Georgia puts all the pressure on Clemson, scoring seven sacks during their 10-3 victory over the Tigers. (2:33).
Although it may be Week 1, the 2021 college football season is already underway, familiar faces fill in our playoff picks. Allstate Playoff Predictor: How will Saturday's top games impact the College Football Playoff chase What are the odds of the top four winning? The Allstate Playoff Predictor can provide the answers. Keep checking back each week, as the odds change after each week's games.
Like last year, Alabama, the top-ranked team and defending champion, is ranked No. After a win over Miami, 44-13 on Saturday, Alabama lands in the No. 1 spot on all but one our writers' lists. Bryce Young, the new quarterback, showed that he is ready to take on the Crimson Tide spotlight. He threw for 344 yards with four touchdowns in his first start for Nick Saban. Alabama's defense performed well in the preseason, holding Miami to three points in the first half. Most Popular Playoff Picks Team (Record) Votes Alabama (1-0) 12/12 Georgia (1-0) 12/12 Ohio State (1-0) 11/12 Oklahoma (1-0) 5/12 Cincinnati (1-0) 3/12 Texas A&M (1-0) 3/12 Clemson (0-1) 1/12 UCLA (2-0) 1/12
The Georgia defense also sacked Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei scored seven goals to defeat the Tigers 10-3 in Week 1. Although the offense of the Bulldogs could use some improvement, the defense is already in midseason form, which means that they are a unanimous choice for the CFP after just one week.
Oklahoma, unlike Alabama and Georgia, struggled to get out of the gate but managed to beat Tulane by 40-35 in their season opener. The Sooners are now on only five of the 12 lists due to this close call.
On Thursday, the Ohio State Buckeyes opened the season with a win over Minnesota of 45-31. The win gives the Big Ten champions a 14-point lead in all but one our writers' picks. CJ Stroud will be replacing Justin Fields in Columbus, and his stats against the Golden Gophers were very similar to his predecessor. He ended the day with 294 yards passing and four touchdowns. Next Saturday, the Buckeyes host Oregon in one of the most anticipated games of the season.
Other teams receiving votes and on the fringes include Texas A&M and Cincinnati. Clemson, a one-loss team, is still in the top 10.
Andrea Adelson: 1. Alabama, 2. Georgia, 3. Ohio State, 4. Texas A&M
Kyle Bonagura: 1. Alabama, 2. Georgia, 3. Ohio State, 4. Oklahoma
Bill Connelly: Alabama, 2. Georgia, 3. Cincinnati, 4. UCLA
Heather Dinich: Alabama, 2. Ohio State, 3. Georgia, 4. Cincinnati
David M. Hale: 1. Georgia, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Clemson
Chris Low: 1. Alabama, 2. Georgia, 3. Ohio State, 4. Texas A&M
Harry Lyles Jr. Alabama, 2. Ohio State, 3. Georgia, 4. Oklahoma
Adam Rittenberg: 1. Alabama, 2. Ohio State, 3. Georgia, 4. Cincinnati
Alex Scarborough: 1. Alabama, 2. Ohio State, 3. Georgia, 4. Oklahoma
Mark Schlabach: 1. Alabama, 2. Georgia, 3. Ohio State, 4. Texas A&M
Tom VanHaaren: 1. Alabama, 2. Georgia, 3. Ohio State, 4. Oklahoma
Dave Wilson: 1. Alabama, 2. Georgia, 3. Ohio State, 4. Oklahoma
