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While fall weather is in full swing in many states, much of SEC Nation remains hot. Just like the weather, there will be some sweating by the College Football Playoff selection committee as each week goes by.
There still isn’t a clear No. 1 in college football. Sure, Ohio State looked better with J.T. Barrett under center, but it seems like four or five teams could compete week in and week out.
Scanning the good guys: LSU finally gained the recognition it deserved all season, cracking the top 5 in the AP Poll at No. 4. For now, the Tigers are in good position. But on Nov. 7, they will have a showdown in Tuscaloosa to determine the top dog in the SEC.
Alabama continues to trend in the right direction. Tennessee gave the Crimson Tide a scare on Saturday, but good teams win those kind of games, and Nick Saban’s bunch didn’t flinch. There’s a chance that both Alabama and LSU make the CFB Playoff, but a lot is going to have to happen.
THREAT LEVEL: MAJOR HEAT WAVE
Get inside and crank up the A.C.
Ohio State: On Saturday, the Buckeyes finally proved worthy of their No. 1 ranking in the polls. J.T. Barrett had complete control of Urban Meyer’s offense in the 49-7 romp over Rutgers. If the chemistry continues, we may be looking at a team similar to the one that won the national championship a season ago. The Buckeyes still have No. 6 Michigan State and No. 15 Michigan to close out the season. If they come out with wins in those two games, everyone better be on high alert.
Clemson: Baylor is ahead of Clemson in the AP Poll, but Saturday’s shutout of Miami opened a lot of eyes. This wasn’t a dominating performance over some FCS school. Miami started the season 3-0 and lost close games to No. 17 Florida State and Cincinnati. The Tigers jolted up many ranking systems after the win. They’re big game is with the Seminoles on Nov. 7.
THREAT LEVEL: 100 DEGREES
It’s a hot one out there
Baylor: The Bears aren’t in trouble because of the loss of QB Seth Allen for the season with a neck injury. Art Briles’ system favors inexperienced quarterbacks and true freshman Jarrett Stidham has the necessary tools. The Bears still have games against No. 5 TCU and No. 14 Oklahoma, so we will have a good chance to see if Stidham can carry them through January.
TCU: The Horned Frogs had a bye last week, but have yet to play anyone of significance. It’s hard to hold that against them though, and they close out the season against No. 14 Oklahoma and N0.2 Baylor. Baylor and TCU probably won’t both make the playoff, but it’s possible. Trevone Boykin is one of the most talented players in college football, so it’s impossible not to take TCU seriously.
THREAT LEVEL: 91 DEGREES
Just another day in many SEC states
Michigan State: The Spartans have continued to find a way to win, even when it’s not pretty. Connor Cook is the most NFL-ready quarterback. The Spartans biggest test will be Nov. 21 against Ohio State. If they win that game, their threat level will spike.
Stanford: The loss in week 1 to Northwestern may continue to haunt the Cardinal, and their only chance to catch the eye of the committee is a Nov. 28 matchup with Notre Dame. They have to win out.
Florida: The Gators have only one loss with Georgia, Florida State and a possible SEC Championship Game left to lift them into position.
THREAT LEVEL: SUNNY AND 75
No real chance for scolding temperatures
Iowa: Iowa has been hot. But it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which the Hawkeyes get into the College Football Playoff. Their most impressive win was over No. 23 Pitt, which won’t be enough. In their last five games of the regular season, the Hawkeyes don’t face any ranked opponents.
Oklahoma State: The Cowboys would have to knock off No. 2 Baylor and No. 5 TCU to have a a chance. Both games are at home, as is their battle against Oklahoma, but winning all three would be an impressive feat.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
