Breaking down College Football Playoff Selection Committee’s first Top 6 reveal
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee revealed its first rankings for the 2023 season, slotting the top six contenders for the four-team CFP field along with the top contenders to land New Year’s Day bids.
As the season heats up and CFP discussions begin, the top six teams in the picture include Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon and Washington.
Four of the so-called Power Five conferences are represented in the rankings, with the Big Ten and Pac-12 each getting two mentions. However, those Pac-12 leaders plan to join the Big Ten next season, making the top look good for the future of that conference.
Take a look at what each CFP contender brings to the table heading into Week 10.
Ohio State (8-0)
Ohio State brought in a new starting quarterback with Kyle McCord elevating to first-team this season, but the Ohio State offense continues to click. Marvin Harrison Jr. has emerged as a Heisman contender, yet the Buckeyes’ defense has drawn the most talk lately after drastic improvements.
They start atop the rankings based on their strength of schedule and have the opportunity to add another big win against Michigan before the postseason begins.
Remaining schedule: at Rutgers, Michigan State, Minnesota, at Michigan
Georgia (8-0)
Georgia is seeking its third national championship in a row this season, and has not slowed down yet. Under Kirby Smart, the team has adapted with Carson Beck at quarterback and overcome a long list of injuries which includes Brock Bowers. The defense remains steady and the depth of the Bulldogs has proved the difference so far with three Top 25 tests coming up.
Remaining schedule: Missouri, Ole Miss, at Tennessee, at Georgia Tech
Michigan (8-0)
Despite outstanding play on the field from Heisman contender JJ McCarthy and many others, the recent headlines surrounding Michigan have focused on off-field situations and scandals. While no punishment currently expected to come soon, rumors continue to swirl about Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines beyond Saturday. Can upcoming tests against Penn State and Ohio State bring the focus back to the field?
Remaining schedule: Purdue, at Penn State, at Maryland, Ohio State
Florida State (8-0)
Florida State has passed through the toughest parts of the schedule already, but did not get any favors from LSU or Clemson in strength of schedule metrics. Despite the high-powered offense and talented defense, they lack the type of season-defining opportunity which could afford them cushion in case of a loss.
Remaining schedule: at Pitt, Miami, North Alabama, at Florida
Washington (8-0)
Washington knocked off Oregon just a few weeks ago and cemented their place atop the Pac-1 standings, but a string of slow starts against lesser competition has left spectators looking for a repeat performance from Michael Penix under the spotlight. He will get that chances with three straight games against ranked opponents.
Remaining schedule: at USC, Utah, at Oregon State, Washington State
Oregon (7-1)
Oregon bounces back nicely from the loss against Washington and re-established itself in the College Football Playoff picture with a dominant win over Utah. The Ducks have gotten big production from Bo Nix and showcase their defensive strength in the Pac-12 against a number of elite quarterbacks. Tests against USC and Oregon State to end the season will determine their place in the CFP picture.
Remaining schedule: Cal, USC, at Arizona State, Oregon State