National Landscape, week two

 Wow, what a difference a weekend makes. Because just last week I wrote this:

"Notre Dame has the best track into the CFB Playoffs."

I typed those words because the "Fighting" Irish are both independent and have a super soft schedule. Fresh off a road win over A&M, heading into this past weekend, their toughest test seemed to be a neutral site game (Atlanta's Benz Dome) against GA Tech. Then the Northern Illinois Salukis got off the bus in South Bend. I mean, this schedule is so soft they get FSU at home!

The Irish can still make the playoffs, and likely will given the media's obsession with them. But my broader point is hoo boy, things changed quickly!

I think my feelings in the SEC are the same as last week: Georgia a clear favorite as we prepare to begin our conference slate. I still believe the SEC enjoys getting four more spots. But I'd put Texas ahead of Alabama, and Tennessee ahead of Ole Miss.

Same for the ACC. Clemson rebounded nicely, while the Hurricanes' win over florida fails to impress me much.

Everyone is putting a lot of stock in Nebraska after the Huskers kicked Deion's merry band of transfer portals to the curb. For now, I'll stick with Penn State out of the Big10 and I am penciling in Ohio State.

In the Big 12, Arizona State edged out Mississippi State at home. But I'm sticking with that regular season ending matchup between UCF and Utah as the conference's biggest game.

So all in all, except for Notre Dame dropping out, this week's ranking is very similar to last week's. I just had to decide who to place in the Irish's spot. I ruminated, argued with a wall, and then eventually watched a monkey fling poo at said wall. Went with a third Big 10 team. Congrats Ducks!

1. Georgia (bye)
2. Penn State (bye)
3. Utah (bye)
4. Clemson (bye)
5. Texas (hosts)
6. Ohio State (hosts)
7. Alabama
8. Tennessee
9. Ole Miss
10. UCF
11. Oregon
12. Boise State

And I also decided last week's closing will continue to end this weekly post indefinitely. Those are at least some intriguing matchups in Round 1. $till not $old on making the $ea$on thi$ long. But I'd watch, and I gue$$ that'$ why they expanded, right?