With that in perspective, let’s hold it easy by every of the highest 4 groups within the general rankings and see the place their greatest take a look at lies within the last month of the common season.
No. 1 Oregon
Led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s effectivity throwing the ball, operating again Jordan James (917 rush yards, 9 TDs) and extensive receiver Tez Johnson (649 receiving yards, eight TDs), the Geese have arguably the very best win within the nation in opposition to No. 2 Ohio State.
Whereas Oregon’s remaining schedule is just not daunting, a street journey to Madison to face Wisconsin on Nov. 16 might current a problem, however the street to the playoff appears to be like good in case you are a Geese fan.
No. 2 Ohio State
Though the Buckeyes wouldn’t get a first-round bye with Oregon at the moment forward of them, Ohio State is ranked No. 2 general. With their lone loss coming to the top-ranked Geese, you could possibly argue no different crew has a greater loss than Ohio State. Whereas quarterback Will Howard has dedicated some questionable turnovers, his completion proportion (73.2%) and 19 TDs are noteworthy.
Working again Quinshon Judkins leads the crew in dashing yards (615) and dashing TDs (six) whereas extensive receivers Jeremiah Smith (39 catches, 678 yards, eight TDs) and Emeka Egbuka (46 catches, 577 yards, seven TDs) pose a menace to anybody protecting them.
Coming off their eighth consecutive win over Penn State, and with rival Michigan struggling to attain this season, Ohio State’s greatest problem might be on Nov. 23 once they host eighth-ranked Indiana’s high-scoring offense, which is third within the nation in factors per sport (42.8).
No. 3 Georgia
Regardless of an early season loss to Alabama and scares from Kentucky and Florida, Georgia finds itself close to the highest as soon as once more. Whereas this crew has not been as flawless as earlier Georgia groups underneath head coach Kirby Good, the Bulldogs are nonetheless 7-1 and in a logjam on the high of the SEC standings.
Georgia nonetheless has two main checks within the subsequent couple of weeks as they journey to face No. 16 Ole Miss in Oxford on Saturday and host No. 7 Tennessee on Nov. 16. If the Bulldogs are going to come back out of those two video games unscathed, quarterback Carson Beck will have to be extra environment friendly throwing the ball.
Beck has thrown three interceptions in Georgia’s final two video games. The crew is balanced sufficient on offense, however with two difficult opponents the following two weeks, Beck could have to be much less turnover-prone if the Bulldogs wish to come away with a pair of marquee victories.
No. 4 Miami
The Hurricanes, maybe the largest wild-card among the many high 4, spherical out the highest 4 groups within the rankings. Led by Hesiman-contending quarterback Cam Ward, the Hurricanes have been explosive on the offensive facet of the ball. With operating again Damien Martinez (595 rush yards, eight TDs) and extensive receivers Xavier Restrepo (51 catches, 856 yards, 9 TDs) and Isaiah Horton (46 catches, 548 yards, 4 TDs) giving Ward loads of choices, the Hurricanes offense has been thrilling to look at.
With a pair of street video games at Georgia Tech on Saturday and Syracuse on Nov. 30, Miami might get examined, particularly if their protection doesn’t enhance. Regardless of being undefeated, the Hurricanes have allowed 30 or extra factors in 4 of their final 5 video games. In the event that they do end the common season undefeated, the struggles on protection might spell bother for Miami down the road.
