Florida State Climbs into Top Four of CFP Rankings for First Time Since 2014
In a surprising turn of events, the Florida State Seminoles have made their way into the top four of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings for the first time since 2014. With an undefeated record of 8-0, the Seminoles have showcased their dominance on the field and impressed the selection committee. Joining them in the top four are Ohio State, Georgia, and Michigan.
While Ohio State (8-0) claims the number one spot for the fourth time in the history of the CFP, it is the first time since 2019 that they have held this position. On the other hand, two-time defending champion Georgia (8-0) and Michigan (8-0) have been consistently ranked at the top of the Associated Press college football poll since the preseason. However, their relatively weaker schedules in terms of challenging opponents have worked against them in the eyes of the selection committee.
As for the Wolverines, their path to victory is further complicated by an ongoing investigation by the NCAA into a sign-stealing scheme that allegedly involved impermissible in-person scouting. This off-field issue hangs over the team as they head into the final month of the season.
The release of the first CFP rankings sets the stage for intense scrutiny on the top teams and their performances. Over the coming weeks, every game will have significant implications for the final rankings that will be unveiled on December 3, following the conference championship games. These rankings determine the four-team playoff field, with the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl hosting the semifinals before the national championship game on January 8 in Houston.
This year marks the final season of the four-team playoff format before it expands to include 12 teams next season. It is worth noting that not all teams included in the initial rankings have historically made it to the playoff. In fact, 21 out of the 36 teams (58%) that have appeared in the initial rankings have ultimately reached the playoffs. Furthermore, 29 of the 36 teams that ended up in the playoffs started in the top six of the initial rankings.
Reflecting on previous years, few instances have seen the initial rankings accurately predicting the final playoff field. However, the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic-altered 2020 season led to the initial rankings aligning with the eventual playoff participants.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will eagerly monitor the performances of these elite teams. Will Florida State continue their impressive run and secure a spot in the playoff? Can Ohio State, Georgia, or Michigan maintain their status at the top? All will be revealed in the coming weeks as the race for the College Football Playoff intensifies.
