Paul Finebaum names the top contenders that no one is talking about

At this point of the college football season, we have a pretty decent idea of who the contenders are. The SEC has a handful while each of the other conferences boasts at least one or two. As we head into November, Paul Finebaum believes there are still some programs that we may be overlooking as serious threats for the College Football Playoff.

In an appearance on ‘KJM’ on ESPN, Finebaum chose a squad that no one is talking about that could make the CFP. After their big win Saturday, he believes the No. 8 Oregon Ducks are the team that best fits that mold.

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“I think it’s probably Oregon. What’s so interesting about Oregon is that, after they were shellacked by Georgia on the opening weekend, we just wrote them off as a disaster. But that win by Georgia now really looks good,” said Finebaum. “What they did over the weekend was impressive. They have a lot of key games remaining. Ultimately, I think they would be the team.”

After their 49-3 loss to the Bulldogs, Oregon has ripped off six straight by an average margin of 23.3 points. Their 45-30 win over Top-10 UCLA this weekend really set the tone for what they can be. It also firmly put them in the driver’s seat for the Pac-12 as we head down the home stretch. With Washington, Utah, and Oregon State left on their schedule, they also have more opportunities in the regular season before they potentially reach the conference title game in Las Vegas on December 2nd.

However, the Ducks aren’t the only team Finebaum believes we’re overlooking. Their eventual showdown against Ohio State has left the general public considering No. 4 Michigan a contender but with the caveat that they’ll end their season with a loss in Columbus. With that said, Finebaum doesn’t believe the Wolverines are getting enough love considering, as of today, they’re within the field.

“We’re not talking about Michigan a lot (either). I think we will start talking about them,” Finebaum said. “They have Michigan State and they’ll end up with Ohio State but they seem to be overlooked as well.”

Everyone wants to believe they’re in the hunt but, in the end, only four can make it. That means there will be no room for error over this final month of the season. If you’re on the outside looking in and continue to win, you might become a more legitimate contender in the eyes of those like Finebaum. However, if you lose, you’ll fall into the category of pretender as you await your postseason bowl designation.