Each week teams will be fighting for position in an effort to make the College Football Playoff. The teams will be ranked each week, but what matters most is who they have played and defeated already on the field. Here is College Football Playoff Preseason Bracketology: September 2.
Note: This will be updated following each week of games during the season.
First Round Byes
1. Georgia Bulldogs (1-0)
Georgia took care of business against a ranked Clemson team, winning 34-3. They were the preseason favorites in the SEC and take the stop spot in the rankings for getting a good win in week 1.
This week: vs. Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (FCS 0-1)
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)
While Ohio State started the game off slowly, they settled down and won their game against Akron 52-6. The defense looks as good as advertised, while the offensive line play will need to improve. They are the projected Big Ten champions.
This week: vs. Western Michigan Broncos (0-1)
3. Miami Hurricanes (1-0)
Miami dominated Florida in the swamp. In the process, they made themselves the team to beat in the ACC, as other contenders have already lost. It is a pretty manageable schedule, so Miami could be looking at an ACC Championship and first-round bye.
This week: vs. Florida A&M Rattlers (FCS 2-0)
4. Utah Utes (1-0)
Utah didn’t have a tough game in week 1, but defeated Southern Utah easily. They are slotted in as the Big 12 Champion, but will need to win some big games to help their at large status in case they aren’t able to win the conference championship.
This week: vs. Baylor Bears (1-0)
First Round Hosts
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-0)
Notre Dame had a young offensive line, but they won in the trenches against Texas A&M. It was a big ranked win on the road, which gives Notre Dame the current spot of no. 5 in these rankings, giving them a first-round home game.
This week: vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (1-0)
6. Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0)
Penn State had a tough road game against a rival in West Virginia. They won, but also looked good doing so. The Nittany Lions have earned the right to be ranked as one of the best at-large teams after one week.
This week: vs. Bowling Green Falcons (1-0)
7. USC Trojans (1-0)
USC got a big win in their season opener against LSU, showing off a new defense that looks effective. It is a good start to the year and will help their case for the CFP if they can continue playing well.
This week: vs. Utah State Aggies (1-0)
8. Texas Longhorns (1-0)
Texas played a Colorado State team that should be a contender in the Mountain West. The game wasn’t close, as the Longhorns took care of business, winning 52-0.
This week: at Michigan Wolverines (1-0)
Last Four In
9. Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0)
In the first game post-Nick Saban, Alabama demolished Western Kentucky. They won 63-0, so while the win wasn’t too impressive, the Crimson Tide played well.
This week: vs. USF Bulls (1-0)
10. Ole Miss Rebels (1-0)
Ole Miss played FCS-level Furman and had no issues. They won 76-0 and looked to be in good form.
This week: vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-0)
11. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-0)
Georgia Tech defeated Florida State in Dublin during week 0 helping them gain recognition. They followed that up with a win over Georgia State in week 1. The early win warrants them being ranked, but they need to continue to notch big wins if they want to stay in these rankings.
This week: at Syracuse Orange (1-0)
12. UNLV Rebels (1-0)
There is no question that UNLV looked like the best group of five team, given that they defeated a power five team. They controlled the game against Houston, winning 27-7. Keeping the group of five spot in the playoff will be tough, but UNLV has the early edge.
This week: vs. Utah Tech Trail Blazers (0-1)
First Four Out- At Large
Oregon Ducks (1-0)
Oregon has a talented roster, but struggled with FCS-level Idaho. The Ducks need to play some good football before moving up into the rankings.
This week: vs. Boise State Broncos (1-0)
Tennessee Volunteers (1-0)
Tennessee certainly looked the part of a possible CFP team, defeating Chatanooga 69-3. They will have a chance to prove themselves against better competition this week.
This week: vs. NC State Wolfpack (1-0) (Game in Charlotte, NC)
Michigan Wolverines (1-0)
Michigan looked shaky in their opener against Fresno State. The Bulldogs are a solid team, but Michigan has a lot to prove this season.
This week: vs. Texas Longhorns (1-0)
Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0)
In week 1, the Cowboys defeated the reigning FCS Champion South Dakota State. It was a good showing, but they’ll have tougher tests ahead.
This week: vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0)
First Four Out- Group of Five Spot
Boise State Broncos (1-0)
Boise State weirdly had a game at Georgia State in week 1. They won with good offense, but their defense gave up a lot of points. If UNLV doesn’t win the MWC, Boise State might.
This week: at Oregon Ducks (1-0)
USF Bulls (1-0)
USF defeated Bethune-Cookman 48-3. The win won’t help their resume, but they looked good. They have a few big games coming up in the next several weeks.
This week: at Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0)
Memphis Tigers (1-0)
Memphis defeated North Alabama 40-0 in their season-opener. The Tigers, USF and possibly Tulane will be battling it out for the AAC with the winner possibly getting the group of five spot in the CFP.
This week: vs. Troy Trojans (0-1)
Appalachian State Mountaineers (1-0)
The Mountaineers notched a win over East Tennessee State from the FCS, 38-10. They have a chance to shock the country this week when they play Clemson.
This week: at Clemson Tigers (0-1)
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