College Football Playoff rankings after Week 4: Notre Dame makes strong case vs. Wisconsin

Week Four of the college football season is in the books. How does the College Football Playoff shape among the nation’s best?

Week Four of the college football season is in the books. The two teams atop the nation continue to take care of business while looking miles ahead of their ranked counterparts. They so far have earned their top two positions in a projected College Football Playoff.

After that, however, it’s a bit unclear as there have been programs moving in and moving out in the top four and on the bubble through the first four weeks of the season. Rankings are volatile and this week should be no different. Here’s how the College Football Playoff should project.

Projected College Football Playoff rankings after Week 4

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Back on top again are the Crimson Tide. Alabama cruised past Southern Miss at home in a cool-down week after last week’s close win over Florida. It’s Alabama’s spot to hold for as long as they want it. They now turn their attention to 13th-ranked Ole Miss for a home meeting.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

No program may be flexing their muscles more through four weeks on the season than Georgia. The Bulldogs were impressive again as they routed Vanderbilt 62-0 on the road. It’s not exactly a fair fight, but the Bulldogs have two SEC wins to their credit in dominating fashion so far. The collision course for an Alabama-Georgia SEC Championship Game seems likely.

3. Oregon Ducks

In Pac-12 action, Oregon did what it needed to by beating Arizona. The Ducks are the only hope the conference has at the College Football Playoff, so it’s imperative they don’t suffer any slip-ups along the way. The Ducks will get ready for a road battle against Stanford.

4. Oklahoma Sooners

The Sooners had a fight on their hands with a conference battle at home against West Virginia. Oklahoma was able to hold on, but it wasn’t the first time this season it’s been tested on its own field. Spencer Rattler had to battle an iffy performance en route to the win where Oklahoma didn’t lead until the final whistle. As always, the No. 4 spot comes with the most debate and their spot is tenuous at best.

Missed The Cut

5. Penn State Nittany Lions

After last week’s big win against Auburn, Penn State was back at home and took care of Villanova. The Nittany Lions are off to a good start in the Big Ten and are definitely in the mix for a top-four spot. They host Indiana next before a big showdown at Iowa.

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Irish are back on the bubble. They earned their way there after thoroughly dismantling Wisconsin in the second half in Chicago. It was a day of surprise superstars for Notre Dame with Tyler Pyne coming in relief of an injured Jack Coan, but at 4-0, the Irish are in a good spot to move into the top four if they beat Cincinnati next week.

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