Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — Championship weekend delivered.
In a season with unexpected turns and pure chaos — maybe we'll call it parity — the respective championship games served as a capstone to an entertaining season, and a prelude to what could be an even better 12-team College Football Playoff showcase.
My opinion is that championship games shouldn't necessarily hurt a team already inside the playoff bid — barring a poor performance like Iowa State — but should only help increase one's position. As such, there wasn't a ton of movement, but maybe some fine tuning for my final AP ballot before bowl season.
The following is the ballot I submitted to the Associated Press that will be counted in the consensus rankings that will be released Sunday morning.
1. Oregon (13-0)
The undisputed No. 1 team in the country. The season started off a little rocking with a closer-than-expected game against Idaho, and a near loss to Boise State, but the Ducks have been money — I use that ironically — for the rest of the season. In their first year in the Big Ten, Oregon stood toe-to-toe with the best brands of them all and came out on top.
2. Georgia (11-2)
Inconsistent play has seemingly been the story of the year for Georgia. And despite all the troubles, the Bulldogs remain one of the best in the country and one of the toughest teams to beat. You can easily make an argument for someone else to be at No. 2, but Georgia knows how to win when the pressure is on.
3. Notre Dame (11-1)
Idle this week, Notre Dame stays put at No. 3 in my rankings. I see no reason to move them, even with Texas and Penn State below them. The Fighting Irish have quietly been one of the most dangerous teams this season, and I'm looking forward to see what they have in the tank come playoff time.
4. Texas (11-2)
Texas has a Georgia problem — most teams not named Alabama do. But for all the good that the Longhorns have done this year, the Bulldogs get them all out of sync when the two play. Texas has shown flashes this year, but doing it on the big stage has been somewhat of a problem.
5. Penn State (11-2)
Oregon looked ready to blow open the Big Ten championship game, but Penn State showed grit and determination. The Nittany Lions remain one of the best teams in the country, but James Franklin needs to show he can win some big games for it all to matter. Maybe the playoff setting will change things?
6. Tennessee (10-2)
Tennessee has a win over Alabama, but some of its quality wins at the time they played them have been not as impressive as the season developed. Still, the Vols remain a strong contender, but the team is not without questions — even this late in the season.
7. Ohio State (10-2)
With the Michigan loss in the rearview mirror, Ohio State has nothing left but to look ahead to a playoff run. The Buckeyes certainly have the talent to win a title still, but will need to play better (obviously!). Ohio State took Oregon down to the wire and has it in them to beat any team, but consistency remains key. It feels like the Buckeyes are putting more pressure on themselves than anything else.
8. Arizona State (11-2)
From worst to first, Kenny Dillingham's turnaround season is a remarkable story. The Sun Devils' roster may not be comparable to the teams ahead of it, but they're playing some great football. And momentum is a crazy thing in a playoff setting. With Sam Leavitt and Cam Skattebo in peak form, Arizona State is a dangerous team playing loose and having fun.
9. Boise State (12-1)
You know that Ashton Jeanty is going to run the ball, but you can't stop him. But as the competition level picks up, can Boise State continue its magical run? A close game against Oregon suggests Boise State has the capability to compete.
10. SMU (11-2)
Yes, SMU lost to Clemson in the ACC championship, but they're still worthy of a top-10 spot. A loss on a late field goal in a championship game isn't enough for me to believe that SMU should drop. SMU more than proved they belong all season.
Dropping out: None
Checking in: None
In consideration (alphabetical): Duke, Iowa, Louisville, Memphis, Navy, Texas Tech
If you can't see my full ballot below, click here.
