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The latest simulated BCS rankings are out, and we have a new No. 1 at the top. Michigan, the poll’s previous best team, was jumped after a bye week.
To no surprise, it’s archrival Ohio State who’s assumed the top spot.
For many Buckeyes, this is justification after being seeded at No. 2 in last week’s standings. OSU has already taken down a pair of Top 10 opponents in Notre Dame and Penn State, while the Wolverines have yet to face a ranked team.
Computer rankings seemed to favor the blowout fashion in which Michigan had beaten its foes, averaging a final result of 41-6 to this point. But with UM off over the weekend, Ohio State’s win over Wisconsin was enough to gain the system’s respect.
Our latest simulated #BCS rankings give us a new No. 1 in Ohio State and provide a potential preview of what’s to come in tomorrow’s first @CFBPlayoff committee release. Will the committee follow suit? Here’s the full top 25: pic.twitter.com/ZWOy9gcivr
— BCSKnowHow.com (@BCSKnowHow) October 30, 2023
It’s been a Michigan-Ohio State battle at the top over the last three weeks, though two-time defending champion Georgia held the No. 1 spot in the debut BCS rankings.
This week’s projected playoff field would consist of those top two teams plus the Bulldogs and Florida State. Seeing the blue bloods would bring ratings, but a 12-team field would be even more fun.
Teams like Notre Dame, Washington, Texas, and Alabama would likely be included in that scenario, as well as potential Group of Five programs in Air Force or James Madison.
All five Power Five conferences are represented in the Top 6 of the standings, though things are certain to change over the regular season’s final four weeks.
Fans were quick to comment on the updated BCS rankings on social media.
“I don’t see an issue with bringing back the BCS for a 12-team playoff,” one follower wrote.
“These rankings have been spot-on throughout the selection committee era,” said another, noting the final BCS projections compared to the College Football Playoff participants.
Things will obviously change as the year goes on. We’ll see a heavyweight showdown between Michigan and Ohio State in the regular season finale, while likely conference championship matchups include Georgia-Alabama and Oregon-Washington.
It should make for an exciting finish to the college football season.