Week 10 CFP Top 12: Projecting the Committee’s Choices

**CFP Picture Clarifies Ahead of First Official Rankings; Undefeated Powerhouses Lead the Way**

**Atlanta, GA – November 6, 2023** – As the college football world eagerly awaits the unveiling of the first College Football Playoff (CFP) committee rankings on Tuesday, November 7th, the landscape for the sport’s top teams is beginning to take definitive shape. After a pivotal Week 10, a clear hierarchy of undefeated contenders and strong one-loss hopefuls has emerged, with strength of schedule and critical head-to-head victories playing a significant role in early projections.

ESPN’s Heather Dinich and Bill Connelly, both seasoned college football analysts, have released their joint projection for the initial top 12, offering a glimpse into the committee’s likely considerations. Their forecast highlights five undefeated Power Five teams vying for just four playoff spots, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.

**The Projected Top Four: An Exclusive Club**

At the pinnacle, the reigning national champions **Georgia Bulldogs** are widely expected to claim the No. 1 spot. Georgia maintained its perfect record with a 30-21 victory over Missouri in Athens, navigating a tough SEC East test. Their undefeated status, coupled with a challenging conference schedule, positions them strongly as the committee’s initial favorite.

Close behind at No. 2, **Ohio State** also remains spotless. The Buckeyes boast impressive victories over Penn State (20-12) and Notre Dame (17-14), showcasing their defensive prowess and ability to win tough road games. Their ultimate test looms later in the month against arch-rival Michigan.

**Michigan** is projected to land at No. 3, rounding out an all-Big Ten top three. The Wolverines are another undefeated squad, having recently defeated Penn State 24-15 on the road. However, their season has been shadowed by an ongoing NCAA investigation into alleged sign-stealing, a factor that, while not directly impacting on-field results, adds a layer of scrutiny to their dominant performances.

Completing the projected playoff quartet is **Florida State** at No. 4. The Seminoles also maintain an unblemished record, bolstered by significant early-season wins against LSU (45-24) and a hard-fought ACC battle against Clemson (31-24). Quarterback Jordan Travis has been instrumental in their offensive success, making them a formidable ACC champion contender.

**Just Outside the Bubble: The One-Loss Contenders**

The competition for the playoff spots intensifies just outside the top four, led by another undefeated team, **Washington**, projected at No. 5. The Huskies cemented their status as a Pac-12 frontrunner with a thrilling 36-33 victory over Oregon, a crucial head-to-head win that significantly strengthens their playoff resume.

**Oregon** follows closely at No. 6. Their sole loss came to Washington in that high-stakes rivalry game. The Ducks have otherwise been dominant, most recently dismantling Utah 35-6. With a potent offense, Oregon remains a strong candidate, particularly if they can secure a rematch and victory over Washington in the Pac-12 Championship.

The committee’s emphasis on head-to-head results is evident with **Texas** projected at No. 7, despite their single loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns’ signature 34-24 road win against Alabama earlier in the season provides a critical tiebreaker.

**Alabama** itself is projected at No. 8, with their only loss being to Texas. The Crimson Tide showcased their resilience with a dominant 44-24 win over LSU, re-establishing themselves as a prime contender for the SEC Championship and, consequently, a playoff berth.

**Rounding Out the Top 12: Playoff Aspirations and New Year’s Six Hopes**

Further down the preliminary list, **Penn State** is anticipated at No. 9, holding two losses to Ohio State and Michigan. **Ole Miss** is projected at No. 10, also with two losses, but with a strong SEC schedule. **Louisville** comes in at No. 11 with one loss, positioning them as a dark horse in the ACC. Finally, **Missouri** is projected to round out the top 12 at No. 12, with two losses including their recent defeat to Georgia, but with a surprising and strong season overall.

**The Committee’s Mandate and the Road Ahead**

The 13-member College Football Playoff selection committee, comprised of athletic directors, former coaches, and administrators, will convene this week in Grapevine, Texas, to finalize these initial rankings. Their primary objective is to identify the four best teams in the nation, considering criteria such as strength of schedule, head-to-head results, common opponents, and conference championships.

With five undefeated Power Five teams currently in contention, the pressure on the committee to differentiate resumes will intensify in the coming weeks. The path to the College Football Playoff semifinals – hosted this year at the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2024, leading to the National Championship in Houston on January 8, 2024 – promises to be filled with critical matchups and unexpected twists.

Fans can tune in to ESPN at 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, November 7th, for the official announcement of the first CFP rankings, which will set the stage for the crucial final month of the college football season.