Breakdown of Week 6’s Top 5

The past weekend of college football action was assumed to be one with lots of firepower and Playoff implications. Sadly, it was not as exciting as it could have been with 3 top 12 matchups. The thing to take note from these results though is that the playoff picture may remain mostly the same all through the rest of the season. It depends on the given team though, so once again, it's time to ask why these teams are here and if they will be here long in the top 5.

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide

Nick Saban and the Tide looked great against Ole Miss. Bryce Young had 241 yards and 2 touchdowns as he outdueled O'Brien candidate Matt Corral. It's clear now that Bryce Young is the man for Alabama and could take them the distance. For a Freshman to fill in the shoes of Mac Jones, Tagovailoa, and Hurts such as this is not common. This should make Alabama excited for the years to come. For now, they look to repeat, those hopes look pretty optimistic right about now.

Why are they here? :

They stand undefeated with 3 wins over top 15 teams. If they did not start at number 1, they would deserve to be close to it even if they started unranked somehow. They have more games ahead that can further solidify their place.

Will they be here long? :

After their blow out win on Saturday, it’s very certain that the Tide are here for a good time and a long time. Their schedule is easy from here up until the last 2 weeks against Arkansas and state rival Auburn. Until then, without getting cocky, Bama can turn on cruise control.

#2 Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia might as well have number 1 next to their name because they have been extraordinary. After beating down on #8 Arkansas at home, it's clear these Bulldogs are on another level. Kirby Smart's recruiting has shown to be successful and he looks to ride that wave to the post-season. Unlike Bama though, Georgia has a few more tests ahead if they want to hold their place.

Why are they here? :

With a high pre-season rank, beating 2 top 10 teams and beating lesser opponents easily, the Bulldogs very well deserve to be where they are.

Will they be here long? :

It seems as if they will be here for the long run, but their chances of doing so are a lesser than #1 Alabama’s. Next weekend they play away to a stout #18 Auburn Tigers, currently undefeated #16 Kentucky and a neutral sited game against #20 Florida who gave Alabama a run for their money in September. Georgia has a tough 3 games ahead of them, their performance shall determine their playoff status.

#3 Iowa Hawkeyes

The Hawkeyes have been a pleasant surprise this season. With 2 wins over the top 20 teams and taking care of the rest of their schedule, the Hawkeyes look to continue flying high in the rankings. Seemingly though, a storm is brewing, and that storm is the Big 10. Thankfully, the storm was on the other side of the conference. However, they will get a taste of it this weekend against Penn State.

Why are they here? :

The Hawkeyes started the year ranked at #18 in the preseason poll and have flew into the top 10 due to a dominant win over #17 Indiana in week 1 and a convincing win over their in-state rival #9 Iowa State. Since then, they have had convincing wins over lesser teams. Their defense has been the shining light for them. At most they have allowed only 17 points and are second with total turnovers in the nation.

Will they be here long? :

It all depends on this game coming up against Penn State. If they win, they will have played the hardest part of their schedule already and would seemingly cruise to the Big 10 Championship. If they lose, they can retain a spot in the top 10 but will have to go unbeaten to have a shot at redeeming themselves in the Big 10 Championship.

#4 Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State has also been a surprise in the Big 10. With 2 big top 25 wins, this pack of Lions still has a lot of work. QB Sean Clifford comes into their huge game Saturday with 1336 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. Sean one of the better quarterbacks Penn State has had in a while. Nevertheless, they will need him to play even better if they want a shot in this wild Big 10 East title. ‘The storm’ as we like to call it. It includes themselves, Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State. They are all ranked in the top 12 and they will all be playing each other. To say the least, it’s going to be a blast watching this unfold.

Why are they here? :

With a generous pre-season rank and winning over #12 Wisconsin (at the time) and #22 Auburn, this made the Lions a top 4 team along with their great play against lesser teams. They seem to be flawless on both sides, but #3 Iowa should exploit them as they are the best team Penn State will have played so far.

Will they be here long? :

It’s looking to be a tough fall for this Nittany Lion squad. As mentioned, Penn State’s conference division is packed with ranked teams. If Penn State can’t beat this Iowa Hawkeyes team on the road, then the Lions’ playoff hopes might be compromised.

#5 Cincinnati Bearcats

ALERT, A GROUP 5 TEAM HAS ENTERED THE TOP 5. Cinci's 24-13 win over #9 Notre Dame on the road checks another box off as far as what they need to do to get into the playoff. In that game, QB Desmond Ridder threw for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns making him the Davey O'brien quarterback of the week. They still have ways to go, but it seems the Bearcats' hardest games are behind them. Now, they turn their attention to conference play as they play Temple this Friday.

Why are they here? :

With the highest preseason rank for a group 5 team ever along with big wins over Indiana and #9 Notre Dame (both on the road) puts the Cats in the top 5. Their defense and offense are stacked with experience and championship hungry athletes. Watching them from here should be fun.

Will they be here long? :

Most likely. If they win out then there is no reason they should fall in the rankings. Although, there is no guarantee that they will rise without help from surrounding teams in the rankings. Answers will come though when the first CFP rankings come out in November.

Teams ranked #6-#10 coming soon, stay tuned!

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