Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — Let the record reflect that the end-of-season format for selecting the four best teams is flawed and disappointing.
There isn't much guesswork at the end of most seasons lately, but the 2023 season is one for the record books; and it's just a reminder that the NCAA — and the commissioners running the various conferences — couldn't get out of their own way to create a system that eventually hurts deserving teams.
Though the Associated Press Top 25 rankings don't have any bearing on Sunday's results for the College Football Playoff rankings, I find myself conflicted on how to rank the top teams in this week's ballot.
The standard arguments given after each week can often be dissolved or fine-tuned because there's always another game to be played, and it honestly usually works its way out by the end of the year.
But this week, I've argued with myself about so many different ways to go about my rankings — I can only imagine what the CFP selection committee is working through.
With that being said, I've tried to do my best to rank the teams this week for the last time until the final AP ballot of the season. The following is the ballot I submitted to the AP this week that will be counted toward the official consensus poll released later today.
1. Michigan
There's few disagreements that could be made about Michigan being the No. 1 team. The Wolverines are undefeated and have wins over Penn State, Ohio State and now Iowa. This is a very good team that has been consistent all season — even if their schedule didn't always leave much to be desired.
2. Washington
Also undefeated, Washington continues to find a way to win each week. In arguably one of the deepest Pac-12 in recent history, the Huskies proved to be the best, and even beat rival Oregon twice.
3. Texas
This is where chaos unfolds. A one-loss Texas did everything it needed to against an inferior Oklahoma State team in the Big 12 championship game. Jumping the Longhorns to No. 3 seems a bit extreme, but there's a bit of a hierarchy here in play. Texas beat Alabama, who just beat Georgia. If on-the-field results are supposed to matter, this is how it has to be.
BUT ... you can argue Texas had the worst loss out of Alabama and Georgia. Texas still beat Alabama.
BUT ... that win came in Week 2 and Alabama wasn't ready yet. The Crimson Tide have been a completely different team since they've leaned in on Jalen Milroe.
BUT ... with all things being considered, head-to-head results have to be factored in still. So maybe I'm punting on the issue, but I'm going with Texas at the top of that trio.
4. Alabama
Alabama got the coveted win over a Georgia team that hasn't lost since the 2021 season ... to Alabama. The Crimson Tide have wins over Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss and Tennessee — all top-25 teams. There's a case to be made here that Alabama should be above Texas, especially since they've generally played better than Texas down the stretch.
Except that Auburn game ... so what do you do here? As mentioned above, I decided this week to go off head-to-head results, and Alabama falls behind Texas.
5. Georgia
Do we really believe that Georgia isn't one of the best teams in the country? I'm not so sure that Alabama-Georgia game wouldn't come out 50-50 if played 10 ... 100 ... or even 1,000 times. The Bulldogs drop to No. 5 in my poll (and outside a playoff berth), but I'd argue they're still one of the best teams in the country and deserving of a higher ranking.
But that tricky head-to-head result gets in the way here. Should a general vibe check on teams weigh more than actual results on the field? If so, I'd argue Georgia should be higher; but alas, today I'm not going with that argument (but I could be persuaded).
6. Florida State
If Texas was tricky, Florida State is a very messy pick. The Seminoles have done everything right to be higher than sixth in my poll (or any other ranking). In a normal week, an undefeated record would naturally put Florida State in the top three. But here, I'm going against what I've just argued above (kinda).
The vibe (and resume) of this Florida State team doesn't match those of the teams above it.
BUT ... they're undefeated, even without their starting quarterback ... or their backup quarterback (at least for now).
So why should Florida State be punished for winning and going undefeated? I blame the system and Jordan Travis lost for the season. But the resume also doesn't hold up as well as the teams above it (even with an undefeated record).
I honestly don't like this spot, so any of the arguments made about Florida State being this low, I've already considered and I probably agree with you. It's not fair.
7. Ohio State
The Buckeyes were off this week and have no real reason to be considered higher ... unless you argue that Ohio State played Michigan close. But we already have enough chaos, and I'm not considering this one.
8. Oregon
As a 9.5-point favorite, Oregon couldn't get it done in the championship game. Bo Nix looked rattled to start the game before settling in, but Washington did enough by then to get a win. The Ducks fall to No. 8 because they now have two losses, and they can be the best of the two-loss teams, but not any higher.
Checking in: SMU
Dropping out: Toledo
In consideration: Kansas State, Utah, Clemson
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
