just three interceptions, and is considered a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy. Meanwhile, Indiana has also demonstrated offensive prowess, scoring over 50 points in three Big Ten games and securing a notable win against then-No. 3 Oregon.
Despite Indiana’s impressive numbers, critics point to a weak nonconference schedule. The Hoosiers’ performance against Illinois, where they defeated the Illini 63-10, stands in stark contrast to Ohio State’s 34-16 victory over the same opponent. With only one common opponent so far, the scrutiny on the two teams’ rankings will intensify as the season progresses.
Texas A&M currently holds the edge over Alabama in the AP Poll, positioning them as a strong contender for the No. 3 seed. The Aggies recently ascended to No. 3 following a narrow victory over then-No. 8 Notre Dame and a decisive 49-25 win against LSU. However, the status of LSU as a top-10 team has fluctuated, raising questions about the lasting value of Texas A&M’s win.
Alabama, with a robust seven-game winning streak following an early loss to Florida State, has defeated four ranked opponents. Their performance has included a pivotal win against top-five ranked Georgia, along with consecutive victories over Vanderbilt, Missouri, and Tennessee. Although Alabama struggled to secure a win against a three-win South Carolina team, the Crimson Tide’s strong schedule may bolster their argument for a higher ranking.
Top Matchup Highlights and Other Rankings
This week features a significant matchup as BYU faces Texas Tech, ranked No. 8 and No. 9, respectively. The anticipation surrounding this game has drawn the attention of ESPN’s “College GameDay.” Texas Tech’s head coach Joey McGuire expressed hopes that former player and current Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will attend, potentially serving as a guest picker for the show.
The excitement is palpable, with McGuire emphasizing the need for his players to remain focused despite the hype surrounding the event. Texas Tech boasts an 8-1 overall record, its best since 2008, while BYU maintains an undefeated mark at 8-0 for the second consecutive year.
In terms of rankings, the Washington Huskies have re-entered the AP Top 25 for the first time since finishing No. 2 in 2023. Under the guidance of head coach Jeff Fisch, they have improved significantly, highlighted by quarterback Demond Williams leading the Big Ten in total offense with 319 yards per game. Washington’s current 6-2 record could see them striving for a 10-win regular season when they face Oregon on November 29.
As for the Virginia Cavaliers, they continue to exceed expectations. Predicted to finish 14th in the ACC, they stand as the only unbeaten team in the conference after a recent victory over California, boasting an 8-1 record overall and a perfect 5-0 in ACC play.
With the College Football Playoff rankings set to be released, the conversations among fans and analysts will only intensify as teams jockey for position in the playoff landscape. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining which teams solidify their standings and which narratives emerge as the season progresses.
