In the past, November has typically been the month when the No. 1-ranked team in college football becomes evident. The cream usually rises to the top and it’s usually pretty clear who is the best. Teams like Alabama, Clemson, LSU, and Ohio State have taken that spot in recent years. However, this year is different. The top spot is up for grabs and it’s anyone’s game. Let’s take a look at the candidates.
One team that has been dominating this season is Michigan, but their best win so far has been against Rutgers. So much for their claim to the throne. Washington also has a strong case with their victory over one-loss Oregon, but they have struggled against Arizona State and Stanford. Florida State has wins over LSU, Clemson, and Duke, but those victories don’t look as impressive now as they did at the time. Finally, there’s Georgia, who has only played one currently ranked team. It’s clear that these teams have their flaws.
That leaves us with Ohio State, who has wins over Penn State and Notre Dame. Their victories may not have been pretty, but they got the job done. Ohio State has back-to-back home games against Michigan State and Minnesota coming up before their rivalry game against Michigan. It will be interesting to see how they perform in these upcoming matches.
With that being said, here are our rankings, excluding Oklahoma due to their loss to Mike Gundy’s Cowboys.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
– This week: won 35-16 over Rutgers
– Next week: vs. Michigan State
– Best win: vs. Penn State
Ohio State continues to win in ugly fashion, which is unusual for a team known for their explosive offense. Their defense and ground-and-pound running game have been instrumental in their victories. RB TreVeyon Henderson had a standout performance against Rutgers, rushing for 128 yards. The Buckeyes are finding ways to win, even if it’s not pretty.
2. Washington Huskies
– This week: won 52-42 at USC
– Next week: vs. Utah
– Best win: vs. Oregon
Washington has proven that they’re more than just a pass-heavy team. Running back Dillon Johnson had a breakout game against USC, rushing for 256 yards and four touchdowns. Their defense still needs some work, but the Huskies are showing that they have a multi-dimensional offense.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
– This week: won 30-21 vs. Missouri
– Next week: vs. Ole Miss
– Best win: vs. Missouri
Georgia had a tough time against Missouri for the second year in a row, but they managed to come out with the win. However, the Bulldogs showed some weaknesses, allowing three sacks. They’ll need to address those issues before their upcoming game against Ole Miss.
4. Florida State Seminoles
– This week: won 24-7 at Pitt
– Next week: vs. Miami
– Best win: vs. LSU
Florida State had a slow start against Pitt, but they picked up momentum in the second half and secured the victory. They also earned a spot in the ACC championship game. However, coach Mike Norvell has his sights set on bigger goals this year.
5. Michigan Wolverines
– This week: won 41-13 vs. Purdue
– Next week: at Penn State
– Best win: vs. Rutgers
Michigan’s offense and defense both performed well against Purdue. Despite the controversies surrounding the team, they remain dominant this season. However, their true test will come in their upcoming game against Penn State.
6. Oregon Ducks
– This week: won 63-19 vs. Cal
– Next week: vs. USC
– Best win: at Utah
Oregon has bounced back impressively after their loss to Washington earlier this season. They have outscored their opponents by a wide margin in their last three games. If they hadn’t lost to Washington, they would likely be the No. 1-ranked team in the country.
7. Texas Longhorns
– This week: won 33-30 in OT vs. Kansas State
– Next week: at TCU
– Best win: at Alabama
Texas had a comfortable lead against Kansas State but almost let it slip away. They managed to pull off the win in overtime. Their defense came up big when it mattered most. Texas is a different team now compared to when they lost to Alabama earlier in the season.
8. Alabama Crimson Tide
– This week: won 42-28 vs. LSU
– Next week: at Kentucky
– Best win: vs. Ole Miss
Alabama has transformed since their loss to Texas earlier in the season. They look more physical, their quarterback play has improved, and their defense is tougher. They have won seven straight games and are on track for a shot at the national title.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions
– This week: won 51-15 at Maryland
– Next week: vs. Michigan
– Best win: vs. Iowa
Penn State’s defense has been outstanding this season, ranking second in the country in total defense. They held Maryland to just 234 total yards. James Franklin and his team can now focus on their next game against Michigan, where Franklin has struggled in the past.
10. Ole Miss Rebels
– This week: won 38-35 vs. Texas A&M
– Next week: at Georgia
– Best win: vs. LSU
Lane Kiffin and the Rebels have cracked the top 10 just in time for their matchup against Georgia. They are still contenders in the SEC West and potentially in the race for the College Football Playoff. Ole Miss will need to finish strong this season and avoid a late-season meltdown like last year.
The race for the No. 1 spot is wide open and anything can happen as we head into the final stretch of the season.
