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ESPN staff
The number of unbeaten teams remaining in major college football has now dipped below 20, but when it comes to playoff picks things are holding steady.
For the fifth consecutive week Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State are unanimous selections, though the Bulldogs made it interesting.
The Crimson Tide had the most impressive win among the leading triumvirate, but also move forward with some uncertainty. Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young left with an injury to his throwing shoulder in the second quarter of a 49-26 win at No. 20 Arkansas, but coach Nick Saban said afterward Young was “day to day.”
Ohio State fell behind 7-0 to visiting Rutgers — the first time in nine all-time meetings the Buckeyes have trailed to the Scarlet Knights — but quickly found separation on their way to a 49-10 win. Running back Miyan Williams tied the school record with five touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Georgia trailed 16-6 at halftime against Missouri and did not lead in the game until 4:03 remaining in the fourth quarter.
ESPN’s voters were nearly unanimous on a fourth team for the first time this season following Clemson‘s 30-20 defeat of NC State. The Tigers received 12 of a possible 14 votes with Michigan and Oregon garnering the final two votes.
Here’s a look at how ESPN’s college football reporters see the current playoff picture.
Andrea Adelson: 1. Georgia 2. Alabama 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson
Blake Baumgartner: 1. Georgia 2. Ohio State 3. Alabama 4. Clemson
Kyle Bonagura: 1. Georgia 2. Alabama 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson
Bill Connelly: 1. Alabama 2. Ohio State 3. Georgia 4. Michigan
Heather Dinich: 1. Ohio State 2. Alabama 3. Georgia 4. Clemson
Chris Low: 1. Alabama 2. Georgia 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson
Harry Lyles Jr.: 1. Alabama 2. Ohio State 3. Georgia 4. Clemson
Ryan McGee: 1. Alabama 2. Georgia 3. Ohio State 4. Oregon
Adam Rittenberg: 1. Alabama 2. Georgia 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson
Alex Scarborough: 1. Georgia 2. Ohio State 3. Alabama 4. Clemson
Mark Schlabach: 1. Alabama 2. Ohio State 3. Georgia 4. Clemson
Paolo Uggetti: 1. Alabama 2. Georgia 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson
Tom VanHaaren: 1. Georgia 2. Ohio State 3. Alabama 4. Clemson
Dave Wilson: 1. Alabama 2. Georgia 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson