1. +1 Clemson Tigers (7-1)
Last Week – W 52-47 at Texas
This Week – BYE
Clemson had a huge win this week to lock themselves atop these rankings and prove what they have clamored for all season. They are looking good as they approach this first round bye. They will be waiting for their next opponent in the way of their championship run.
2. -1 Texas Longhorns (6-2)
Last Week – L 47-52 vs. Clemson
This Week – BYE
Texas is coming off a loss to Clemson that knocked them out of the top spot. Texas is still able to have a bye for round one of the playoffs. They are still a very scary team as we approach the playoffs.
3. (NC) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-1)
Last Week – W 26-24 vs. USC
This Week – Monday, August 10th 7:00 PM CST vs. FSU
The most underrated team in all the playoffs, as they come off a huge win versus USC. Notre Dame has a gunslinger at quarterback and a killer defense to support the team. This week they host FSU in the first round. Which QB will make the most plays? Watch out for Notre Dame to make it back to the CFSL Championship! Jeff has done a wonderful job with this program and we expect many more seasons like this from Notre Dame.
4. +2 Miami Hurricanes (5-3)
Last Week – W 41-34 vs. LSU
This Week – Monday, August 10, 20th 8:45 PM CST vs. Ohio State
Miami had a must win game against LSU and they were able to show up and deliver the clutch win. They are facing Ohio State in the first round, which will be interesting as Miami lost to them two weeks ago. Can Miami get retribution and make it to the next round? They were pre-season favorites to play in championship, can they live up to those predictions? Doma has done a wonderful job in his first year as an AD. He has helped turn around this Miami program that has struggled previously.
5. +3 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-3)
Last Week – W 27-20 vs. Michigan
This Week – Monday August 10th 8:45 PM CST at Miami
Ohio State had a big win against rival Michigan to secure their spot in the playoffs. They face Miami in round one, and they have to feel good about it after beating them two weeks ago. Can that defensive line carry them into another win, or will their season end in the first round? This matchup will match two new AD’s against each other. Legion will continue to build this program into a contender.
6. +5 Florida State Seminoles (4-4)
Last Week – W 58-52 vs. Florida
This Week – Monday, August 10th 7:00 PM CST at Notre Dame
Florida State went through a rough patch this season, but turned it around and beat rival Florida to make the playoffs. It has been a remarkable come back for FSU, the question is how much more magic do they have left? Can they be the Cinderella story in this years playoffs?
7. -2 Florida Gators (4-4)
Last Week – L 52-58 at Florida State
This Week – Season is Over
Heartbroken is a word I would use to describe Florida Gator players and fans after starting 4-0 only to lose the next four. Losing to rival FSU knocked them out of the playoffs, but they have plenty to look forward to in season 9. That defense is scary to say the least!
8. -4 USC Trojans (5-3)
Last Week – L 24-26 at Notre Dame
This Week – Season is Over
USC was once in the driver seat of their playoff destiny. Had they beat Notre Dame, they would have been the two seed in the Big Ten and looking good for a shot at repeating as champions. They are a very young team who has a lot of promise, and should be ready to compete next season.
9. -2 Auburn Tigers (3-5)
Last Week – L 24-45 vs. Alabama
This Week – Season is Over
Not the way Auburn anticipated their season to go, and it was an insult to injury to lose to rival Alabama. Not all is lost for Auburn as they have plenty to look forward to going into next season! I look for Pack to have Auburn back in the playoffs next season.
10. -1 Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-5)
Last Week – W 41-27 vs. Oregon
This Week – Season is Over
Nebraska ended their season on a high point and beat Oregon in a big time win. This win was a little too late to make a difference in their playoff hopes unfortunately. Nebraska is going into next season with several questions as their AD Hex has resigned, but I trust the CFSL will help put Nebraska in a solid position.
11. -1 LSU Tigers (2-6)
Last Week – L 34-41 vs. Miami
This Week – Season is Over
LSU started the season 0-5 and almost made the playoffs. Had they beat Miami, they would have been in the first round this week. Voodoo is on the verge of something really big there at LSU. It will be exciting to watch.
12. (NC) Oregon Ducks (2-6)
Last Week – L 27-41 at Nebraska
This Week – Season is Over
Much like Auburn, this season has not been as Oregon envisioned. They end the season in a loss to Nebraska. They have a great AD and great talent, and I expect them to re-tool and be ready for next season.
13. +1 Alabama Crimson Tide (2-6)
Last Week – W 45-24 at Auburn
This Week – Season is Over
Alabama finished the season strong after a rough start. It always helps when you are able to beat your rival school as they did on the road this week. Watch out for them next season as they continue to develop.
14. -1 Michigan Wolverines (1-7)
Last Week – L 20-27 at Ohio State
This Week – Season is Over
Losing to a rival is never easy, and this year was even harder for Michigan. Their record does not do them justice as they easily could be 5-3 and in the playoffs. Alan is an experienced AD who will make adjustments and turn this program back around.
