Week 1 of the college football season is often pretty boring. With most power conference schools scheduling warm-up games against lesser competition, many results are foregone conclusions. Sure, any game could become exciting if the score is close down the stretch, but we are rarely treated to such games at this point in the season.
Following last week's preseason predictions, I made one fact abundantly clear: I have no idea how this season will turn out. In the first week alone, I saw 2 teams in my top 4 start the season with a loss or upset scare to open the year, and I've been forced to jumble my rankings once again.
With that in mind, here are my playoff picture predictions for the end of the season, along with some of this week's biggest risers and fallers. This doesn't necessarily project how I'd rank these teams this week, but rather a projection of how I believe the playoff picture will look by year's end.
And don't forget: I have no idea what I'm doing.
Biggest Risers
Utah: The Utes handled business against Southern Utah in a 49-0 home victory. Led by senior QB, Cam Rising, it's no surprise that the Utes looked good out of the gate. The defense was stout, and the offense was clicking with Rising on the field. Off the field, the offense sputtered and clearly missed their starter. The Utes will need Rising to stay healthy this season if they hope to earn the Big 12 title.
Miami (FL): The 'Canes marched into the Swamp and manhandled the Florida Gators on their home turf. Miami came out strong and never let up as they took down an SEC foe by a wide margin--enough to get Gators quitting on their team right after the game. Miami looked throughout their 41-17 win, and look like the early favorites to win the ACC behind their strong QB play.
Ole Miss: The team looked good, what am I supposed to say? No team wins 76-0 accidentally, and I don't care if their opponent was Furman--those guys beat Virginia in the NCAA tournament! Jaxson Dart is a star, and it looks like he could be the best quarterback in college football if he can continue this level of play in conference competitions.
Biggest Fallers
Oregon: The Ducks had quite the scare in week one, as they saw their lead cut down to 3 points in the fourth quarter against the Idaho Vandals. Oregon should be winning easily when teams come to Autzen, but this week did not meet expectations. They came out with a win--even a narrow win is a W--but the Ducks will need to tighten up if they hope to battle for the Big 10 crown this year.
Florida State: Last season, FSU went on an undefeated regular season campaign only to be denied entry into the CFP. Outrage ensued, and the injustice on display shed a light on why an expanded playoff field was necessary. The Seminoles responded to this snub in week 0 by dropping a conference game against Georgia Tech, and their playoff chances were all but shattered before the season had officially begun.
Clemson: Dabo Swinney memes are hilarious, and they were populating X at an alarming rate as Clemson was on the receiving end of a good ol' fashioned Georgia beatdown. Cade Clubnik was not impressive, and the Bulldogs held the Tigers to a mere 3 points. The ACC is wide open this season, but it's looking like Dabo's dynasty has fallen.
Week 2 College Football Playoff Projections
Rank | Team | Reason | Previous Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Georgia | SEC Champion | 1 |
2 | Ohio State | Big 10 Champion | 5 |
3 | Utah | Big 12 Champion | N/A |
4 | Miami (FL) | ACC Champion | N/A |
5 | Alabama | At-Large | 6 |
6 | Penn State | At-Large | 8 |
7 | Ole Miss | At-Large | N/A |
8 | Kansas State | At-Large | 9 |
9 | Notre Dame | At-Large | 12 |
10 | Texas | At-Large | 7 |
11 | Oregon | At-Large | 3 |
12 | Tulane | AAC Champion | N/A |