After the past weeks of upsets throughout the top ten teams of the college football world, the 4 team college football playoff is looking a lot different than many people thought it would. Through the first 10 games, a few of the usual powerhouse teams are still commanding the top 5. The top 5 teams in order are currently; Alabama, Ohio State, Louisville, Michigan, and Clemson.

One of the biggest, strongest programs in college football is flexing its muscles once again. The University of Alabama currently sits as the top ranked team in the nation with an undefeated record of 10-0. Alabama is coming fresh off an eye opening 10-0 win over a top 25 ranked team in LSU. The Crimson Tide have continued on their path of destruction rolling through the SEC on what looks to be another undefeated season with back to back national championships. Not to mention that Alabama is currently on a 22 game win streak stretching back into two seasons ago. Bama faces one more tough game, and also a massive finale against another top ten team; Auburn University. Alabama again are one of the strongest teams in the nation and are favorites to repeat as national champs.

Coming in at the second spot is Ohio State. The Buckeyes have looked at times like a real challenger to Alabama and other top teams in the nation, and at other times they just simply underperformed. Ohio State lost to a top fifteen team in Penn State during a game that many believed the Buckeyes would easily win. But the high powered offense of Ohio State that has been running and going for ridiculous scoreline against teams has lead them to a fairly commanding record of 9-1. Ohio State’s final test lies in the number four team in the country, the University of Michigan; the winner of which will jump their team ahead of the other and likely secure them a spot as one of the elite four teams of college football.

For the number three team in the country all you need to know is two words. Lamar Jackson. Louisville have been one of the nation’s most exciting teams to watch this year. Lamar Jackson has been a name that has been hard to avoid this season as the quarterback from Louisville has lead his team with 26 passing touchdowns and another 19 on the ground. These numbers have been unmatched by any college quarterback both this year and ever as Louisville have grown to a new level with their star Sophomore. The Cardinals have taken advantage of other bog teams losing and have snuck right back into playoff contention after many had already ruled them out. Louisville are 9-1 with their only loss coming at the hands of the number five team in the nation; Clemson. Louisville have probably the best offensive player in the past five years of college football and it will be an extremely exciting task to see how teams can prepare for the Cardinals once the college football playoff rolls around.

A slight surprise at the number four spot is the University of Michigan. Michigan has dominated opponents this year on the way to a 9-1 record. After losing a shock contest against Iowa on a last second field goal, the once high flying undefeated Wolverines came crashing back to reality. But, a high powered offense that has steamrolled teams but their real test lies in the last game of the season when they take on playoff contenders Ohio State. Michigan although possibly have the most exciting duel threat in all of college football with utility man Jabrill Peppers. Peppers has returned punts, played linebacker, running back, run the wildcat, and even returned kickoffs at times this season. He is one of their few defensive players in recent years to even be considered for the award and has been lighting up highlight tapes all across the country this year.

Another powerhouse program in Clemson is currently the fifth ranked team in the country. Lead by Heisman candidate quarterback Deshaun Watson, the tigers high power offense has lead them to an undefeated 9-1 record. Clemson lost a shocking game on a last second field goal to an unranked Pitt team last week, and upset which shocked the nation. Clemson two weak opponents remaining in Wake Forest and South Carolina the tigers look to be a lock for the college football playoff. After a dominating 54-0 performance over Syracuse last week they are sitting in prime position to both threaten Alabama for a national championship. The only apparent weakness for the Tigers could be on defense. Early on this season Clemson almost blew a close game to Troy in which they gave up 24 points to a very lackluster offense.

After interviewing 50 students at lunch, 36 of those asked selected Alabama as their national champions. Another 5 students picked Clemson, 3 picked Michigan, 4 for Louisville and 2 for Ohio State.