With that in perspective, let’s hold it easy by every of the highest 4 groups within the total rankings and see the place their greatest take a look at lies within the closing month of the common season.
No. 1 Oregon
Led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s effectivity throwing the ball, operating again Jordan James (917 rush yards, 9 TDs) and vast receiver Tez Johnson (649 receiving yards, eight TDs), the Geese have arguably the most effective win within the nation in opposition to No. 2 Ohio State.
Whereas Oregon’s remaining schedule is just not daunting, a street journey to Madison to face Wisconsin on Nov. 16 may current a problem, however the street to the playoff seems to be good if you’re a Geese fan.
No. 2 Ohio State
Regardless that the Buckeyes wouldn’t get a first-round bye with Oregon presently forward of them, Ohio State is ranked No. 2 total. With their lone loss coming to the top-ranked Geese, you could possibly argue no different group has a greater loss than Ohio State. Whereas quarterback Will Howard has dedicated some questionable turnovers, his completion proportion (73.2%) and 19 TDs are noteworthy.
Working again Quinshon Judkins leads the group in speeding yards (615) and speeding TDs (six) whereas vast receivers Jeremiah Smith (39 catches, 678 yards, eight TDs) and Emeka Egbuka (46 catches, 577 yards, seven TDs) pose a menace to anybody masking them.
Coming off their eighth consecutive win over Penn State, and with rival Michigan struggling to attain this season, Ohio State’s greatest problem may very well be on Nov. 23 after they host eighth-ranked Indiana’s high-scoring offense, which is third within the nation in factors per recreation (42.8).
No. 3 Georgia
Regardless of an early season loss to Alabama and scares from Kentucky and Florida, Georgia finds itself close to the highest as soon as once more. Whereas this group has not been as flawless as earlier Georgia groups below head coach Kirby Good, the Bulldogs are nonetheless 7-1 and in a logjam on the high of the SEC standings.
Georgia nonetheless has two main checks within the subsequent couple of weeks as they journey to face No. 16 Ole Miss in Oxford on Saturday and host No. 7 Tennessee on Nov. 16. If the Bulldogs are going to come back out of those two video games unscathed, quarterback Carson Beck will should be extra environment friendly throwing the ball.
Beck has thrown three interceptions in Georgia’s final two video games. The group is balanced sufficient on offense, however with two difficult opponents the subsequent two weeks, Beck could should be much less turnover-prone if the Bulldogs need to come away with a pair of marquee victories.
No. 4 Miami
The Hurricanes, maybe the most important wild-card among the many high 4, spherical out the highest 4 groups within the rankings. Led by Hesiman-contending quarterback Cam Ward, the Hurricanes have been explosive on the offensive aspect of the ball. With operating again Damien Martinez (595 rush yards, eight TDs) and vast receivers Xavier Restrepo (51 catches, 856 yards, 9 TDs) and Isaiah Horton (46 catches, 548 yards, 4 TDs) giving Ward loads of choices, the Hurricanes offense has been thrilling to observe.
With a pair of street video games at Georgia Tech on Saturday and Syracuse on Nov. 30, Miami may get examined, particularly if their protection doesn’t enhance. Regardless of being undefeated, the Hurricanes have allowed 30 or extra factors in 4 of their final 5 video games. In the event that they do end the common season undefeated, the struggles on protection may spell hassle for Miami down the road.
