The NCAA March Madness slogan will be apt for the teams contending for the College Football Playoff this weekend. Washington, Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, and even Georgia all faced tough battles in their respective rivalry games on Saturday.
The Huskies secured a last-minute field goal, while Alabama narrowly escaped with a win by recovering a muffed punt and converting a fourth-and-31. Florida State took the lead with less than eight minutes left in a clash against Florida, and Michigan prevented a would-be game-winning drive by Ohio State.
Phew! Let’s dive into our final Top 10 of the season:
1. Georgia
Washington: won 31-23 at Georgia Tech
Next week: vs. Alabama (SEC championship game)
Best win: vs. Ole Miss
A competitive Georgia-Georgia Tech game? It’s been a while. The Yellow Jackets kept it close, with the Bulldogs narrowly winning by an eight-point margin, the closest game in the series since Tech’s 2016 victory. The Bulldogs remain undefeated with a 29th consecutive win. Their upcoming game against Alabama in the SEC title game could determine their position as the CFP’s No. 1 seed.
2. Washington
This week: won 24-21 vs. Washington State
Next week: vs. Oregon (Pac-12 championship game)
Best win: vs. Oregon
QB Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies proved their mettle in a narrow victory. Penix’s 12-play, 65-yard march led to a game-winning 42-yard field goal. The Penix-Odunze combination is a force to be reckoned with.
3. Michigan
This week: won 30-24 vs. Ohio State
Next week: vs. Iowa (Big Ten championship game)
Best win: vs. Ohio State
Michigan’s efficient game led to a victory against Ohio State, marking their third consecutive win without coach Jim Harbaugh. They are poised for a strong showing in the Big Ten title game.
4. Florida State
This week: won 24-15 at Florida
Next week: vs. Louisville (ACC championship game)
Best win: vs. LSU
Facing adversity with their third-string quarterback, the Seminoles secured a crucial win, despite doubts raised about their performance without starting quarterback Jordan Travis.
5. Oregon
This week: won 31-7 vs. Oregon State
Next week: vs. Washington (Pac-12 championship game)
Best win: at Utah
QB Bo Nix delivered an exceptional performance, solidifying himself as a Heisman Trophy contender with consistent impressive numbers.
6. Texas
This week: won 57-7 vs. Texas Tech
Next week: vs. Oklahoma State (Big 12 championship game)
Best win: at Alabama
The Longhorns made a statement with a convincing victory, showcasing their strength in their quest for a CFP spot.
7. Ohio State
This week: lost 30-24 at Michigan
Best win: vs. Penn State
A third consecutive loss to the Wolverines puts Ohio State in a precarious position, with slim chances of securing a playoff spot.
8. Alabama
This week: won 27-24 at Auburn
Next week: vs. Georgia (SEC championship game)
Best win: vs. Ole Miss
Alabama narrowly escaped with a win but faces a tough challenge against Georgia in the SEC championship game.
9. Missouri
This week: won 48-14 at Arkansas
Best win: vs. Kansas State
Eli Drinkwitz’s exceptional coaching has transformed Missouri’s fortunes, leading them to their first 10-win season in nine years.
10. Ole Miss
This week: won 17-7 at Mississippi State
Best win: vs. LSU
Lane Kiffin’s leadership has propelled Ole Miss to a 10-win season, showcasing his ability to build a strong contender using innovative strategies and talent acquisition.
