Bob Mim (Memphis): The Top Three College Football Playoff Teams

Bob Mims, from Memphis, is a huge fan of college football, especially Southeastern Conference football. While his favorite team, Kentucky, is nowhere near the top of the conference, the top two teams in the AP Top 25 are both from the SEC. Will both make the College Football Playoff this year? Robert Mims writes from Memphis:

The Associated Press has released its latest college football rankings, and given the strength of the SEC this year, it’s no surprise that Georgia and Alabama are #1 and #2, respectively. Both teams are undefeated so far this season, but the teams are not interchangeable in the rankings.

1. Georgia

Bob Mims (Memphis), thinks that the Georgia Bulldogs are the best team in the SEC, and given that there are at least five SEC teams in the AP Top 25 this week, they also deserve their #1 national ranking too. Georgia kicked off a season with a win against Notre Dame in South Bend, then proceeded to steamroll through the rest of its schedule, including a resound 31-3 trouncing of Mississippi State at home. Both Notre Dame (#3) and Mississippi State (#16) are in the Top 25, which speaks volumes about Georgia’s strength. Their next game, against #10 Auburn, should prove to be the acid test for the Bulldogs.

2. Alabama

While Alabama is also 9-0, Robert Mims says Memphis bettors shouldn’t take the record at face value. Compared to Georgia, the Crimson Tide has only one win against a ranked opponent (LSU), and don’t have the general strength of schedule that Georgia possesses. However, a win at Mississippi State should bolster their CPF resume. While playing FCS team Mercer is a bit questionable, it should serve as a good warmup for the rivalry game against #10 Auburn on the last weekend of the season.

3. Notre Dame

Robert Mims thought Memphis, with its 8-1 record, could have been in the top 3. However, a team like the Fighting Irish has two things going for it: a tradition of winning, and a similar 8-1 record much tougher competition, including a road win against Michigan State (#12 in this week’s AP Poll) and a one at home against USC (#11). The home win against the Trojans was marked by sheer dominance, and a win against #7 Miami (8-0) should solidify Notre Dame’s claim to a spot in the CPF.

Clemson is currently ranked fourth, but teams like Oklahoma, TCU, and Wisconsin are all knocking at the CPF’s doors. The next few weekends should be interesting, says Bob Mims (Memphis).