College Football Power Rankings Based on National Championship Odds (Clemson, USC Keep CFP Hopes Alive)
By Reed Wallach
![Clemson Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5). Clemson Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5).](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4090,h_2300,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/426/01gdte9vb8zd2at03wgb.jpg)
College Football Week 4 was a measuring stick test for some teams as conference play got going across the country.
For teams such as Ohio State, they faced one of their biggest competitors in Wisconsin and looked the part of the odds on Big Ten favorite. Alabama was able to feast on an outmatched SEC foe in Vanderbilt while Georgia faced off against MAC opponent Kent State.
Let's power ranking the College Football Playoff field by looking at who has the best value in the National Championship market.
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
1. Georgia (+180)
The Bulldogs had their closest call of the season and still left zero doubt, winning 39-22 at home.
Next week: @ Missouri
2. Ohio State (+300)
Statement made.
Ohio State throttled Big Ten foe Wisconsin at home, 52-21 in a game that was over in the first few minutes. The Buckeyes defense looked up to the test of strong competition and the offense was dynamite behind Heisman Trophy favorite C.J. Stroud, who tossed five touchdowns.
Next week: Rutgers
3. Alabama (+200)
The Crimson Tide got SEC play started in a big way, blowing out Vanderbilt 55-3 behind a dazzling performance from Bryce Young. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner completed 69% of his passes for 385 yards and four touchdowns in the big victory.
Next week: @ Arkansas
4. Michigan (+5000)
It wasn't the prettiest outing at times in Michigan's first real test of the season, but the team was able to get past Maryland in their Big Ten opener, 34-27.
Blake Corum had a monster day on the ground, rushing 30 times for 243 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
Next week: @ Iowa
5. Clemson (+1200)
In arguably the craziest results of Week 4, Clemson outlasted Wake Forest 51-45 in 2OT. The Tigers had 10 penalties for 102 yards, but D.J. Uiagalelei was clutch in the win, completing 63% of his passes for 371 yards and five touchdowns.
Clemson maintains the inside track to a CFP berth, but there are more tests ahead in the ACC if Week 4 was any indication.
Next game: North Carolina State
6. USC (+1200)
The Trojans nearly stumbled to Oregon State, but a 14-point fourth quarter helped them get away with a 17-14 win.
Next week: Arizona State
7. North Carolina State (+15000)
North Carolina State didn't overlook their lowly opponent ahead of its anticipated rematch against Clemson on the road next weekend.
The Wolfpack won 41-10 against UConn at home with quarterback Devin Leary tossing four touchdown passes in the victory.
Next week: @ Clemson
8. Tennessee (+6000)
Tennessee got past heated rival Florida in a thrilling afternoon showdown on Rocky Top, cementing themselves as an SEC contender. Hendon Hooker was great as the offense put up 38 points, even if a late Florida rally covered the spread.
The Vols remain a dark horse CFP candidate.
Next week: BYE
9. Utah (+8000)
The Utes dominated the now Herm Edwards-less Arizona State Sun Devils with a 34-13 win. A frisky Oregon State team awaits.
Next week: Oregon State
10. Oklahoma (+6000)
Down go the Sooners!
Oklahoma was unable to complete a comeback on Saturday, losing 41-34 to Kansas State.
Next week: @ TCU
11. Texas A&M (+12000)
In one of the most thrilling games of the Week 4 slate, Texas A&M held off Arkansas to keep its faint CFP chances alive. The offense came alive for the Aggies while the defense made a host of plays to keep the team in front in the second half.
The market could still be too far down on this Aggies team after the Appalachian State loss.
Next week: @ Mississippi State
12. Oklahoma State (+10000)
Bye Week
13. Kentucky (+15000)
Kentucky took care of business against Northern Illinois in its final non-conference game as the Wildcats prepare for a second road test against undefeated Ole Miss.
Next week: @ Ole Miss
14. Washington (+10000)
A dominant third quarter led the Huskies to a 40-22 win over Stanford. Michael Penix Jr. threw for 309 yards and a pair of scores in the win.
Next week: @ UCLA
15. Penn State (+6000)
Penn State picked up a routine home victory on Saturday, beating MAC foe Central Michigan 33-14.
The Nittany Lions continue to build up a head of steam ahead of full fledged conference play, but the team has been getting by with a big turnover margin.
Over the last two weeks, Penn State has outgained its opponents by a total of 106 and posted a turnover margin of 8-0 despite winning by a combined margin of 48.
Next week: Northwestern
16. TCU (+25000)
Despite a second half rally from SMU, TCU beat its in-state rival 42-34, outgaining the Mustangs by two yards per play and averaging more than five yards per carry.
The Horned Frogs are humming on offense and were able to generate five sacks against the Mustangs.
Next week: Oklahoma
17. Ole Miss (+10000)
The Rebels offense is starting to round into form, putting up 35 points at home against Tulsa in a final tune up ahead of SEC play.
Ole Miss is 4-0 on the season , but hasn't been tested by a Power 5 team with win, making the home game against Kentucky next week one of the most intriguing of the Week 5 slate.
Next week: Kentucky
18. Minnesota (+20000)
Minnesota blew through its first test of the season, going to East Lansing and disposing of Michigan State in their Big Ten opener, 34-7.
Through four weeks, the Golden Gophers look like the class of the Big Ten West.
Next week: Purdue
19. Oregon (+20000)
The Ducks survived a close game with Washington State, winning 44-41. They need a 29-point fourth quarter to get it done, but it's a huge win in a game that could've easily gone sideways.
Next week: Stanford
20. Arkansas (+25000)
The Razorbacks were on the wrong side of a brutal loss, their first of the season. The team fumbled at the goal line that was returned for a touchdown and missed a game winning field goal off the top of the upright.
Next week: Alabama
Oh baby Aggies go from about to be down two scores to down 1 (because they missed the extra point but let the highlight live)
— BetSided (@BetSided) September 25, 2022
pic.twitter.com/rMXkafoVov
21. Kansas (+30000)
The Jayhawks won as a favorite for the first time since 2014, holding off a late rally from Duke to win in front of a sold out crowd.
Jalon Daniels has been on a tear this season and kept it up in the victory, completing 19-of-23 passes for 324 and four touchdowns. He also had 81 yards on the ground with a rushing TD.
Next week: Iowa State
22. Kansas State (+10000)
Kansas State upset Oklahoma on Saturday, holding off a late comeback in the fourth quarter.
Next week: Texas Tech
23. Baylor (+40000)
Baylor won its Big 12 opener in a heated battle with Iowa State, leaving Ames with a 31-24 victory.
The Bears have one loss already, but Blake Shapen looked in command of the offense this week, completing 19-of-26 passes for three touchdowns.
Next week: Oklahoma State
24. Mississippi State (+50000)
Mississippi State got over its loss at LSU quickly, winning 45-14 against Bowling Green.
The Bulldogs still have a path towards a New Years Six Bowl, but it starts with a home win against Texas A&M next weekend.
Next week: Texas A&M
25. Pittsburgh (+50000)
Pitt took care of business against FCS Rhode Island at home 45-24 and got quarterback Kedon Slovis back from concussion protocol.
Pitt has the ability to build up a strong record as it should be favored in every game the rest of the regular season before going to Miami for the regular season finale.
Next week: Georgia Tech