- Alabama - Until someone beats them, they will be number one. And, even if someone beats them, they may remain there!
- Ohio State - JT Barrett just secured, in all likelihood, the Heisman Trophy. Now, finish off Michigan to complete the job!
- Texas A&M - Exhibit A as to why there needs to be an 8 team playoff. If they take care of the Tide, they may jump to Número Uno!
- Michigan - Exhibit B as to why there needs to be an 8 team playoff! Or, conference championship games should showcase the 2 highest ranking CFP contenders in their respective conference!
On the outside looking in, and if they take care of business are in:
- Clemson - No more marquee matchups remaining. That might hurt, especially if they have to play a 3 or 4 loss team for ACC title. See, more reason to have them face Louisville in Orlando!
- Washington - PAC 12 is just not what it needs them to be to get in on merits alone. If they win out, 2 of the top 4 have to lose, so they get in.
Honorable Mentions:
- Baylor/West Virginia - Terrible schedules to this point, but business is about to pick up for these 2 as they play almost identical schedules (including Oklahoma and Texas).
- Louisville/Boise State - Need A LOT of help. Neither conference, top or bottom, is going to push them in. All the more reason that the Power 5 conference championships should pit the highest ranked CFP teams and then of the Group of 5 conferences have the 2 highest ranked teams amongst them during conference championship week!
Raysman Trophy Rankings:
- JT Barrett (Ohio St)
- Jabrill Peppers (Michigan)
- Lamar Jackson (Louisville)
- Jake Browning (Washington)
- Deshaun Watson (Clemson)
Ray's Coach of the Year:
- Jim Grobe (Baylor)
- Ron Cooper (Florida International)
- Chris Petersen (Washington)
- PJ Fleck (W Michigan)
- Dave Clawson (Wake Forest)
