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College Football Playoff Rankings 2017: Projected top four after Week 2

By Brad Weiss

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 09: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide breaks a tackle by Tobenna Okeke #56 of the Fresno State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 09: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide breaks a tackle by Tobenna Okeke #56 of the Fresno State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
2

Oklahoma Sooners Big 12

Last week: W 31-16 at Ohio State
Last rank: N/R

Sure, Oklahoma was not ranked in our projection last week, as we had the Oklahoma State Cowboys instead. On Saturday, the Sooners proved me very wrong, as they went into Ohio Stadium and soundly beat the Ohio State Buckeyes, 31-16. The Buckeyes were expected to compete for a national title this season, and they may very well be there by the end of the season, but the Sooners were dominant in this one.

Watching the game, I was completely blown away by Baker Mayfield. Yes, I ranked him very high in my preseason Top-25 college football players, but he was on another level on Saturday. I understand that is a bold statement considering he is a two-time Heisman finalist, but he may have become the Heisman front-runner with his performance against Ohio State.

Every time it looked like the Buckeyes would get back into the game, Mayfield would run around, avoid the sack, and then make a play downfield. Ohio State has arguably the best defensive front in the country, so for Mayfield to do what he did on Saturday night, was absolutely breathtaking. The Sooners have some tough games ahead of them, but a win in a big non-conference game like this could propel them into the College Football Playoff.

By beating Oklahoma last season, the Buckeyes were granted a spot in the College Football Playoff, even though they did not win the Big Ten. Oklahoma had to watch the Buckeyes celebrate on their home field last season, and Mayfield made certain they would return the favor on Saturday. It was a spirited effort that could have major implications later in the season.

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