By Mark Pszonak
As we enter October, there are only 14 undefeated P4 teams remaining in the country. Some have already proven themselves, while others still have a few questions to answer. Here is a quick look at each and if they are REAL or FAKE
Alabama (4-0)
REAL: Coming off the biggest win of the season, in the biggest game of the season against Georgia, the Tide don’t have to prove anything else. They are once again elite nationally.
BYU (5-0)
REAL: While the game against Baylor on Saturday ended up being closer than it should’ve been, I think the Cougars are a Big 12 contender for the remainder of the season. Plus, their 29-point win against Kansas State looks even more impressive after the Wildcats stomped Oklahoma State.
Duke (5-0)
FAKE: The Blue Devils needed a miracle comeback against North Carolina to make this list, while close wins against Northwestern and UConn didn’t inspire much faith. However, the ACC is once again questionable so they’ll likely remain relevant, but also stumble a few times down the road.
Indiana (5-0)
REAL: I was intrigued before the Maryland game, but now I’m a believer. Part of this is because of the Hoosiers’ schedule, which could legitimately have them at 9-0 going into consecutive games against Michigan and Ohio State in November.
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Iowa State (4-0)
FAKE: I like Matt Campbell, the defense and the program, but I just wish the Cyclones had shown more offensively through four games. Unless the offense shows more life, which it does have the capability to do, I just don’t see the defense carrying them throughout the entire season.
Miami-Florida (5-0)
REAL: I’m not as much of a believer as I was before the Virginia Tech game, but because of their remaining schedule and Cam Ward, they will remain relevant.
Missouri (4-0)
FAKE: Close home games against Boston College and Vanderbilt were red flags. While the Tigers’ schedule avoids several of the SEC big dogs, I expect them to stumble a couple of times this season.
Ohio State (4-0)
REAL: The Buckeyes haven’t faced the toughest opposition, but they also haven’t broken a sweat. The schedule finally ramps up with Iowa, Oregon, Nebraska and Penn State the next four weeks.
Oregon (4-0)
REAL: This one wasn’t as guaranteed as I would’ve expected, but for now they are “real”. However, they need to play better with Ohio State quickly approaching and the meat of their Big Ten schedule coming during the later part of the season.
Penn State (4-0)
REAL: I’m not sold on Penn State, but with only Ohio State and USC to likely seriously challenge them on the schedule, they will remain a player throughout the season.
Pittsburgh (4-0)
FAKE: There are several tricky hurdles in the coming weeks (Cal, Syracuse, at SMU) before Clemson and Louisville are played in consecutive weeks in November. I just don’t see them navigating the schedule without a few disappointments.
Rutgers (4-0)
REAL: I’m not fully sold, but if they can win at Nebraska on Saturday then I’m all in. The remainder of the schedule only has two ranked teams (at USC, home vs. Illinois), and while they won’t blow many teams out, they have an improved passing game and an elite running game to rely on.
Tennessee (4-0)
REAL: The Vols should roll to 6-0 before they host Alabama on October 19th and then take a trip to Georgia in mid-November. They are good enough to win both games.
Texas (5-0)
REAL: Arch Manning has been good, but the Longhorns need Quinn Ewers to be elite this season. Luckily for them, he should be back next weekend for Oklahoma, before the Longhorns host Georgia the following Saturday.
