Race for the CFP Week 10: First Rankings Revealed

The first College Football Playoff rankings were revealed on Tuesday night, and the selection committee heavily favored the SEC.

10 SEC teams are ranked in the Top 25. That includes 18th-ranked Missouri — who are within striking distance to make the CFP — but the Tigers will need a “November to remember”.

Here’s how the CFP would look if the season ended today, according to the selection committee:

Of course it doesn’t, so let’s take a look at our latest “Race for the CFP” entering Week 10 of the season:

SEC favorite: Georgia

UGA bounced back after the Auburn loss with a convincing 27-8 win over rival Florida. The 2nd-ranked Bulldogs have a big-time road test at Ole Miss on Saturday night.

Big Ten favorite: Indiana

The Hoosiers keep on winning under Curt Cignetti. It hasn’t always been pretty this season, but they found a way to win in a thrilling 23-16 overtime victory over Minnesota. Indiana is on a much-needed bye week before their final stretch of the season.

ACC favorite: Miami (FL)

The top-ranked Canes survived a road test at Chapel Hill with a 38-35 win over North Carolina last week. Miami is at Notre Dame on Saturday night. Malachi Toney, however, has been ruled out until the CFP with a high ankle sprain.

Big 12 favorite: Utah

The 3rd-ranked Utes are 8-0 and are one of three undefeated teams remaining. Utah is currently favored by five points heading into the Holy War vs No. 9 BYU.

Automatic Bid: Notre Dame

With the Irish ranked No. 11 in the first CFP rankings, the selection committee clearly isn’t impressed with the lack of quality wins. Notre Dame has a statement opportunity on Saturday night vs Miami (FL) — as ND is 7.5-point favorites in South Bend.

Group of Six Automatic Bid: Boise State

Boise State is 7-1 and ranked No. 25 in the latest CFP rankings — looking the part as Group of Six favorites. The Broncos are at Colorado State on Saturday.

At-Large Bid Selections:

UCLA:

At 8-0, the 5th ranked Bruins are coming off a 27-0 non-conference win over Nevada but are the lowest-ranked undefeated team according to the selection committee. UCLA is at Minnesota on Saturday for a tough road test looking to stay unbeaten.

Kentucky:

The Wildcats are 7-1 and ranked No. 6 in the first CFP rankings. UK looks legit in year one under Will Stein. The will look to prove it on Saturday night in Knoxville at No. 13 Tennessee.

Texas:

The Longhorns might have two losses, but their quality wins over Ohio State, Tennessee, and Ole Miss have them currently in the field. Texas is at Mizzou on Saturday. Buckle up.

BYU:

The Cougars are 7-1 and ranked No. 9 in the first CFP rankings, but are underdogs heading into Saturday’s Holy War at Utah. BYU will look to make a road statement in one of the best environments in College Football at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Alabama:

The Crimson Tide come in at No. 5 in the first CFP rankings. A questionable ranking for a two-loss team for sure. They will look to prove their ranking with a road game at No. 14 LSU on Saturday.

Ole Miss:

It’s crunch time for the Rebels after the loss a couple of weeks ago to Texas. A huge opportunity awaits Ole Miss on Saturday night vs No. 2 Georgia, then the schedule is favorable after that.

Top Four Seeds:

1) Miami (FL)

2) Georgia

3) Utah

4) Indiana

Projected Bracket:

12) Boise State at 5) UCLA

11) Notre Dame at 6) Kentucky

10) Ole Miss at 7) Texas

9) Alabama at 8) BYU

Final Four Pick:

1) Miami (FL) vs 4) Indiana

2) Georgia vs 11) Notre Dame

National Championship:

2) Georgia over 1) Miami (FL)