Until one of them loses, expect Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State to be unanimous selections when it comes to College Football Playoff predictions.
The Crimson Tide reminded everyone why they’re top ranked in 11 of 14 of our writers’ picks this season following a 41-0 victory over Mississippi State. The Alabama defense completely shutdown Mike Leach’s offense while quarterback Mac Jones threw for 291 yards and four touchdowns. DeVonta Smith caught all four of those touchdowns and finished the big win with 203 receiving yards.
Ohio State impressed again, this time on the road at Penn State. The game was never truly in doubt as Justin Fields and company held a two-score lead for most of the contest, which the Buckeyes won 38-25.
It was a solid performance from Ohio State but it was only good enough to crack the Buckeyes into the top two in one of our writers’ picks despite Clemson needing an 18-point comeback against Boston College earlier in the day. Playing without Trevor Lawrence, who was out due to a positive COVID-19 test, the Tigers were trailing throughout a good portion of the game against the Eagles but freshman quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, alongside veteran running back Travis Etienne, dominated the second half to win 34-28.
The Tigers opponent next week, Notre Dame, handled its business on the road in a 31-13 victory at Georgia Tech. The Fighting Irish are the most popular pick for the fourth spot for the second straight week but that will all change next week when Clemson travels to South Bend. The game between the two top four teams should have the biggest impact of any game left on the college football schedule.
Cincinnati, Georgia and Texas A&M each got one vote this week while Oklahoma State fell out of the picks following a 41-34 overtime loss to Texas.
Andrea Adelson: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Kyle Bonagura: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Bill Connelly: 1. Alabama, 2. Ohio State, 3. Clemson, 4. Cincinnati
Heather Dinich: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
David M. Hale: 1. Alabama, 2. Ohio State, 3. Clemson, 4. Texas A&M
Sam Khan Jr.: 1. Clemson, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Chris Low: 1. Alabama, 2. Ohio State, 3. Notre Dame, 4. Clemson
Harry Lyles Jr.: 1. Clemson, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Ivan Maisel: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Adam Rittenberg: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Alex Scarborough: 1. Clemson, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Mark Schlabach: 1. Alabama 2. Clemson 3. Ohio State 4. Georgia
Tom VanHaaren: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Dave Wilson: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame