The first NCAA Football Playoff college rankings have been released, and a few surprises have made their way into the top 10. Nine weeks have been played, and just five more weeks remain in the NCAA football season.
Georgia edged out SEC rival Alabama for first place in the playoff rankings. The decision to place the Bulldogs at No. 1 doesn’t mean the team is better than ‘Bama, as both squads are 8-0. With plenty of football left to play, it does mean the two teams could flip flop; or another team could take their places.
NCAA Football: Georgia or Alabama?
The two SEC teams are the only undefeated teams in playoff rankings top eight. Wisconsin (No. 9) and Miami (No. 10) are also undefeated. Central Florida is also unbeaten, but sit No. 18 in the top 25.
Georgia’s No. 1 ranking has lot to do with the team’s win over Notre Dame in September, but the Bulldogs have been blowing out SEC teams left and right, too. Of course, the Bull Dogs and Crimson Tide could swap places in the ranking. Years ago, teams would only be moved down if they lost. But those days are gone, and Alabama could just as easily be top of the rankings the next time they are released.
Currently, Alabama lead the futures betting for the College Football Championship at odds of -140. Meanwhile, Georgia lies at +1100. The Bulldogs are tied for the third best odds to win the championship. Ohio State, currently ranked 6th, has odds of +300.
Georgia is not the only team at +1100 odds. Clemson and Notre Dame join them at +1100. That figure is great, but can any one of these three teams knock off Alabama?
NCAA Football: A case for Notre Dame
Notre Dame is only now getting recognized as a possible contender for the NCAA Football Championship game. The team had an early season blemish when it lost to Georgia. Since then, the Fightin’ Irish have reeled off six straight wins. Those wins came over Boston College, NC State, North Carolina and Michigan State. Oh, and Notre Dame hammered USC 49-14. Although quarterback Brandon Wimbush isn’t spectacular, he has done enough with the team around him.
Notre Dame’s remaining schedule is against Wake Forest (5-3), Miami (7-0), Navy (5-2) and Stanford (6-2). The Miami game looks to be the slipperiest slope for the team to climb as the Fightin’ Irish will play in south Florida.
NCAA Football: By the numbers
NCAA football experts have released the projections for teams making the College Football Playoffs and winning the National Title.
- Alabama lead the pack with a 62% chance of making the postseason and 25% chance of winning the title.
- Georgia is second with a 54% chance of making the postseason and 14% chance of winning the title.
- Ohio State is 49% likely to make the playoffs and 16% likely to win the National Title.
- Clemson is 43% likely to make the playoffs and 10% likely to repeat as National Champions.
- Meanwhile, Notre Dame is just 26% likely to make the playoffs and 6% likely to win the championship.
One thing is for sure, there is plenty of college football left to play.
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