Here is the projected College Football Playoff after Week 3 of the season.
With several big games on the schedule in Week 3, the landscape of the 2016 season has become more clear. Teams stepped forward and presented themselves as contenders, while others showed that they just aren’t ready just yet. Certain players have made themselves the favorites for the Heisman, while others are wondering what exactly went wrong.
The Louisville Cardinals had the most impressive win on the day, as they absolutely destroyed Florida State on the day. Lamar Jackson cemented himself as the clear favorite for the Heisman and he is on pace for the ridiculous season. As of now, Louisville might be the best team in the country. While the first College Football Playoff rankings don’t come out for a while, it’s never too early to project the top four.
Louisville would definitely be in that top four. While Clemson might edge them in the ranking, the Cardinals could always jump over them. The two teams will play in a couple weeks in which will be a huge game for both programs. It could be the difference between a playoff spot. Joining them would be the obvious choices in Alabama and Ohio State. With Houston not looking impressive, Stanford would likely be the final choice for right now.
If these were the four teams in the College Football Playoff this season, then it would be quite the treat. Two teams are perennial championship contenders with a ton of history. The other two are programs led by dynamic players that make all the difference in the world.
As is the case with college football, there is still a long ways to go and any of these teams could slip up. They aren’t always going to play their best and it is in those times that it will be telling how they respond.