Debate: Which team is the best in the country right now?
Two years ago, Florida State demolished every team on the schedule. Quarterback Jameis Winston was the clear Heisman Trophy favorite. The Seminoles entered the BCS National Championship as an obvious No. 1 team.
FSU waited all season behind Alabama, though. Until the Tide lost at Auburn on a 100-yard missed field goal return.
This year’s season still has a few twists remaining as we enter rivalry week, conference championships and the College Football Playoff. But we’re curious, because there’s not a definitive answer. Who deserves the No. 1 ranking as of today? What is the scariest team in the land?
Our staff weighs in.
WHICH TEAM IS THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY RIGHT NOW?
Chris Wright (@FilmRoomEditor): Oklahoma
Oklahoma, with a healthy QB Baker Mayfield, is the best team right now, but Michigan State is the best equipped to beat Alabama. Mayfield vs. Alabama’s secondary would be fun to watch, but the Big 12 just seems like a more eastern version of Oregon — which means eventually Alabama’s lines would take over.
Deshaun Watson is dynamic, maybe the best player in America, but Clemson gave up 41 points to an N.C. State team that played without its best running back. Michigan State showed against Ohio State that it has the physicality to match up with Alabama, and it also has the better QB in Connor Cook.
John Brasier (@john_brasiersds): Alabama
Alabama is the best team. The Crimson Tide have no weaknesses and can win several ways. The Tide is stronger up front and has enough speed at receiver and on the corners to win man-to-man matchups all over the field.
Clemson should be ranked No. 1 due to its unbeaten record and its dominating victories. But Alabama would be favored over any opponent on a neutral field.
Tom Brew (@tombrewsports): Alabama
I don’t think there’s any question that Alabama is the best team in the country right now. The Tide defense has been exceptional, Derrick Henry can get yards whenever he needs them and Jake Coker has been smart and made just enough plays through the air.
I still don’t think we know enough about Clemson. Yeah, the Notre Dame and Florida State wins were nice, but they were close. They’re not really crushing people, outside of the Miami debacle.
Brad Crawford (@BCrawfordSDS): Michigan State
Based on my belief that defense still wins championships, you’d be hard-pressed to find a team playing as well as the Spartans on that side of the football besides Alabama.
Michigan State was hosed by a no-call at the end of its loss at Nebraska and should be unbeaten at this point. Looking at the Spartans’ noteworthy wins, the resume’s quite impressive. If Connor Cook returns to full strength by the Big Ten Championship Game, I think Michigan State will hand Iowa its first loss and lock in a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Talal Elmasry (@TalalElmasrySDS): Alabama
I hesitate to say that no one is in the Tide’s league because I do think that high-octane offenses like Oklahoma’s and Baylor’s could present issues for the Alabama secondary. The Tide defense is special at every unit, and I know it’s improved since the loss to Ole Miss, but a team that excels at making big plays through the air is going to be there in the end.
I think the Sooners are that team, and they’re the only team that’s playing like it’s on a mission right now similar to Alabama.
Christopher Smith (@csmithSDS): Clemson
Yes, Alabama has played a much better schedule. That may absolve the Tide for losing one game and may even make Bama’s one-loss resume more impressive. Wins against Notre Dame and Florida State — and that 58-0 shellacking of Miami — remain impressive.
Alabama’s defense is better, but not by as much as you’d imagine. Clemson ranks No. 5 nationally in yards allowed per game (278.2), ahead of teams like Florida and Ohio State. Now flip sides: Clemson’s offense is much more dangerous than Alabama’s, especially through the air. Deshaun Watson is the better quarterback, and the Tigers actually rush for more yards per game and possess a better receiving corps.
There’s a reason why Clemson still ranks No. 1, and it goes beyond that unbeaten record. Right now, they’re the best complete team.