1. Oregon

No matter the opponent, Oregon continues to prove that they can be dominant against any team in the nation. Their offense, littered with elite athletes, has the ability to consistently find the end zone in just a few plays on each drive. Although, it is what their defense has been able to do that is surprising. On paper, the Oregon defense looked to be a bit deteriorated going into the year, but they have proved most everyone wrong and have been a stout, turnover-provoking group. As a whole, the team has yet to disappoint.

2. Florida State

Many will overreact to the nail-biter that was the Clemson game, but almost any team functioning with a backup quarterback will be knocked off of their normal rhythm. With Jameis Winston back in the lineup after his short suspension, Florida State will return to looking like a monstrous team. As said many times before, there is NFL talent at every position on Florida State’s roster and it is evident in their collective play.

3. Alabama

The recent victory over Florida was more impressive than it seemed considering how many fumbles Alabama lost, yet still ended up scoring twice as much as Florida. Alabama’s running game is, to no surprise, the spear tip to Alabama’s offensive attack. Derrick Henry, TJ Yeldon, and Kenyan Drake make for a talented, versatile trio that has been able to run all over opposing teams and will continue to do so. So long as Blake Sims can continue to be at least average, Alabama will be a tough team to beat.

4. Texas A&M

“Oregon South” has arguably the most explosive offense in the nation aside from the original Oregon team. Kenny Hill has taken the reigns of the offense and has lead his team to currently be second in the nation in total offense. Texas A&M has a handful of other star skill players on offense, as well as the best offensive line in the nation. Much like real Oregon, Texas A&M’s defense has looked better than expected as young players like Armanti Watts have stepped into key roles and performed well.

5. Oklahoma

Oklahoma is one of two BIG 12 teams with a legitimate title shot, and they are the more balanced team of the two. Trevor Knight is a darkhorse Heisman candidate and is the core of what is a young Oklahoma team. The offense’s production lies on the shoulders of Knight, a sophomore, and three underclass running backs, including the immensely talented freshman Samaje Perine. Defensively, Oklahoma may be the premier squad of the conference, though that does not mean much in a defensively weak conference.

6. Baylor

The explosive four verts offense of Baylor has statistically been the best offense in the nation thus far. They are averaging just over 560 yards per game and 59 points per game. Their defense is not anywhere near that standard, but for the most part, they can hold up well enough to allow their offense to win games for them.

7. Auburn

To no surprise, Auburn has ran for over 260 yards per game this season, but what is surprising is their newfound passing success. Now, that is not to say anyone on the roster got dramatically better, but D’haquille Williams has emerged as a star and will only be scarier once Sammie Coates is healthier. Auburn’s already impressive defensive line play has improved, primarily because of Montravius Adams and Carl Lawson. Overall, this team is a slightly better squad than it was just a year ago.

8. Michigan State

If there is any concern over Michigan State’s single loss, it should be minimal. They lost to the best team in the nation (Oregon) and had put up an astonishing fight for most of the game. Despite other solid competitors in the conference, Michigan State has the clear defensive advantage in the BIG 10, as well as one of the best offenses. With Connor Cook being a seemingly legitimate leader, the Spartans still have a fair title shot despite the early loss.

9. Notre Dame

Though it is often the “Power 5” conferences that are considered as the only title contenders, Notre Dame has looked as competitive as ever. After a one year scholastically related hiatus, Everett Golson is back at the helm of the Fighting Irish offense and has been playing better than most would have imagined. As a result, their offense is firing on all cylinders. If the Jaylon Smith lead defense can hold up, and it very well may, Notre Dame could wind up in the title game again.

10. USC

Despite the shocking loss to Boston College, the surface talent at USC is obvious, especially at the skill positions on offense and the defensive front on defense. With what appears to be a lax schedule ahead, USC can certainly climb their way back up the ladder and into more serious national championship contention.