- Alabama
The Crimson Tide are coming off a much needed bye week before their annual clash with SEC Rival, LSU. Alabama’s defense managed to stifle the high powered Aggies offense two weeks ago and they will look to do the same against Leonard Fournette and company. Don’t be fooled by LSU’s recent wins, this will not be a close game. Tide Roll.
- Michigan
Last week the Wolverines edged out their in-state rivals, the Michigan State Spartans by a score of 32-23 as they improved their record to 8-0 on the season. The Wolverines dominance has proven that they belong in the CFB Playoff on weekly basis. This weekend the Wolverines will look to continue their undefeated streak as their play host to the 5-3 Maryland Terrapins. Michigan’s highly ranked defense should be able to stifle the Terps passing attack. Look for the Michigan rushing attack to take over this game, as they have 4 running backs with over 350 yards on the ground, one of them being Heisman hopeful, Jabrill Peppers. More on Peppers later.
- Washington
The ever so impressive, Washington Huskies come into this week with an 8-0 record after they edged out their PAC-12 rivals, Utah in Utah. The Husky defense has been great when defending both the run and pass and their offense has been able to hurt opponents both through the aerial attack and on the ground. QB Jake Browning is continuing to impress. He has thrown for 28 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions this season. This week the Huskies will travel to Northern California to take on the Cal Golden Bears, in a game that will see their defensive secondary tested. Cal has a very effective passing attack and will look to give the Huskies everything they’ve got.
- Texas A&M
Last week the Aggies played host to the New Mexico State Aggies and demolished the other Aggies 52-10, as they improved their record to 7-1 on the season. QB Trevor Knight has looked very impressive so far this season as he has thrown for over 1,800 yards and rushed for nearly 600. This week the Aggies travel east to Mississippi to take on their struggling SEC rivals, the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. The Aggies will look to air the ball out downfield in an effort to exploit that shaky Bulldogs secondary. Yes, we shot called the Aggies in this spot by being one of the first to rank them in the Top 4 and they should maintain it going forward.
- Clemson
The Clemson Tigers managed to outlast their conference rivals, the Florida State Seminoles in a week 9 tilt, which came down to the last few plays. The Clemson Tigers are not doing themselves any favors as they keep finding themselves in dangerously close games. However, they are 8-0 and will look to improve on that this week, as they play host to Syracuse. Statistically, the Tigers a very well balanced team on both sides of the ball, however, they have not really reflected their typical dominating style of play. Heisman candidate QB Deshaun Watson needs to lead his team to a statement win if the Clemson Tigers want to prove to the Playoff Selection Committee that they belong in the Top-4. This game could be a trap game for the Tigers as they take on this 4-4 Syracuse team that has proven they can be very effective in the passing game. Clemson remains at 5 in our rankings after they should’ve lost to NC State and now almost losing to Florida State.
- Louisville
Last week the Louisville Cardinals looked a tad uneasy in last weeks 32-25 win over Virginia. Heisman Candidate QB Lamar Jackson had a good game statistically but they seemed to struggle in the red zone. The Cardinals still have the nation’s second best overall offense, and will look to come out in explosive fashion this weekend as they travel east to take on Boston College. It will be tough though, as the Eagles have one of the Nation’s best defensive teams. However, offensively speaking, they are rather awful. The Cardinals will need to have an impressive game to keep their Top 4 hopes alive.
- Ohio State
After a shocking road loss to Penn State two weeks ago, the Buckeyes were able to get back into the win column as they edged out Northwestern at home by a score of 24-20. The Buckeyes are not helping their case for a Top-4 spot with results like that. This weekend, they play host to their conference rivals, Nebraska, in a primetime, nationally televised game. Heisman hopeful JT Barrett will need to guide his team to a big game if the Buckeyes want a shot at the Top-4. Look for them to come out strong and make a statement this weekend. It won’t be easy for them though, Nebraska comes into this game with a 7-1 record and one of the nation’s best defenses. It’s fair to say that they will also be looking to make a name for themselves this weekend. This is a must win game for both teams.
- Wisconsin
This week, the Badgers find themselves back in our Top-10 with a 6-2 record and fresh off a win over Nebraska last weekend. The stout Badgers defense helped hand Nebraska their first loss of the season, and will no doubt look to help guide the team to victory this weekend on the road against Northwestern. The Badgers have struggled a tad offensively, however, it’s that defense that keeps bailing them out at crunch time. QB Alex Hornibrook will need to step up and look to spread the ball around in an effort to exploit a weak Northwestern secondary. The Badgers will need to win out and hope the teams in front of them lose a game or two if they want a true shot at the Top-4. In the Badgers defense, their losses come to powerhouses Michigan & Ohio State.
- Auburn
After a shaky 1-2 start to the season, the Auburn Tigers have won their last 5 games and find themselves in our Top 10 for the first time this season. Last week the Tigers embarrassed the Ole Miss Rebels on the road at The Grove in Mississippi. The Tigers have been blowing up teams the past few weeks as they look to make a run for the Top 4 in an effort to return to the National Championship game. Auburn boasts the nations third best rushing attack and on the other side of the ball, they have found some solid balance on defense. Standout RB Kamryn Pettway is not far from 1,000 yards on the season and he will look lead his team to another win this weekend in their home game against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Vandy come into this game with a 4-4 record. It will be tough for them to keep up with Auburn in this game.
- Nebraska
The Cornhuskers come into this weekend’s game with a 7-1 record after a tough loss against its toughest opponent of the season, The Wisconsin Badgers. This weekend the Huskers travel to Columbus to take on their rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes in primetime. The Buckeyes have struggled at times this season, however, they could find their form at any time so it’s important for the Huskers to keep them in check on both sides of the ball. Nebraska has had success rushing the ball this season, however, they will be in over their head this weekend when they take on the tough Buckeyes defense. If Nebraska’s defense can go toe to toe with the Buckeyes’ defense, they have a shot at winning this game and proving that they truly belong in the Top 10.
By: Matt Kassabian & Taylor Jones