cfb Contenders or Pretenders?
We are now through week 9 of the college football season and we can finally start to predict which teams have what it takes to win it all. I would like to acknowledge that most of the top 10 teams to start the preseason will not be on this list. The parity in college football has been great especially for some of these programs as they will get their shot to win the championship.
Contenders
Ohio State Buckeyes: After winning the National championship last season the Buckeyes are looking to go back to back. Many people in the preseason believed that the team would regress as most of their players left to go to the NFL. That has not been the case. Ohio State looks to be the most complete team in the country thus far as they have only given up 41 total points against through 7 games. Defense wins championships and the Buckeyes who had the #1 defense in the country last year may have an even better defense this year. The knock on the Buckeyes this year is the lack of talent that they have faced, but they have shown consistency as they have handled every opponent thus far.
Indiana Hoosiers: The Hoosiers are looking to build off of a great season last year as they were able to make the playoffs. Curt Cignetti has completely turned this team around as they have been able to dominate their opponents this season. Many people believe that Indiana is the most deserving to be the #1 team in the country as they have man-handled multiple ranked opponents throughout this season. If the Hoosiers can keep this up, there's no doubt in my mind that they can compete for a National Title.
Alabama Crimson Tide: After a disappointing season last year as they did not make the playoffs the Crimson Tide are looking to be back to where they expected to be. The loss to Florida State at the start of the season must have fueled the program. The Tide are coming off the toughest 4 game stretch of the season unscathed. I wouldn’t think many programs would be happy to be playing Alabama in the next couple of weeks. Quarterback Ty Simpson has made a case to be the Heisman frontrunner as he has looked outstanding since week 1. The Tide still have all of their goals in front of them and I believe that they can do it.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: At the start of the season I had basically written them off as they had lost the first two games. The Irish can very well still be in the conversation for the playoffs and even a title. The offense looks dominant as they bludgeon you with their rushing attack. After the Texas A&M game their defense needed to improve and it looks like it has. Notre Dame is built for playoff football and if they win out they will be a very tough out.
Pretenders
Oregon Ducks: After losing most of their top players to the draft last season the Ducks will have a hard time competing for a title. Going on the road and beating Penn State no longer looks like a “great win”. The Ducks also fell to Indiana at home this season and have been consistently not playing their best against inferior opponents. The defense is not as strong as last season’s and the offense looks to be less explosive. The Ducks will make the playoffs this year due to an easier schedule, but I don’t believe they will make it far.
Georgia Bulldogs: Over the last couple of seasons I have learned to not count the Bulldogs out. They have proven time and time again that they are contenders, but this year seems different. Just by watching their games this season they just don’t seem to be dominant like we are accustomed to seeing. The defense has allowed far too many points this season and I don’t believe the offense will be able to bail them out every game.
Need to see more from
Ole Miss Rebels: I want to believe in Lane Kiffin and the Rebels, but the last couple of seasons they have lost a game in November that they shouldn't have lost. The Rebels are looking to make the playoffs and they will need to win the rest of their games to do so. Their schedule is favorable in the SEC and if they can win out they may be a contender.
Miami Hurricanes: Two weeks ago, I believed that the Hurricanes had a case for the #1 spot in the rankings. They looked very consistent up until the Louisville game. I still believe this team has potential and can compete in the playoffs, but right now I need to see more from them.
Texas A&M Aggies: The Aggies may deserve to be in the contender category as they have looked great this season, but I have seen them struggle a couple times to inferior opponents. Yes, the SEC is a great conference but I need to see more dominant performances. I believe they can be a contender I just need some more evidence.
