Way Too Early CFP Predictions Before Week Three
Who would make the CFP as of right now? Are there any surprise teams that would make it?
With two weeks of college football in the books, we have already seen plenty of upsets and big wins. Legitimate threats to win the national title are emerging and some surprise teams are making noise. We have a new number one team, several teams dropping, all the fun stuff in just two weeks of football. That being said, let’s break down a way too early CFP prediction on who would make the four-team playoff.
#1 Georgia, 2-0 (Regular Season Record Prediction: 12-0)
The defending national champs holding the number one spot should not surprise anyone. They thumped Oregon in week one 49-3 and beat Samford 33-0 as they should. The Bulldogs might have lost some key players from last years team but it does not look like it so far. Stetson Bennett has been nothing short of a defending champion quarterback and this offense has plenty of playmakers.
The biggest piece of the Georgia offense so far has to be senior running back, Kenny McIntosh. He showed his dual-threat ability against Oregon and that is something the Bulldogs’ offense needed. McIntosh might only have 33 rushing yards but he has 178 receiving yards which leads the team. Finding the right play sets where McIntosh is involved both in passing and running the ball will be big for Kirby Smart. McIntosh is one of the more experienced players on this roster and needs to have a big role this year.
If the Bulldogs hope to defend their title in the CFP, keeping up their stifling defense and two-way offense will be vital. The Bulldogs’ path to a title in the CFP is much easier than last year and I think they run the table in the regular season. I also think they have the team to once again defeat Alabama in the SEC title game. I like this Georgia team to enter the CFP as the unanimous number one seed.
#2 Ohio State, 2-0 (Regular Season Record Prediction: 12-0)
Next up, we have the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are led by CJ Stroud once again and are primed for a run at a national title. Ohio State opened the season with a big win over Notre Dame but it was a quiet game for CJ Stroud. Stroud might be the heart of this team but wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba is the blood that flows into the heart. Smith-Njigba went down with an injury early in week one and did not play the remainder of the game or week two.
However, this Ohio State team showed that they can score plenty with Njigba out. The Buckeyes have a two-headed monster in their running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams. They also have Marvin Harrison Jr and Emeka Egbuka that played well in Njigba’s absence. The best thing for the Buckeyes as far as the CFP goes, keeping those stars healthy and keeping depth overall. They have all the pieces to make a serious run this year but now it all comes down to execution.
#3 Alabama, 2-0 (Regular Season Prediction: 12-0)
Next, we have the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide are just as much a threat to win the title as years prior. From the leadership of Bryce Young to their veteran leadership on defense, the Tide are legit. They had a scare against Texas in week two but a win is a win. The Tide have two running backs over 100 yards including Bryce Young with 138 yards (team best). Winning by only a point over Texas might raise some red flags but Alabama is still easily a CFP team at this point.
If the Tide hope to avenge last year’s loss in the title game, they need to get their defense back in check. The difference between winning a national title and watching another team win a national title can come down to one play on defense. Bryce Young and the offense are finding their groove now it comes down to the veteran defensive players showing why they are still one of the best defenses in the country.
#4 Oklahoma, 2-0 (Regular Season Prediction: 12-0)
And lastly, my sleeper pick, the Oklahoma Sooners. In my win/loss prediction piece for the Sooners, I predicted they will run the table in the regular season. The Sooners program as well as Texas are prepping for the jump to the SEC. OU needs to make some noise in the CFP and running the table in the regular season would put them in a position to do so.
The revamped Sooners program has found its quarterback in Dillon Gabriel. Sure the Sooners have played Kent State and UTEP so far but wins are wins. The Sooners averaged 39 points in the first two weeks and that is more than enough to win games in the Big 12. However, the defense has allowed 305.5 yards per game already against non-conference opponents far below their usual competition. If the Sooners hope to compete for a CFP spot, that will not cut it. However, there is still plenty of time to figure out the defense and mold into a contending team overall.
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