The 12-team field for the College Football Playoff is set, but how do the squads stack up in our power rankings?
1. Indiana Hoosiers (13-0) | Last week: 2 (+1)
Indiana is the lone unbeaten left in college football after getting a 13-10 victory over Ohio State in the Big 10 Championship, so there is no doubt about their standing as the No. 1 team in the nation. With quarterback Fernando Mendoza the heavy favorite for the Heisman, the defense for the Hoosiers has gone overlooked.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1) | Last week: 1 (-1)
A missed 27-yard field goal prevented Ohio State from tying the game late versus Indiana, but the defending champions are counting on a rematch if they both make it to the national championship. It’s also possible the Buckeyes had a bit of a letdown with their worst offensive showing after finally beating rival Michigan.
3. Georgia Bulldogs (12-1) | Last week: 3
Georgia was dominant in the SEC Championship, and they’ll now be in Atlanta for the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day against the winner of the Tulane versus Ole Miss matchup in the first round. If the defense plays like it did in the win over Alabama, the Bulldogs will be tough to beat.
4. Texas A&M Aggies (11-1) | Last week: 4
Texas A&M being down to the No. 7 seed doesn’t seem right with their lone loss being against Texas on the road—but perhaps they were collateral damage of Notre Dame (their signature win) being left out. Ironically, the Aggies will face Miami instead of a rematch against the Fighting Irish.
5. Oregon Ducks (11-1) | Last week: 5
Oregon gets the “easiest” draw of the first round by taking on James Madison—but it’s the school that Indiana head coach Kurt Cignetti came from a couple of years ago, so that’s an interesting dynamic with the Hoosiers getting the better of the Ducks this season.
6. Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1) | Last week: 6
Texas Tech handled BYU for the second time this season to win the Big 12, and they earned a first-round bye in the process. It’s probably safe to assume the Red Raiders are already beginning preparations for Oregon in a potential Orange Bowl matchup.
7. Ole Miss Rebels (11-1) | Last week: 7
Ole Miss is set to have their coaching staff other than Lane Kiffin in place as they gear up for the College Football Playoff—and their path is very realistic by hosting Tulane next weekend, then facing a Georgia team they had on the ropes if they can get to the quarterfinals.
8. Oklahoma Sooners (10-2) | Last week: 8
Oklahoma essentially clinched their spot in the playoffs two weeks ago and were just waiting on their seeding/opponent—which we now know will be Alabama. The first meeting on November 15 saw the Sooners escape Tuscaloosa with a win despite being outgained 406-212, so the rematch should be great.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-2) | Last week: 10 (+1)
The power rankings are purely about trying to order the “best” teams, but the committee arguably got the CFP field right by putting Miami in over Notre Dame—as the head-to-head result from the opener can’t be overlooked. Unfortunately, the drama might lead to the Fighting Irish not scheduling top out-of-conference opponents moving forward.
10. Alabama Crimson Tide (10-3) | Last week: 9 (-1)
The case for Alabama getting in was simple, as Kalen DeBoer argued they shouldn’t be penalized for playing in a conference championship (especially as the top seed and against an opponent they already beat this season). If the Tide are able to get past Oklahoma, a matchup with No. 1 Indiana would await.