College Football Playoff Outlook: Week 11

Story posted November 6, 2018 in CommRadio, Sports by Joseph Muscente

The College Football Playoff committee came out with its first rankings on October 30th. However, this week's matchup between No. 3 LSU and No. 1 Alabama created a shakeup in the committee's initial rankings. Here’s who we expect to be the top four teams in the country.

1. Alabama

The game of the week saw Alabama dominate LSU 29-0. The Tigers went into the game the third-best team in the country but were unable to compete with the top team. Alabama showed the capability of its elite defense by shutting out LSU and holding the Tigers to 196 total yards.

Tua Tagovailoa threw for 295 yards and a couple of touchdowns along with his first interception of the season. The Crimson Tide remain undefeated and have now clinched a spot in the SEC Championship game.

That game will be a rematch of last year’s national championship game between Alabama and Georgia. Alabama gets a ranked matchup against Mississippi State this week.

2. Clemson

The Tigers come in at No. 2 again this week after scoring an impressive 77 points against Louisville. Their offense asserted their will, totaling 661 yards against a struggling Louisville defense.

Clemson now ranks seventh in the country in total offense and third in total defense. It has arguably the best defensive line in the country consisting of Dexter Lawrence, Austin Bryant, Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins.

The undefeated Tigers travel to Boston in their next game to take on the No. 17 Boston College. Their remaining schedule following that game includes an ACC matchup against Duke followed by a non-conference clash against South Carolina. It seems as though Clemson will continue to roll through its schedule en route to the College Football Playoff for the fourth time in as many years.

3. Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated Michigan in their first game of the season and have never looked back. They remain undefeated in the home stretch of their schedule and are coming off a victory against a decent Northwestern team.

Ian Book has led the offense ever since Brian Kelly made the switch from Brandon Wimbush earlier in the season. Book had an excellent game against Northwestern, throwing for 343 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 56 yards and an additional touchdown.

Book connected with Chase Claypool 8 times for 130 yards. He has developed well all season and it looks like he is capable of leading the Fighting Irish to the playoff and possibly beyond.

After a game against Florida State, Notre Dame faces one more tough test at the end of its season against No. 13 Syracuse. A win against the Orange can confirm an undefeated regular season pending a win against Florida State.

4. Michigan

Michigan enters the College Football Playoff outlook this week after a commanding win over Penn State and a loss by No. 3 LSU. The Wolverines beat Penn State 42-7 and the story was once again their defense.

They caused Trace McSorley to have what may be the worst game of his career after he threw for only 83 yards and an interception. Michigan hasn’t lost since its week one defeat to Notre Dame.

Shea Patterson continues to shine and prove why he can lead Michigan to a Big Ten championship. Still, the Wolverines must once again prove their worth at the end of their season and knock off their rival, Ohio State.

5. Georgia

6. Oklahoma

 

 

Joseph Muscente is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jjm6725@psu.edu.