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Paul Finebaum reveals new Top 4, first team out of College Football Playoff with surprise contender

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra10/09/22

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(Vest/Icon Sportswire)

Paul Finebaum updated his top teams in college football after another wild week, revealing who he believes will be in the College Football Playoff at the moment. 

On Sportscenter early Sunday morning, Finebaum stated his top-four, along with who his first team out is, as well. After a pretty chalk weekend last Sunday, Finebaum decided to shake things up this time around.

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4) Clemson Tigers

“This is complicated, but I’m starting with Clemson at No. 4,” revealed Finebaum. “They have played very well. You can make a case for putting them higher, but who are you going to move out? The quarterback play has really been fantastic, and it’s interesting, even without Brent Venables heading to Oklahoma, and I wondering if he regrets that move, the Clemson defense is looking very, very strong, as well.”

3) Alabama Crimson Tide

“So who is No. 3? The same team who was No. 1 last week,” explained Finebaum, revealing the Crimson Tide as his No. 3 team. “Alabama taking a fall. It took an ending that they’ll be talking about in College Station for a long time. Johnny Manziel, the most legendary Aggie ever, called the end of the game the worst play selection he’s ever seen. I’m sure Jimbo Fisher will not be sending him Christmas cards.”

2) Georgia Bulldogs

“No. 2, Georgia. They looked good, but they were playing Auburn, who’s maybe the most listless team in America,” stated the SEC Network analyst. “Bryan Harsin may be coaching his last game or two as the Auburn coach.”

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1) Ohio State Buckeyes

“No. 1 — yes, welcome, Buckeyes. CJ Stroud and company have just continued to dominate everyone,” revealed Finebaum. “They don’t care who it is. They just continue to dominate everyone.”

First team out: Tennessee Volunteers

“You’ve heard the Top 4, who is the file team? It’s Tennessee,” Finebaum said, music to the ears of Volunteers fans. “You could make a case for Tennessee to be higher, and you will see Tennessee higher, if they win this showdown Saturday afternoon at Neyland Stadium. The biggest game in Knoxville probably since the national championship season in ’98.”

As you can see, Paul Finebaum has made some fascinating changes to his rankings, and some even bigger changes could be on the horizon with Alabama facing Tennessee next weekend.