The number of unbeaten teams remaining in major college football has now dipped below 20, but when it comes to playoff picks things are holding steady.
For the fifth consecutive week Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State are unanimous selections, though the Bulldogs made it interesting.
The Crimson Tide had the most impressive win among the leading triumvirate, but also move forward with some uncertainty. Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young left with an injury to his throwing shoulder in the second quarter of a 49-26 win at No. 20 Arkansas, but coach Nick Saban said afterward Young was “day to day.”
Ohio State fell behind 7-0 to visiting Rutgers — the first time in nine all-time meetings the Buckeyes have trailed to the Scarlet Knights — but quickly found separation on their way to a 49-10 win. Running back Miyan Williams tied the school record with five touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Georgia trailed 16-6 at halftime against Missouri and did not lead in the game at all until 4:03 remaining in the fourth quarter.
ESPN’s voters were nearly unanimous on a fourth team for the first time this season following Clemson‘s 30-20 defeat of NC State. The Tigers received 12 of a possible 14 votes with Michigan and Oregon garnering the final two votes.
Here’s a look at how ESPN’s college football reporters see the current playoff picture.
Andrea Adelson: 1. Georgia 2. Alabama 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson Blake Baumgartner: 1. Georgia 2. Ohio State 3. Alabama 4. Clemson Kyle Bonagura: 1. Georgia 2. Alabama 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson Bill Connelly: 1. Alabama 2. Ohio State 3. Georgia 4. Michigan Heather Dinich: 1. Ohio State 2. Alabama 3. Georgia 4. Clemson Chris Low: 1. Alabama 2. Georgia 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson Harry Lyles Jr.: 1. Alabama 2. Ohio State 3. Georgia 4. Clemson Ryan McGee: 1. Alabama 2. Georgia 3. Ohio State 4. Oregon Adam Rittenberg: 1. Alabama 2. Georgia 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson Alex Scarborough: 1. Georgia 2. Ohio State 3. Alabama 4. Clemson Mark Schlabach: 1. Alabama 2. Ohio State 3. Georgia 4. Clemson Paolo Uggetti: 1. Alabama 2. Georgia 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson Tom VanHaaren: 1. Georgia 2. Ohio State 3. Alabama 4. Clemson Dave Wilson: 1. Alabama 2. Georgia 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson