My College Football Rankings

I've waited to weigh in on rankings (for the most part) until now.  Here is my top 25, with a bit of an explanation for the top 4 teams.

1. Florida State

As the only undefeated team in FBS, the Seminoles take the top spot.  They may not be the best in the country, but until someone proves it, they belong here.

2. Oregon

The Ducks barely edge out Alabama for the number two spot.  Oregon got a do-over against Arizona, proving that they really are the better team.  Avenging that loss and winning the Pac-12 in dominating fashion earned them this place.

3. Alabama

Yes, they won the SEC.  But the Crimson Tide had a number of close games that could have gone either way.  Not quite as many as Florida State, but the one loss makes the difference here and is why they are a bit lower in my rankings.

4. Ohio State

The coveted fourth spot.  The loss to Virginia Tech looks bad, but it was the earliest for any of the one-loss teams.  The Buckeyes are a young squad that has improved more than any other team this year.  If Ohio State played the Hokies today, it would not even be close -  and anyone who believes differently has either not seen the Buckeyes play since week 2 or is named Mark May.  Baylor and TCU were hurt by the Big 12 not having a championship game, and possibly the fact that they were presented as co-champions.  Additionally, the lack of a championship game meant 3 bye weeks and only 12 games for the Bears and Horned Frogs.  That's one extra week of rest and preparation and one less chance to lose. On the flip side, the Buckeyes took advantage of their 13th game by absolutely demolishing Wisconsin and earning an outright Conference title.   OSU also has a better strength of schedule when compared to TCU and Baylor.  All these factors led me to agree with the committee's decision to put Ohio State in the playoffs ahead of the Big 12 co-champs.

5. Baylor
6.  TCU
7. Michigan State
8. Mississippi State
9. Ole Miss
10. Georgia Tech
11. Kansas State
12. UCLA
13. Arizona
14. Georgia
15. Missouri
16. Wisconsin
17. Arizona State
18. Clemson
19. Louisville
20. Boise State
21. Auburn
22. Nebraska
23. LSU
24. Utah
25. Minnesota