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 22.
Note: This will be updated following each week of games during the season.
First Round Byes
1. Texas Longhorns (4-0)
Texas stayed unbeaten by defeating UL Monroe 51-3 with backup Arch Manning filling in for injured starter Quinn Ewers. Their win over Michigan looks better after the Wolverines defeated USC, helping them keep the top spot.
This week: vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-3)
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0)
Ohio State returned from their bye to defeat Marshall easily. The Buckeyes still haven’t been tested by quality competition, but they are the frontrunners to win the Big Ten.
This week: at Michigan State Spartans (3-1)
3. Utah Utes (4-0)
Utah was without starting quarterback Cam Rising and they still went on the road to beat a ranked Oklahoma State team. The win makes hem the clear frontrunner in the Big 12.
This week: vs. Arizona Wildcats (2-1)
4. Miami Hurricanes (4-0)
Miami defeated a quality group of five team in USF this weekend. It was close for the first half, but Miami pulled away late. They look like they can win the ACC, but they will have to watch out for Clemson, who has looked good since losing to Georgia in week 1.
This week: vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (2-2)
First Round Hosts
5. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0)
Georgia was off in week 4. Their win over Clemson looks better now that the Tigers have won a few games following the matchup.
This week: at Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0)
6. Tennessee Volunteers (4-0)
Tennessee notched a big road win over Oklahoma. Their defense is stout and their offense can beat teams in a variety of ways.
This week: BYE
7. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0)
The Crimson Tide were off this week in preparation for their game against Georgia. Alabama hasn’t defeated a ranked team, but they do look good in their games so far.
This week: vs. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0)
8. Ole Miss Rebels (4-0)
Ole Miss hasn’t had the toughest schedule, but they look good in their wins. Their defense is improved this season and Lane Kiffin has the offense rolling.
This week: vs. Kentucky Wildcats (2-2)
Last Four In
9. Oregon Ducks (3-0)
Oregon didn’t have a game in week 4. They have a nice win over Boise State, but they still haven’t played up to their potential yet this season.
This week: at UCLA Bruins (1-2)
10. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)
The Nittany Lions blew out Bowling Green in week 4 to get their third win of the season. Their best win is over West Virginia, who is now 2-2, so their resume could use some additions in the future.
This week: vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (4-0)
11. Missouri Tigers (4-0)
Missouri needed overtime to beat Vanderbilt. Most importantly they got the win, but they drop in the rankings based on how they looked.
This week: BYE
12. UNLV Rebels (3-0)
UNLV didn’t have a game in week 4. They already have two wins over power four programs in Houston and Kansas. The Rebels have a conference game, then get another shot at a power four win.
This week: vs. Fresno State Bulldogs (3-1)
First Four Out- At Large
Iowa State Cyclones (3-0)
Iowa State has a win over Iowa under their belt and otherwise have stayed undefeated. The Big 12 looks wide open, giving the Cyclones a chance to pick up some wins over the next few weeks.
This week: at Houston Cougars (1-3)
Clemson Tigers (2-1)
Since losing to Georgia, Clemson has dominated both Appalachian State and NC State. It looks like they and Miami are a step above the rest in the ACC.
This week: vs. Stanford Cardinal (2-1)
BYU Cougars (4-0)
BYU protected their home turf by beating a ranked Kansas State. They could be a darkhorse in the Big 12 if they continue playing this way.
This week: at Baylor Bears (2-2)
Louisville Cardinals (3-0)
Louisville stayed undefeated by beating Georgia Tech in week 4. They can really improve things by beating Notre Dame this week.
This week: at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-1)
First Four Out- Group of Five Spot
Boise State Broncos (3-1)
Boise State defeated Portland State this week. Their only loss was to Oregon and they were competitive in that game.
This week: vs. Washington State Cougars (4-0)
James Madison Dukes (3-0)
JMU scored 70 points on UNC to win on the road. They lost a lot from last year’s team, but they are undefeated and have put themselves in a good spot to make a run.
This week: vs. Ball State Cardinals (1-2)
USF Bulls (2-2)
Having two losses would really hurt most teams. Plenty of other group of five contenders have lost though and the losses to Alabama and Miami are understandable. USF is in position to make a run in the AAC.
This week: at Tulane Green Wave (2-2)
Navy Midshipmen (3-0)
Navy knocked off a group of five contender for the CFP in Memphis this week. Navy is 3-0, but to make the playoff they will need to really impress the committee, as they only have 11 games before the field is selected.
This week: at UAB Blazers (1-2)
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