Ohio State’s stunning loss to Penn State provided another massive shakeup to the college football playoff picture with the Buckeyes falling out of the CFP picture at least for now. Ohio State can’t be completely written off just yet but their first defeat of the season has opened the door for another team to climb in to the playoff picture. Here is a look at the top four College Football Playoff candidates heading in to week nine of the season.
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide continued to roll with another blowout win over a top-10 opponent in Texas A&M to solidify their position as the top team in the country. The 33-14 win over the Aggies was impressive for a number of reasons but perhaps most importantly because Alabama continues to find different ways to score touchdowns whether it is with their offense, defense or special teams.
The Tide’s latest victory wasn’t without a price however, as senior defensive back Eddie Jackson was lost for the season with a broken leg. Alabama is deep enough to overcome the injury and keep pressing forward but Jackson’s absence will definitely be a blow to the defense with a tough road still ahead.
Looking ahead, they have two more contests that could trip them up and two more easy games. They’re on their bye this week but are at No. 19 LSU after that. LSU has struggled in big games this season, though. Then the Tide will host their final three games as Mississippi State, Chattanooga and No. 15 Auburn will come to visit. Even with one loss they might make the College Football Playoff.
#2 Clemson Tigers
Deshaun Watson and company had the week off following a close call versus NC State and it was a much-needed break after barely escaping with a 24-17 win over the Wolfpack. Clemson is 7-0 with their 42-36 win over Louisville the easy pick for their biggest win of the season so far but they still face a tough road ahead including this week’s massive showdown at Florida State. The Seminoles will also be coming off a bye week so this should be a thrilling showdown with massive playoff implications.
It should be smooth sailing for the Tigers after that showdown. They’ll host Syracuse and Pittsburgh, then visit Wake Forest, and then host South Carolina. They’re probably in the College Football Playoff if they win this week.
#3 Michigan Wolverines
The Buckeyes’ loss to Penn State opens the door for Michigan as the lone undefeated team remaining in the Big Ten. The Wolverines rolled to another big win with a 41-8 victory over Illinois this past week, marking the 10th time that Jim Harbaugh has held an opponent to fewer than 10 points. The Wolverines’ offense has also shown signs of life so everything seems to be coming together at the same time for Michigan right now.
Next up for the Wolverines is a visit to rival Michigan State. The Spartans are having a rough year, so this should be a good chance for the Wolverines to flex their muscle. Of course, their showdown with No. 6 Ohio State at The Horseshoe looms large.
#4 Washington Huskies
Ohio State’s loss also opens up a stronger possibility for a one-loss team like Louisville to contend for a playoff position but right now the final spot on this list belongs to Washington. The Huskies are 7-0 following another blowout win over Oregon State, with Jake Browning throwing for 291 yards and three touchdowns in the 41-17 victory over the Beavers. Browning is suddenly on the Heisman radar with 1,709 yards and 26 touchdowns compared to only two interceptions while the defense leads the Pac-12 with 14 interceptions. Nobody is overlooking Washington anymore as the team to beat in the Pac-12 and it will be very interesting to see how they fare over their next three games on the road at Utah and Cal before returning home for a tough test against USC.
Although some people feel like a one-loss team might make the final spot ahead of Washington, there is no way that happens if Washington finishes up their schedule undefeated. In addition to the aforementioned teams, they also have to play Arizona State and visit Washington State for the Apple Cup. That’ll be one of their toughest rivalry showdowns in years.
