The 2023 College Football season is more than halfway complete at the turn of the month. Although that may seem crazy to think about due to the season beginning just two months ago, we’re only a month away from the College Football Playoff (CFP) being formally announced. We’ll look at some of the sport’s biggest contenders and what they must do in November to keep their championship hopes alive.
The Georgia Bulldogs have won back-to-back national titles, and everyone else is looking to dethrone coach Kirby Smart’s team. They’ve been ranked #1 throughout the entire season, even if they’ve looked subpar at times. Nevertheless, they have a great chance of finishing the regular season at 12-0, which would allow them to make the playoffs regardless of their conference championship result.
Within the last couple of weeks, the “most dominant team” award would have to go to the Michigan Wolverines. Critics will point to their weak schedule, as they’ve yet to play an above-average team. But the sport’s top defense will have their work cut out for them, as they play a stout Penn State team on Nov. 11, followed by the biggest game of the year when they host Ohio State two weeks later.
That leads us to fellow contender Ohio State. Led by QB Kyle McCord, the Buckeyes struggled to begin the season, but now they’re on a roll. They also have the most impressive resume of any team, as they’ve beaten Notre Dame on the road while also beating Penn State. The winner of “The Game” between the Wolverines and Buckeyes will have clinched a spot in the Big Ten championship, and most importantly, a spot in the CFP.
Out West, the nation has their eyes set on the Pac-12’s Washington Huskies. They defeated their rival Oregon Ducks 36-33 on Oct. 14, in what has arguably been the game of the year. Although their defense leaves for something to be desired, their offense can compete with anyone, and they’d be a tough opponent in the CFP.
November will be the best month yet for all college football fans. This is the time of the year when rivalry games are played, and most importantly, championship fates are decided.