College Football Playoff Prediction: ESPN projects CFP Top 12 rankings after Week 2

Week 2 of college football is in the rearview mirror and the road ahead is growing clearer by the minute. On Sunday, ESPN released its latest College Football Playoff rankings, along with a 12-team bracket projection.

ESPN had plenty to consider after four ranked teams fell on Saturday, including No. 12 Arizona State and No. 13 Florida. While this season’s CFP will include 12 teams again, the four highest-ranked conference champions won’t automatically receive byes.

Instead, the five highest-ranked conference champions will only receive automatic bids, but byes will be handed out according to the CFP rankings. Let’s look at ESPN’s latest predictions for these pivotal rankings.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

After downing Texas in Week 1, Ohio State celebrated its victory with a dominant 70-0 triumph over Grambling State. In the win, first-year QB1 Julian Sayin built on his momentum, completing 18-of-his-19 pass attempts for 306 yards and four touchdowns, while only throwing one interception.

Following a quiet Week 1, Jeremiah Smith reminded fans why he’s considered by most analysts the best wide receiver in the country. Smith led the Buckeyes with five catches for 119 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

2. Miami Hurricanes

Miami didn’t fall victim to a post-game high after picking up a key win over Notre Dame in Week 1. On Saturday, the Hurricanes handily defeated Bethune-Cookman, 45-3.

Transfer quarterback Carson Beck looked fantastic again, completing 22-of-his-24 pass attempts for 267 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Miami’s defense was impressive as well, holding Bethune-Cookman to 191 total yards of offense and squeezing two turnovers out of the Wildcats.

3. LSU Tigers

LSU’s 23-7 win over Louisiana Tech on Saturday wasn’t exactly flashy, but it didn’t need to be. The Tigers handled business against the Bulldogs, holding Louisiana Tech to 154 total yards of offense.

Transfer wide receiver Barion Brown had a huge day for the Tigers, notching 94 receiving yards on eight catches. Meanwhile, running backs Harlem Berry and Zavion Thomas combined for 110 rushing yards.

4. Florida State Seminoles

Florida State is officially back. The Seminoles introduced their revamped roster and staff last week, with a stunning win over Alabama. Florida State didn’t take its foot off the gas this weekend, blowing out East Texas A&M in 77-3 fashion.

Seminoles QB Thomas Castellanos was a star once again. He finished the game with 237 passing yards and three touchdowns, without throwing a pick. Duce Robinson was Castellanos’ go-to target and logged a jaw-dropping 173 receiving yards and two TDs in the win.

5. Oregon Ducks

Don’t forget about Oregon. The Ducks flew under the radar in preseason conversation after suffering a shocking loss to Ohio State in the CFP last season. Nonetheless, Oregon has looked better than ever through its first two weeks of the season, most recently destroying Oklahoma State, 69-3.

Oregon’s secondary was lock-down in the win, giving up just 67 passing yards to the Cowboys. As for Oregon’s offense, weapons were everywhere. The Ducks recorded more than 300 yards both through the air and on the ground.

6. Penn State Nittany Lions

After a relatively slow first half on Saturday, Penn State finished strong against FIU, running away with a 34-0 triumph. As usual, PSU running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton were spectacular, collectively recording 220 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

As indicated by the score, Penn State’s defense held up its end of the bargain. The Nittany Lions forced FIU to commit two turnovers. Penn State was extremely disciplined in the win, only committing one penalty for a loss of 10 yards.

7. Tennessee Volunteers

Any doubts surrounding Tennessee this season are quickly dissipating. Quarterback Joey Aguilar delivered an excellent performance in Tennessee’s 72-17 win over ETSU, throwing for 288 yards and two touchdowns.

ETSU didn’t have any answers for Volunteers receivers Chris Brazzell II and Mike Matthews. The dynamic duo combined for 236 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Tennessee’s talent will be put to the test in Week 3 when they face off against Georgia.

8. Georgia Bulldogs

Speaking of Georgia, the Bulldogs are firmly in the hunt for a CFP spot, as well. Georgia didn’t burst out the starting gates against Austin Peay on Saturday. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs ultimately pulled out a 28-6 win.

While quarterback Gunner Stockton was efficient (26-of-34 passing), he’ll have to step up his game for Georgia to be a CFP contender this season. Stockton didn’t find the end zone against the Governors.

9. Texas Longhorns

Texas didn’t inspire confidence with its Week 1 performance against Ohio State. Alas, the Longhorns bounced back this weekend, easily defeating San Jose State, 38-7. Naturally, quarterback Arch Manning was the story.

In the win, Manning completed 19-of-his-30 pass attempts for 295 yards and four touchdowns, while only throwing one interception. It was a much-improved performance for Manning, who came under fire an underwhelming showing against the Buckeyes in Week 1.

10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame rested up this week after suffering a heartbreaking 27-24 loss to Miami in its season-opener. While the Fighting Irish didn’t squeak out a win against the Hurricanes, they showed plenty of promise.

Quarterback CJ Carr, who was making his first start for Notre Dame, was particularly solid. He completed 19-of-30 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, compared to a single pick. Notre Dame has plenty to time to regroup and earned a CFP nod this season.

11. Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois made it look easy on Saturday in its 45-19 win over Duke. The Fighting Illini’s defense stole the spotlight, forcing the Blue Devils to commit a whopping five turnovers — four fumbles and an interception.

Not to be outdone, Illinois QB Luke Altmyer racked up 296 passing yards and three touchdowns in the win. Illinois receiver Hank Beatty gave Duke headaches, logging a game-high 128 receiving yards.

12. Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma is quietly climbing its way up the college football ladder this season. The Sooners made a statement on Saturday with their 24-13 win over Michigan. Perhaps nothing has led to more confidence in Oklahoma than the team’s quarterback John Mateer.

Mateer has been even better than advertised this season after transferring in from Washington State. The Heisman candidate recorded 270 passing yards and a touchdown against the Wolverines. Alas, his arm wasn’t his only threat. Mateer also tallied a team-high 74 rushing yards and two scores.

ESPN’s CFP Bracket Projection

First-round byes

No. 1 Ohio State (Big Ten champ)
No. 2 Miami (ACC champ)
No. 3 LSU (SEC champ)
No. 4 Florida State

First-round games

On campus, Dec. 19 and 20

No. 12 USF (American champ) at No. 5 Oregon
No. 11 Iowa State (Big 12 champ) at No. 6 Penn State
No. 10 Notre Dame at No. 7 Tennessee
No. 9 Texas at No. 8 Georgia

Quarterfinal games

At the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential and Allstate Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

No. 12 USF/No. 5 Oregon winner vs. No. 4 Florida State
No. 11 Iowa State/No. 6 Penn State winner vs. No. 3 LSU
No. 10 Notre Dame/No. 7 Tennessee winner vs. No. 2 Miami
No. 9 Texas/No. 8 Georgia winner vs. No. 1 Ohio State