Some observations from the newest SP+ rankings.
- OSU stays at #1. Drops .7 points on offense but improves by .4 points on defense. Essentially not much changed. Also lost .3 points on special teams which is a massive drop. While there wasnt much new to be learned from this game I think there was a lot of confirmation. The passing attack is incredible, the rushing game is fine. The defense is going to be right around top 5 in the country. OSU shouldnt be challenged until January.
- Bama had a big improvement of 1.3 points and is now in 2nd. It was mostly due to the dominant performance of the defense. Not much to really say as they dominated a lesser opponent. The loss of Jaylen Waddle wasnt noticed but until they play a good defense it will be hard to revaluate their offense.
- Clemson had a bad performance and dropped 3 full points and is now 4th. I dont want to be too hard on Clemson because even though DJ ugllalalo was pretty good he still isnt Trevor Lawrence. However BC sort of showed the formula for beating Clemson. Ettienne was held to 4.2 ypc and Clemson gave up 8.4 ypa through the air. Clemson is a very good team, there is no reason to believe they are better than OSU today.
- Wisconsin has played 1 perfect game this year and are actually in 3rd ahead of Clemson. They would have had a real argument as team #4 in the playoff.
- Florida jumped Georgia and they are now essentially tied for 5/6. They are going to have an incredible game this weekend. I think Florida probably matches up better against Bama but Georgia was basically beat because they couldnt cover Jaylen Waddle who wont be there in the SEC championship game. An elite offense with bad defense vs elite defense with bad offense. Going to be super fun.
- Notre Dame at 7th. A better shot to beat Clemson than a lot of people will give them. SP+ will have this game at about Clemson-1. Notre Dame in recent years has been able to beat up lesser teams and not be able to matchup with elite teams. Another fantastic game that is slightly lessened by the likelihood of a rematch.
- PSU still at 8th. SP+ thought they were clearly better than Indiana and OSU did what was expected to them. Would really like to see PSU bounce back and start playing really well for this to both prove that OSU is really good and be a quality win come seeding time.
- UC is all the way up to #9. They are an absolutely elite G5 team. They are better than any team in the Pac-12 and Big-12. Undefeated UC, 2-loss UGA/UF, 2 loss Notre Dame, 2 loss Oklahoma. Who is the 4th seed?
- Its pretty jumbled after this. OSU in 1st to UF in 5th is a 9.3 drop. The drop from #10 Oklahoma State to #33 SMU is the same.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30236424/college-footba...
