By: Alec Nederveld
After explaining why every top ten could be ranked #1, it’s now time to rain on their parade and say why they shouldn’t be ranked that highly. This season’s unprecedented parity has given many great teams, but all have at least one reason why they shouldn’t be ranked as the best in the country.
10. Utah
The Offense Isn’t There
Utah’s defense won’t be able to shut down opponents all year, especially in the Pac-12. They will need to score at least thirty points, possibly more, to beat the conference’s top teams. Through four games, they’ve only scored over thirty points once, in a 31-7 win over Weber State. Injuries, specifically to QB Cam Rising, who’s been out all season, have killed the offense, but even with a healthy team, I don’t think it’s enough to be #1.
9. Oregon
Level of Competition
Let’s look at who Oregon has played. FCS Portland State, at Texas Tech, Hawaii, and Colorado. That Texas Tech game was a challenge, but Tech is 1-3 and not the team we thought they’d be. Colorado was ranked, but Oregon proved they were a pretender. Oregon will get five ranked Pac-12 teams to prove me wrong, but for now, they don’t deserve to be #1.
8. USC
Alex Grinch’s Defense
The man who time and time again proved he can’t coach defense, still can’t coach defense. Arizona State, coming off of a 29-0 shutout and playing with their third-string QB, scored a season-high twenty-eight points on the Trojans. San Jose State also put up twenty-eight, their most points against an FBS opponent. He held the Trojans back from winning big games last year and likely will do it again.
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7. Washington
Penalties
Through four games, Washington has been penalized thirty-two times for 346 yards. They have the third most penalty yards and are tied for 115th of 133 in penalties. I could make the same point about an easy schedule as Oregon (or USC), but penalties are an issue for big games that will hold Washington back against tougher teams if they don’t improve.
6. Penn State
Beat Michigan or Ohio State First
Penn State has been a great team under James Franklin. They have only been the best team in their own division once, in 2016. Penn State hasn’t beaten Michigan since 2020 and Ohio State since 2016. The Nittany Lions are very talented, and I’m not saying they can’t beat those teams this year, but they can’t be ranked #1 until they beat at least one of those two and win the Big Ten East.
5. Florida State
The Boston College Game
This is a talented Florida State team who has looked impressive all year. With the exception of the game at Boston College. I know the weather sucked, and it was BC’s Red Bandana Game, but the fact of the matter this should have been a blowout. The Eagles are horrible this year, and they tried giving the win to the ‘Noles. They were penalized eighteen times for 131 yards, the difference between winning 31-29 and a miraculous upset. It is the worst performance so far for any top-ten team.
4. Ohio State
Beat Michigan First
Similar to Penn State, Ohio State hasn’t gotten past Michigan in the biggest games of their last two seasons. Until they prove they’re the best team in the division, they can’t be ranked #1. Luckily, it is very doable. The Buckeyes just had a very physical and clutch win at Notre Dame. Will that carry over to games against Michigan and Penn State? I don’t know, but they will have a great chance to win and eventually be #1.
3. Texas
Overcome Past Chokes
Texas has had some big wins early in the season. Think of 2016 when they beat Notre Dame to start the season. How did that season go for the Longhorns? I hate reusing the same point, but it’s why myself and others don’t trust Steve Sarkisian’s team yet. They are currently 4-0 for the first time since 2012 and have looked really good in the process. However, so have other teams, and when 2023 performances are mirrored, I look to the past, which doesn’t favor Texas.
2. Michigan
Lack of Dominance against Inferior Opponents
Michigan’s philosophy is to run the ball, play defense, and wear a team down over four quarters. It works very well, and there’s nothing wrong with it. However, the scheme isn’t conducive to huge blowouts and stats, especially when the backups come in. All that matters is Michigan is 4-0, but they shouldn’t be ranked #1 when they’ve only beaten East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green, and Rutgers by a combined 104 points.
1. Georgia
Slow Offensive Starts vs. Bad Teams
Through the first quarter, Georgia has only beaten UT Martin, Ball State, South Carolina, and UAB 24-7. Starting in the second quarter, the Bulldogs start to pull away and really flex their muscles, but it’s caused some uncomfortable scores early. A slow start kept South Carolina in the game for four quarters. The #1 team should be dominant from start to finish when playing the teams that Georgia has played, but the Dawgs haven’t dominated a full game yet.
