College Football Playoff Rankings: ESPN uses hybrid formula to predict third CFP Top 25

The College Football Playoff rankings are always a great debate every week of every season. So ESPN came up with a hybrid formula to predict the second set of rankings.

It’s a BCS-style prediction utilizing the SP+ and FPI in terms of power ratings and resume SP and strength of record. Sounds fun doesn’t it?

Let’s dive into ESPN’s Hybrid formula to predict the College Football Playoff, via Bill Connelly.

1. Georgia (10-0)

For the second week in a row, Georgia was able to get a big win and have added to their resume. Saturday against Ole Miss was more dominant than the one against Missouri, earning a five-touchdown victory.

Do not look now but the back-to-back national champions are playing good football at the right time. There is one more test in the regular season, with a trip to Knoxville coming up.

2. Michigan (10-0)

No Jim Harbaugh, no problem for Michigan. Despite all of the drama following the program at the moment, the Wolverines were able to answer the bell on the road against Penn State.

Michigan is another team where people questioned their schedule despite all of the success. With a top-10 win now in their pocket without their head coach, they will certainly have a case to take the No. 1 spot.

3. Ohio State (10-0)

For the time being, Ohio State is the team that the College Football Playoff selection committee has at the top spot. Ryan Day kept the undefeated season alive on Sunday by blowing out Michigan State at home.

The resume argument has been on the Buckeyes’ side in Grapevine but ESPN’s model has them pushed down a couple of spots. This one will work itself out, with a date with Michigan coming in the near future.

4. Florida State (10-0)

Rivalry games can be places where top teams slip up and ruin their CFP chances. But for the third consecutive year, Florida State was able to take down Miami, remaining undefeated and in the ACC driver’s seat.

Assuming both teams win their final two regular-season games, there will be a battle for the No. 4 spot heading into conference championships between Florida State and the team ESPN has ranked below them.

5. Washington (10-0)

Since the College Football Playoff rankings debuted, Washington has held the No. 5 spot — the lowest of the undefeated teams. And despite getting a ranked win at home on Saturday, ESPN’s projection does not have them jumping Florida State.

There will still be time, with two tough games remaining. Oregon State on the road is first up before needing to win what could be the final Apple Cup against Washington State. Two more quality wins could be coming.

6. Oregon (9-1)

Some would argue Oregon is the best team in the country, regardless of record. Dan Lanning still has to live with the loss to Washington. But since then, the Ducks have been in cruise control and rolling opponents over for the most part.

Come Tuesday night, Oregon is expected to still be the top one-loss team in the rankings. If they can keep the spot over the next few weeks, they are in a great spot to make the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2014.

7. Texas (9-1)

In what might be their last ever trip to Fort Worth, Texas was able to escape against TCU despite having a 20-point lead. While they might not be playing like the No. 7 team in the country, the Longhorns are still 9-1 and in the thick of a Big 12 title and CFP race.

Texas also still has what is likely the best win of the regular season, going into Tuscaloosa and taking down Nick Saban. Some better football might be needed down the stretch but for now, Steve Sarkisian‘s team is keeping pace with those around them.

8. Alabama (9-1)

Of the one-loss teams, Alabama might be playing the best. Jalen Milroe has really emerged and turned their offense into one of the best in the SEC. Kevin Steele continues to put out a good defense on a weekly basis as well.

But the loss for Texas is likely to keep them behind their future SEC foe. Alabama might need some upsets to occur ahead of them before facing Georgia in the SEC Championship.

9. Louisville (9-1)

Louisville quietly hangs in the balance, having the opportunity to cause some chaos. Sure, their one loss to Pitt is not great but if they can win the ACC, their case as a Power Five conference champion may be a compelling one.

Most of the weekend was spent watching games across the country, with Louisville winning on Thursday night against Virginia. A win against Miami on Saturday would lock up their spot in the ACC Championship game as Year One of Jeff Brohm continues to be a success.

10. Penn State (8-2)

There might not be a more scrutinized head coach with an 8-2 record than James Franklin. In what was turning into a promising season, another disappointing performance against Michigan has taken the air out of Happy Valley.

Even so, Penn State has played well against non-Michigan and Ohio State opponents this season, placing them in the top 10. Winning out should place the Nittany Lions in a New Year’s Six Bowl game for the fifth time in eight years.

11. Oregon State (8-2) (up two spots)
12. Missouri (8-2) (up three)
13. Oklahoma (8-2) (up three)
14. Ole Miss (8-2) (down four)
15. LSU (7-3) (up two)
16. Utah (7-3) (down two)
17. Notre Dame (7-3) (up three)
18. Tennessee (7-3) (down six)
19. James Madison (10-0) (up two)
20. North Carolina (8-2) (up three)
21. Kansas State (7-3) (up three)
22. Tulane (9-1)
23. Arizona (7-3) (up two)
24. Iowa (8-2) (up eight)
25. Liberty (10-0) (up three)

The official College Football Playoff rankings will be unveiled on Tuesday night. It will be fun to compare them to Connelly’s rankings, seeing where the similarities stand.

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report