College Football Playoff Rankings: A Deep Dive into the Top 4

Strategic Insights -

The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee has released its first rankings, and the top four teams are Clemson University, Louisiana State University, Ohio State University, and the University of Alabama. Clemson, with its outstanding performance against Notre Dame, and LSU, with its undefeated record and strong schedule, are well-deserved in the top two spots. However, Ohio State's lack of decisive wins and shaky quarterback play raises questions about its ranking. Alabama's loss to Mississippi State University and its weaker schedule compared to Notre Dame's make its inclusion in the top four questionable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clemson University's closest game of the season came against Notre Dame, who currently sits at No. 5 in the CFP rankings, and they will be tested again this weekend against Florida State University.
  • Louisiana State University has arguably the hardest schedule of the top four teams and remains undefeated with a strong performance against Auburn University, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Florida.
  • Ohio State University's lack of decisive wins paired with shaky quarterback play has led to a slight downgrade in the polls, despite its No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll.
  • The University of Alabama's loss to Missisissippi State University and its weaker schedule compared to Notre Dame's make its inclusion in the top four questionable.
  • Notre Dame, ranked immediately behind Alabama, has just one loss, which came against Clemson, and has delivered a better effort against a better opponent.
  • The two teams have very similar strengths of schedules overall, with Notre Dame defeating strong schools like the University of Texas, the University of Southern California, and Temple University, while Alabama has beaten the University of Wisconsin, the University of Georgia, and Texas A&M University.

Statistics:

  • Clemson University's Leonard Fournette has rushed for 1,352 yards on 176 rushes, with an average of nearly eight yards per carry and over 190 yards per game.
  • LSU running back Leonard Fournette has 15 touchdowns in just seven games this year.
  • Ohio State University has been No. 1 in the nation throughout the season in the Associated Press poll.
  • The University of Alabama has a six-point differential in its loss to Ole Miss, which would be erased if we do not consider the 66-yard circus catch touchdown by Ole Miss receiver Quincy Adeboyejo.
  • Notre Dame and Alabama have very similar strengths of schedules, with both teams defeating strong schools and maintaining similar point differentials in their respective losses.

Sources:

  • Associated Press poll
  • College Football Playoff selection committee rankings
  • CollegeFootballNews.com
  • ESPN.com
  • Wikipedia article on Clemson University
  • Wikipedia article on Louisiana State University
  • Wikipedia article on Ohio State University
  • Wikipedia article on the University of Alabama