Georgia tops, Miami falls: evaluating 12 teams in second CFP rankings—overrated, underrated or properly rated?

Georgia takes the top spot

Georgia moved from the projected No. 2 seed to No. 1 after an emphatic road win over No. 19 Ole Miss. The Bulldogs’ defense limited quarterback Trinidad Chambliss to a season-low 170 passing yards, strengthening the case that Georgia is positioned to contend for a third consecutive SEC title.

The article calls Georgia’s placement an easy choice. It also points to the upcoming matchup with No. 22 Missouri, whose quarterback Austin Simmons has thrown for 2,204 yards, as another test for the Bulldogs’ defense.

Big moves draw scrutiny

UCLA rose from No. 8 to No. 4, a move the article describes as an overcorrection. The Bruins are 9-0, but their 34-20 win over Minnesota was not considered a signature victory; their earlier 17-15 defeat of Oregon came while the Ducks were using backup quarterback Dylan Raiola.

Notre Dame climbed from No. 11 to No. 5 after handing Miami its first loss, 31-24. Texas is No. 6, though the article considers that high for an inconsistent team; its 34-20 win over Missouri was tied at 20 entering the fourth quarter.

Miami’s fall from No. 1 to No. 7 is considered justified. Its only win over a team currently in the CFP top 25 is against No. 13 Wake Forest, while Indiana dropped five places to No. 9. The article suggests the committee may have reconsidered Indiana’s earlier position.

Other teams under review

The article notes Utah’s strong offense, which ranked 13th nationally in scoring at 37.7 points per game and 16th in yardage at 447.5 yards per game. It also says Alabama’s offensive line remains a concern after allowing 25 sacks, fourth-most in the SEC.

Tennessee is praised for a defense allowing 15.1 points per game, tied for 10th nationally. BYU’s offense draws doubt: quarterback Bachmeier threw six interceptions and four touchdown passes over his past three games.

The article begins its assessment of Kentucky at No. 11, listing the Wildcats at 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the SEC, but the available text ends before giving its evaluation.