College football bowl projections: Playoff picture takes shape after Week 3

College Football Playoff rankings and an updated set of bowl projections after Week 3 saw Alabama, Oklahoma, Clemson and Ohio State score ugly wins.

What an entertaining week the third week of the college football season was. For the top four, it was the first week of the season where some stability took hold as all teams that entered the week in the top four took care of business.

Alabama survived a major road test against Florida and Georgia blasted South Carolina. Oklahoma held on to beat Nebraska, while Oregon did what it had to in a rainy performance against Stony Brook.

While the top four were doing their thing in the win department, teams outside the bubble looking in started to build their cases. Here’s how the College Football Playoff should project after Week 3.

College Football Playoff rankings after Week 3

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

The game of the week might have been between Alabama and Florida in the swamp. It was the first road SEC start for Bryce Young. The quarterback was tested but showed several signs of growth through the game as Alabama came away with a 31-29 win. While it was a close win, it was a big win for the Crimson Tide. Florida proved to be worth its weight at home. Alabama will retain its top spot.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia also handled its business against South Carolina with a 40-13 win at home. The Bulldogs ran up the score on their SEC counterparts while J.T. Daniels had a big night throwing the ball. Georgia holds onto the second spot this week no question about it. With a trip to Vanderbilt next on the menu, Georgia should see similar results next week.

3. Oklahoma Sooners

While it was closer than expected, the Sooners had to survive a complete effort from Nebraska. D.J. Graham did have the interception of the year, or perhaps all-time for Oklahoma. It’s sometimes easy to knock a team for winning a close game, but Oklahoma held serve against a program that threw everything at them. The Sooners now prepare for a big meeting with West Virginia.

4. Oregon Ducks

A week after defeating the Buckeyes, Oregon came home for a tune-up against Stony Brook. The box score doesn’t depict as large of a win as expected, but it’s important to note the weather was terrible and there was a brief delay. It was definitely one of those get it over with and get the win for the Ducks. The Ducks now prepare for a meeting with Arizona in Pac-12 action.

Missed The Cut

5. Iowa Hawkeyes

If there was a consistency award for a program through the first three weeks of the season, it would have to be given to the Iowa Hawkeyes. They sit at that 27-34 point range every week while giving up barely any on the other end. They’re well-positioned to be in striking range of jumping up if they keep winning and someone else slips.

6. Penn State Nittany Lions

If one Big Ten team on the bubble isn’t enough, how about two? After a huge win at home over the Auburn Tigers, Penn State should also be right on the cusp of jumping up if someone else should stumble. The Nittany Lions and Iowa have been the two most impressive programs in the conference so far this season. Penn State now has two ranked wins to its total as well after the win. A happy night in Happy Valley.

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