Josh Furlong's AP Top 25: Will the real No. 1 team please step up

SALT LAKE CITY — November is here, which means each week there's games with big implications on the line as teams jockey for position for a chance at the College Football Playoff or their respective conference title game.

But even after 10 weeks of action, there's always something that surprises in college football.

Take Clemson beating Notre Dame, for example. Whatever Tyler said to Dabo Swinney in the call-in show lit a fire under the Tigers, and the Fighting Irish happened to just be on the other end of Clemson exorcizing its demons to a difficult season.

Or what about Air Force losing to Army? How was that even possible ... at home?

College football happens, and we love to see it!

With that being said, we're to the point in the season where I'm almost certainly going to get several emails, DMs and messages about how my ballot means nothing because the College Football Playoff rankings are now out. Be that as it may, the job doesn't end because the CFP selection committee has begun ranking teams.

So let's get into it ... and you can wonder why I hate your team — yes, I'm looking at you!

Here's the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press this week that will be counted toward the official consensus poll released later today before the first official College Football Playoff rankings of the season are released Tuesday.

1. Florida State

The Seminoles are a flawed pick at No. 1 — I understand that as much as anybody — but I didn't see anything this week to change my pick. A case can be made for several teams to replace Florida State here, and those reasons are probably right, but the Seminoles continue to win against quality opponents and Jordan Travis remains a great asset under center.

2. Georgia

In a game that wasn't expected to be a test before the season started, Georgia found itself in a fight against a solid Missouri team. And if not for a two-touchdown third quarter, there's a chance the Bulldogs sweat out the game a little more. Good teams win, but great teams cover — and Georgia didn't cover. Does that mean anything? Nope, but it's still good to see Georgia (finally) challenged.

3. Michigan

There continues to be more noise surrounding the program than what's actually happening on the field. Michigan remains one of the best teams in college football and could very well be the No. 1 team — now and in the future — but the resume is lacking still. A blowout win over Purdue doesn't really change my mind, but things will get interesting next week against Penn State.

4. Ohio State

The College Football Playoff selection committee has the Buckeyes as the No. 1 team based on their resume — it's merited — but I don't see them as the top team with the flaws they have. Are the Buckeyes a worthy candidate? Sure, but I'm going on a bit of the eye test here mixed with the resume. I'm ready to crown them No. 1 when it's time, but I don't feel it's time just yet.

5. Oregon

I can easily make a case for the Ducks to be No. 1, or at least higher in the rankings, especially as of late. Oregon remains the most complete team in the Pac-12 and is showing no signs of slowing down. They're a true force to be reckoned with and have a true national championship contending team. Don't sleep on Oregon with Bo Nix under center playing some of the best ball of his career.

6. Washington

In a game with no defense — OK, there was some — Washington rode the wave and came out on top on the road against USC. The Huskies remain a playoff contender, but their defense is lacking the same pedigree as, say, Oregon. Right now, you're screaming at me that Washington beat Oregon, but I'd argue Oregon has done more since and is playing better ball. Stay mad, but you know I'm right.

7. Texas

I really don't know what to do with Texas. My gut wants to drop them a bit — and, really, Kansas State should have done that naturally for me — but the Longhorns found a way to survive. I don't feel like I can drop them below Alabama — a team they beat — while also give them credit for winning with a backup quarterback. Still, there's flaws, but the Longhorns are getting it done.

8. Alabama

After its loss to Texas, Alabama has quietly built up a strong resume — wins over LSU, Ole Miss and Tennessee — and continues to develop as the season progresses. It's still not the traditional Alabama team we've grown accustomed to over the years, but that should be the most scary part since Nick Saban continues to get the most out of a roster that has been flawed.

9. Penn State

Penn State wanted to remind the country it still existed. Soundly beating Maryland isn't going to naturally turn heads, but it also doesn't hurt either. The Nittany Lions handled business and made quick work of the Terrapins (on their home field, too), and then added 27 more points in the fourth quarter for good measure. A big matchup against Michigan looms.

10. Ole Miss

Ole Miss had to sweat it out a little bit at the end against Texas A&M, but Lane Kiffin continues to build a strong challenger in the SEC. The Rebels aren't quite to Georgia or Alabama territory, but they're not too far behind, either. Jaxson Dart almost threw for 400 yards and had two touchdowns in a home win.

Checking in: Arizona, Tulane

Dropping out: Air Force, USC

In consideration: Fresno State, Air Force, USC, James Madison, Liberty

If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.

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