Race for the CFP Week 1: Mizzou Enters Season Ranked No. 25

We’ve made it, happy week one of the college football season! While not much is expected out of Missouri to be a College Football Playoff threat this season with their over/under set at 6.5 wins— the Tigers do come in ranked at No. 25 in the preseason polls.

Mizzou’s schedule sets up ridiculously tough in the second half of the season with five opponents ranked in the preseason Top 10. That presents an opportunity for resume building wins, however. So, there’s a pathway for Eli Drinkwitz’s club to emerge as CFP contenders, but for that to happen — a 5-0 start to the season before the gauntlet is a must. As of now, these Tigers are on the outside looking in entering the season with plenty of work to do to get in the picture.

Here’s our “Race for the CFP” entering Week 1:

SEC favorite: Georgia

Georgia comes in at No. 3 in the preseason Top 25. The Bulldogs are led by 5th-year senior quarterback Gunner Stockton coming back. They’re the league favorites until proven otherwise, and Kirby Smart’s club has one of the most talented teams on paper — per usual. Though, are these Bulldogs experienced enough to win it all? After back-to-back quarterfinal losses in the CFP, they’ll be plenty motivated to breakthrough in this postseason.

Big Ten favorite: Ohio State

The Buckeyes come in as the No. 1 team in the country, and there’s a good reason why. Julian Sayin returns at quarterback along with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith — who is arguably the best player in College Football. Ohio State will look to prove their No. 1 ranking with a Week 2 blockbuster game at No. 5 Texas.

Big 12 favorite: Texas Tech

The Red Raiders will look to return to the CFP again under head coach Joey McGuire, and they have the quarterback depth with Will Hammond as the expected starter and their late addition of Thomas Castellanos. The schedule is also in their favor as Texas Tech only plays one preseason ranked team — hosting No. 23 Houston in their Big 12 opener on September 18th.

ACC favorite: Miami (FL)

Darian Mensah looks to make the case as one of the best quarterbacks in College Football, and Mizzou transfer defensive lineman Damon Wilson should make a huge impact on the Canes’ defense. Only one preseason ranked opponent is on Miami’s schedule — at No. 4 Notre Dame on November 7th.

Automatic Bid: Notre Dame

CJ Carr leads the way for the Irish at the quarterback position, and his go to wide receiver Jordan Faison highlight Notre Dame’s offense as this looks to be Marcus Freeman’s best team. An undefeated regular season isn’t out of the question.

Group of Six Automatic Bid: Boise State

Maddux Madsen returns as Boise State’s quarterback and the Broncos were picked to finish 1st in the Pac-12 preseason poll. Boise State opens the season at No. 2 Oregon on Saturday — looking to put up a respectable showing as one of the best G6 teams.

At-Large Bid Selections:

Oregon:

The Ducks are behind the Buckeyes by the slimmest of margins, but Dante Moore returns at quarterback and Minnesota transfer Koi Perich highlights the defense. Dan Lanning has another loaded team in Euguene.

Indiana:

After an undefeated season, the defending National Champions will return to the CFP led by the best coach in the country. However, can TCU quarterback Josh Hoover put up the production similar to Fernando Mendoza?That’s a lot of shoes to fill at the most important position.

Texas:

Arch Manning leads the way for Texas in a pivotal season for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns after missing the CFP last year. They’ll be plenty motivated to get there with a talented roster — with impact transfers Hollywood Smothers and Cam Coleman highlighting the offense.

Ole Miss:

Trinidad Chambliss returns for his fifth year of eligibility as one of the best quarterbacks in the country — alongside former Mizzou running back Kewan Lacy make it a dynamic offense for the Rebels. Head coach Pete Golding enters his full season replacing Lane Kiffin.

USC:

This sets up to be a pivotal season for Lincoln Riley and the Trojans, but he has his most talented team led by quarterback Jayden Maiava. USC is already off to a 1-0 start with a Week 0 win over San Jose State.

Texas A&M:

It was an up and down season last year for Marcel Reed, but another year of experience should benefit the Aggies’ starting quarterback. Mario Craver is a huge weapon at the wide receiver position. After losing a home game in the first round to Miami (FL) last season, expect Texas A&M to return to the CFP with a well-coached Mike Elko team.

Top Four Seeds:

1. Ohio State
2. Oregon
3. Georgia
4. Notre Dame

Projected Bracket:

12) Boise State at 5) Texas

11) USC at 6) Ole Miss

10) Miami (FL) at 7) Indiana

9) Texas Tech at 8) Texas A&M

Final Four Pick:

4) Notre Dame vs 1) Ohio State

3) Georgia vs 2) Oregon

National Championship:

Oregon over Notre Dame