Breaking down CFP Selection Committee’s Top 7 for Week 11

The College Football Playoff Selection Committee revealed its updated rankings, slotting the top contenders for the four-team playoff. With several surprises, the top seven CFP teams featured Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Michigan and Michigan State ahead of Week 11.

After Michigan State’s upset loss, the race toward a national championship opened up further. These teams have now positioned themselves as the favorites. Take a look at what each of the top seven CFP contenders bring to the table heading into Week 11.

1. Georgia Bulldogs (9-0)

The Georgia Bulldogs defense continues to dominate in 2021. Despite off-field issues for outside linebacker Adam Anderson, the Georgia defense again shut down an SEC opponent. The Bulldogs still feature many high-end prospects, allowing just 273 yards and two field goals against Missouri. They have given up just six touchdowns over nine games. The offense continues answering questions, despite uncertainty at quarterback with the carousel of JT Daniels and Stetson Bennett. However, with wide receiver group looking refreshed with several injury returns, the sky is the limit.

Remaining schedule: at Tennessee, Charleston Southern, at Georgia Tech.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1)

Alabama again lacked the type of convincing play many have come to expect. Despite escaping with a 20-14 win over the disappointing LSU team, more questions arise about the makeup of this unit. The early loss against a Texas A&M without its starting quarterback hurt, but the No. 2 ranking in Week 10 left many believing a two-loss Alabama stands a fighting chance at the four-seed. However, close performances against inferior opponents could eat into that cushion.

Remaining schedule: New Mexico State, Arkansas, at Auburn.

3. Oregon Ducks (8-1)

Oregon rolled over rival Washington following a week of trash talk. The Ducks road win over Big Ten favorite Ohio State clearly holds value in the CFP Selection Committee’s eyes. Despite a rough run, accompanied by bad injury luck, Oregon found new contribution from Anthony Browns and Travis Dye. Without a clear threat within the Pac-12, Oregon must avoid upsets the rest of the way, before looking at the playoff field.

Remaining schedule: Washington State, at Utah, Oregon State.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes (8-1)

Ohio State fell on the wrong side of the scoreboard at home against Oregon and the wrong side of the CFP rankings last week. They move up in the CFP Selection Committee’s Week 11 top seven. The Buckeyes still hold plenty strength of schedule cards with upset-hungry Purdue, Michigan State and Michigan before a potential Big Ten championship matchup.

Remaining schedule: Purdue, Michigan State, at Michigan.

5. Cincinnati Bearcats (9-0)

Cincinnati has not separated themselves on the scoreboard as often as many experts would like. Again, they struggled with a middle-of-the-road American opponent in front of a national audience. Despite College GameDay’s presence, there was nothing special Saturday. Strength of schedule left the Bearcats on the wrong side in Week 10 and could ultimately limit their chances. A road win over Notre Dame trumps anything Group of Five schools have brought to the table in recent years, but help by way of losses present the only real path toward a playoff berth.

Remaining schedule: at USF, SMU, at East Carolina.

6. Michigan Wolverines (8-1)

Just when people counted out Jim Harbaugh’s squad, Michigan is making a raging comeback. Returning to their roots, Michigan’s run-first offense has proved hard to stop with a two-headed backfield. The Wolverines Week 9 loss against in-state rival Michigan State presented a major roadblock, but the general strength of the Big Ten offers more opportunities at resume building wins.

Remaining schedule: at Penn State, at Maryland, Ohio State.

7. Michigan State Spartans (8-1)

Michigan State fell victim to the oldest trick in the book, facing Purdue as a top five team. Despite the week-long hype about the potential upset, the Spartans were unable to overcome the seemingly inevitable. Heisman candidate Kenneth Walker III and fellow transfer Payton Thorne still give the Spartans a chance with high-profile matchups ahead. Ohio State and Penn State before a potential Big Ten championship chance provide Michigan State plenty runway to get back into position.

Remaining schedule: Maryland, at Ohio State, at Penn State.