KAMP SPORTS COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS

Every December, a select committee of football experts creates a highly influential ranking of the nation's top college football teams. Our panel of experts decided to do the same. Here’s our list:  

1. Oregon 

2. Texas

3. Ohio State 

4. Alabama

5. Ole Miss

6. Georgia 

7. Tennessee 

8. Penn State 

9. Indiana 

10. Notre Dame 

11. SMU

12. Miami 

13. Boise State 

14. Colorado 

15. Texas A&M 

Editor’s note: Our panel believes all 15 of these teams have a realistic path to qualifying for the CFP. 

Analysis: 

1. Oregon: The Ducks can and should coast to the BIG 10 title game. They could play Penn State, Ohio State, or Indiana. A win in that game would certainly be enough to solidify the top spot. 

2. Texas: There is some debate between Texas and Ohio State for the number two spot. However, our panel recognises the challenge of playing in the SEC and believe the top spot in the SEC is better than the number two team in the BIG 10. 

3. Ohio State: The Buckeyes have a lot to prove this weekend in Columbus. A win over undefeated Indiana will legitimize Ohio State, who has been imperfect throughout the season. The Buckeyes have had some tightly contested victories notably over Penn State and Nebraska. Their one blemish– a devastating, 32-31, loss in Eugene, Oregon earlier this year. 

4. Alabama: The post Saban Tide are a tough team to evaluate. Once again, they defeated Georgia, but also had a letdown in Nashville against Vanderbilt. All together, Alabama still has a strong resume: Blowout wins over ranked Missouri & LSU, as well skating past South Carolina & Georgia. As of week 12, that amounts to four wins over ranked teams. 

5. Ole Miss: The Rebels are closest to their potential right now– which is important. Winners of their last three, including a 28-10 win over Georgia. A strong finish will bode well for Ole Miss. 

6. Georgia: Despite losses against Ole Miss & Alabama, Georgia is still Georgia. The Dawgs beat Tennessee Saturday, getting a strong performance from embattled QB, Carson Beck. With no more SEC games left, Georgia should ride a 6-2 conference record to the playoffs. 

7. Tennessee: Our panel really respects the SEC, which means it really respects the Volunteers. Tennessee is our fifth SEC team in the top seven. We feel comfortable doing this because the Vols’ boast wins over Alabama, Florida, and Oklahoma. Their two losses came on the road to Georgia and Arkansas. Tennessee has displayed and shown more than both Penn State and Indiana (neither of whom have beaten Alabama). 

8. Penn State: The Nittany Lions may very well be the beneficiaries of a very soft schedule. Penn State’s strongest wins have come against USC, Wisconsin, and Washington. Those three teams are a combined 10-13 in the BIG 10. In Penn State’s true test against Ohio State they never scored an offensive touchdown, but lost a competitive 20-13 game. 

9. Indiana:  Much like Ohio State, the Hoosiers have a lot to play for this week. Indiana has yet to beat a ranked team, but has some large margins of victory. One lopsided win came against Nebraska, by a score of 56-7. Ohio State beat Nebraska 21-17. Perhaps an unfair comparison, but worth pointing out. The world does not believe in Indiana this week, 13.5 point underdogs, but the hoosiers are undefeated currently and have every reason to believe. 

10. Notre Dame: In a fair and just world, the Fighting Irish should have to play in a power conference. But we play with the hand we’re dealt. Notre Dame is 5-0 against ACC opponents, one of which was a 31-24 victory over Louisville. The Irish also prevailed in their one SEC matchup, beating Texas A&M, 23-13. We feel it should be close, but that Notre Dame likely has the edge over a second team from the BIG 12 & ACC. 

11. SMU: If you never lose a conference game in a power conference, that is impressive. Therefore, we are impressed with SMU. The Mustangs have been fortunate with their schedule, never having to face Clemson or Miami. At this pace, SMU will likely play one of the two in the ACC title game. A strong finish and conference win will net a bye. A strong finish and a loss in the ACC title will make things very interesting. 

12. Miami: The Hurricanes are in control of their own destiny, but will have no kit coming should they lose the ACC title game. A loss against Georgia Tech will do that. Aside from that loss, Miami has had other lapses. The Canes beat Virginia Tech on a hail mary, came from 25 behind against Cal, and won a 52-45 shootout against Louisville. Our panel does not feel this resume is strong enough should the Hurricanes not win the ACC. 

13.  Boise State: One of the more difficult teams to handicap, Boise State will be a playoff team if they win the Mountain West and will not be if they don’t. Keep an eye on Colorado State for that conference title game. The two won’t collide in the regular season. 

14. Colorado: One of the hottest teams in the country, the Buffaloes are making a strong push in the BIG 12. In our view, Colorado is the most likely team to win the conference. Should that happen, Coach Prime’s squad will not only make the playoff, but receive a bye. There’s no telling who else may qualify for the BIG 12 title game. All of Iowa State, Arizona State, and BYU are alive. 

    
    

15. Texas A&M: A&M will be playing for their season in College Station against Texas on November 30th. Win and the Aggies are in the SEC title game. Lose and their season ends right there. A&M never played against Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, or Ole Miss. This could work to the favor or detriment. What it does force, is a high stakes win or home game against Texas, which will have major playoff implications.