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Hi guys, here are the rankings for this week, Week 5. I apologize it’s late, I’ll try to get these out as early as possible next time.
-{The Top Two}-
#1 Alabama (3-0) (#1)
Despite some turmoil last week, Alabama is keeping the number one spot. It looks like Alabama is going to be another dominant force this season, already showing their capabilities to make a playoff run. If Alabama can hold down for the rest of the season, and continue the path they are on already, it will be very difficult to stop them come playoff time. They play UCLA this week, which should be an easy win, although a rematch of last season’s Triumph Bowl.
#2 Clemson (3-0) (#2)
Clemson stays at the second spot on this list, coming off of an impressive victory over Kansas State, making them forfeit while being shutout. Clemson has a lot of potential this season, and have been in the top 4 all season long. It should be no surprise that they are in the mix of the playoff hunt, and most likely will make it, considering their very strong start to the season. Clemson’s schedule will get a little tougher now, however, as they take on ASU, their most challenging team to date this week. It will be interesting to see how Clemson will fair against some other, more evenly matched teams.
-{On the Edge}-
#3 ASU (2-1) (#3)
Much like Clemson, ASU has remained in the top 4 all season long, and have even had a similar strength of schedule, minus the Alabama game, this season. ASU will have its second real test this week playing Clemson. The major issue with this ASU team is the offense, as that has not been going all season, but the defense has been a major asset for ASU, and should hold them in games. If the offense can get rolling, this team can do some major damage. Expect the game against Clemson this week to be a statement for either team.
#4 LSU (2-1) (#4)
What’s interesting about this week’s rankings is that all the teams in the top 4 remained at the same spot as last week. LSU is coming off of a very solid and dominant victory over Ohio State, winning 41-8. LSU probably would have improved if two of the other top four teams did not have bye weeks. This LSU team is bouncing back from disappointment in the first week, and is really starting to flex its muscle. LSU plays Miami this week, which should be a nice win for the Tigers if all goes well.
-{At the Threshold}-
#5 Miami (1-3) (UNRANKED)
If you didn’t notice, there is a big divide between the top four teams and the bottom four. Miami is coming off of a victory against the previous #5 UCLA Bruins to get them their first win. The only reason they are picking up this #5 spot is because the other bottom four teams all have the same record and lost this past week. So by virtue of a win and luck, Miami climbs up to the fifth spot. If Miami wants to hold on to it, however, they will probably need a big win against LSU. They are also fighting for their playoff lives at this point, as any loss will put them under a possible .500 finish. Miami may be the best poised to make a run at the playoffs of the bottom four, but it will take a lot of upsets to do it at this point.
UCLA (1-3) (#5)
So UCLA went from pushing themselves back into relevance with a win over Ohio State, to going back into the unranked pool with a loss to Miami. It really isn’t going well for the Bruins this season, despite their Triumph Bowl victory last season. If UCLA wants any chance at a playoff birth this season, they can’t afford many more losses, if any. Problem is, it only gets tougher for them here, as they play Alabama this week.
-{The Longshots}-
Ohio State (1-3) (UNRANKED)
Ohio State has folded and fallen down so quickly, it’s almost depressing. They had a morale boosting victory week one against Kansas State, and have since dropped every game to get to 1-3. With Finals out as Head Coach, the future of Ohio State is unclear, and looks to be bleak. The only chance of playoffs this team has is for someone to come in and change the team quickly, and get back on the winning track. They have a bye week to sort things out this week, so it’s important they do.
Kansas State (1-3) (UNRANKED)
Kansas State is coming off their third forfeited game, out of four games played so far. Kansas State needs some major help, and with a new head coach maybe it will be done. If Kansas State wants any real chance at a post season birth, they will need to use this bye week to rebuild, and next week beat UCLA. Anything can happen, so they aren’t eliminated just yet.
-{Conclusion}-
These are the College Football Rankings going into Week 5. Let me know what you think of the rankings. Who is too high? Who got snubbed? Make sure to leave your thoughts down below.
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