ESPN releases third College Football Playoff rankings prediction with new No. 1

The latest College Football Playoff predictions from ESPN are in after Week 11 of the season and there’s a new No. 1 team, potentially.

The CFP predictions from ESPN this time around are the nine teams that can still make the playoffs. So basically, if you have one loss or less, you’re in contention.

Let’s dive into ESPN’s latest College Football Playoff rankings predictions from Heather Dinich.

1. Georgia

With the dominant win over Ole Miss, the Bulldogs should move up to No. 1 with another resume booster. That’s ESPN’s prediction anyway.

Put it all together, the two-time defending national champions look like the No. 1 overall team once again. This is setting up for a three-peat isn’t it?

2. Ohio State

The Buckeyes dropped a spot in these predictions due to no fault of their own. It’s just that Georgia was that impressive over the weekend.

Kyle McCord had one of his best games going over 300 yards and tossed three touchdowns. Ohio State is clicking right now and sure enough, the Michigan game is likely going to be between two 11-0 teams.

3. Michigan

There’s the signature win, to date, for Michigan and the Wolverines did it without Jim Harbaugh. Going on the road and handling Penn State is no easy task, but that was a convincing victory with the run game and defense.

However, the committee is likely to argue Georgia and Ohio State have better resumes due to their ranked wins. Michigan joined that party, but it’s just one win and it wasn’t a blowout like other wins of theirs. Still, the Wolverines are neck and neck with the above two.

4. Washington

Washington earned a solid win over Utah to keep its undefeated season going. At this point, it’s hard to keep the Huskies out of the top four. According to ESPN’s predictions, they’ll get in.

Washington and Florida State are probably interchangeable, but the Huskies’ wins over Oregon, USC and now Utah on the resume have to boost them up. Michael Penix Jr. is also one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy.

5. Florida State

Now comes the Florida State debate. But let’s look at this logically moving forward. Ohio State and Michigan both can’t go undefeated, so one has to drop out of the top four.

The Seminoles shouldn’t be concerned here. An undefeated season gets them into the College Football Playoff. There really shouldn’t be a debate about that.

6. Oregon

Ducks fly together and high in these College Football Playoff rankings. There’s a clear path for Oregon: win out.

A loss will eliminate the Ducks from contention at this point. But this is like a runaway freight train right now. It’s going to be very hard to stop Oregon. The offense is firing and the defense is one of the best in the country.

7. Texas

Texas will likely stay at No. 7 when it comes to the rankings-release Tuesday night. The Longhorns got the win over TCU, although it was dicey.

The good news is, Quinn Ewers is back so there are no excuses when it comes to wins and losses. The team is back at full strength, or as close to it as possible. But again, there’s no margin for error for Texas.

8. Alabama

The Crimson Tide looked dominant over the weekend. Jalen Milroe scored six total touchdowns in the win over Kentucky, so this is definitely a playoff contender.

The problem is, Alabama has the lone loss to Texas, which keeps the Crimson Tide at eight, most likely. Not only that, the committee is a bigger fan of Oregon’s resume, the top one-loss team.

9. Louisville

Speaking of one-loss teams, the Louisville Cardinals can’t be discounted. It’s been one heck of a ride for Jeff Brohm in his first season at his alma mater.

In order for Louisville to make it to the College Football Playoff, the Cardinals have to win out. That’ll look good considering there’ll be a win over Florida State in the ACC Championship. If they’re top 10, they have a shot.

Too bad Oregon State can’t get in now with two losses. It would’ve been fun to include them in the mix. But, the race is going to be tight these final three weeks. Buckle up.