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Believe it or not, we’re getting close to the end of the college football regular season. Big matchups and rivalry games are ahead as teams continue to try to prove their case to the CFP Selection Committee. It’s been a fun season that has seen both BYU and Indiana remain undefeated to this point, and teams like SMU and Boise State have legitimate chances at making the inaugural expanded playoff. Let’s take a look at who finds themselves in contention in this week’s TYB Top 25.
By Ryan Galloway | November 6, 2024
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
Top 10
1. Oregon Ducks (9-0, Previous: 2nd)
Oregon soundly handled Michigan this week, and I can’t avoid it anymore. The Ducks are on top. Despite a slow start, they have been soundly in control the entire way this season. Both sides of the ball, special teams, and especially quarterback, Dan Lanning has this team firmly in position to make a run at the national championship this year.
2. Georgia Bulldogs (7-1, Previous: 1st)
I can’t say with absolute certainty that Georgia would’ve won if Florida QB DJ Lagway didn’t leave the game with an injury. And that’s a problem if you’re the number one team in the nation. Carson Beck sucks. There I said it. Everything Georgia has achieved to this point has been despite Beck. This team is so good that they can run Carson Beck out at QB and win a football game against almost anyone.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0, Previous: 4th)
Usual outcome. Ohio State is good, possibly questionably coached. Penn State had real chances at winning in this game but fumbling twice on the goal line isn’t going to win you many games. I’m really not sure how things will go when the Buckeyes take on Indiana.
4. Texas Longhorns (7-1, Previous: 5th)
I still believe in Texas. They need to figure out a lot before they go to College Station. Texas has been abysmal on offense at just about every position the past few weeks, a far cry from the impressive offensive output they boasted prior to the Oklahoma game. The defense has proven it’s no slouch too. Plus, I’m not rewarding Miami.
5. Miami Hurricanes (9-0, Previous: 6th)
I’m just not sold. QB Cam Ward is great (as mentioned every week), but this team hasn’t played anyone, and they’ve barely won some incredibly close games. They’ve won and that’s what matters, but I think they’re in for a rude awakening in the playoff, and possibly before.
6. Indiana Hoosiers (9-0, Previous: 10th)
Curt Cignetti where do I even begin? Indiana might be America’s team. Better appeal than BYU to be honest. These Hoosiers are just fun to watch and easy to root for. They win games convincingly. They’re so well coached, and I hope Cignetti sticks around a while and not bounce to a more prestigious job.
7. BYU Cougars (8-0, Previous: 9th)
BYU has been in the driver’s seat of the Big 12 most of the year now. They were idle this week but have a tough job coming up at Utah. Anything can happen in The Holy War, even if Utah has disappointed much of this year.
USA Today Sports
8. Tennessee Volunteers (7-1, Previous: 8th)
Tennessee snuck by a Kentucky team that has been tough for almost everyone this year. I think Kentucky is a lot better than their 3-6 record, victims of a brutal schedule and not quite enough gas to get the job done. Tennessee has a lot of work to do if they want to be in the SEC title picture, otherwise their playoff dreams will be left to chance.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-1, Previous: 12th)
Notre Dame has made it back to the top 10 despite the early loss to lowly Northern Illinois. Look, it’s college football and anything can happen. Notre Dame has looked a lot better since the defeat, namely handily dispatching previously undefeated Navy. I think they’ll be in if they win out. The expanded playoff helps with the lack of conference championship.
10. Penn State Nittany Lions (7-1, Previous: 3rd)
Being a Penn State fan must suck. James Franklin has been a great head coach. But talk about a guy that just can’t get over the hump. Annual losses to Ohio State and Michigan are expected at this point. It’s difficult to let a guy go who has a 93-39 record at your school, but talk about always being the bridesmaid. It feels like the Nittany Lions will always be stuck at the little kid’s table.
Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News
Remaining 11-25
11. Boise State Broncos (7-1, Previous: 14th)
12. SMU Mustangs (8-1, Previous: 19th)
13. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2, Previous: 16th)
14. Texas A&M Aggies (7-2, Previous: 7th)
15. LSU Tigers (6-2, Previous: 15th)
16. Ole Miss Rebels (7-2, Previous: 18th)
17. Kansas State Wildcats (7-2, Previous: 17th)
18. Iowa State Cyclones (7-1, Previous: 13th)
19. Army Black Knights (8-0, Previous: 21st)
20. Pittsburgh Panthers (7-1, Previous: 20th)
21. Clemson Tigers (6-2, Previous: 11th)
22. Colorado Buffaloes (6-2, Previous 23rd)
23. Washington State Cougars (7-1, Previous: 24th)
24. Vanderbilt Commodores (6-3, Previous: 25th)
25. Louisville Cardinals (6-3, Previous: NR)