ESPN has ranked the five college football teams most likely to win the national championship ahead of Week 11. There are still a number of interesting games to be played, including Ohio State-Michigan, USC-UCLA and TCU-Texas.
However, ESPN thinks the five teams most likely to win to the national championship play in either the SEC or Big Ten. The Pac-12 or Big 12 could sneak into the College Football Playoff, but a team for either conference would be a big underdog in the postseason.
There are a number of one-loss teams looking to win out and get some help. Georgia is considered the nation’s top team right now, but the Bulldogs have had some close calls.
Here’s who ESPN ranks as the five teams most likely to win the national championship:
5
Alabama Crimson Tide (5%)
Week 11 opponent: No. 11 Ole Miss
Alabama must win on the road at Ole Miss to stay in the hunt for the national championship. The Crimson Tide need there to be a two-loss Pac-12 champion, TCU to lose a couple of games and for Ohio State or Michigan to lose before Week 13. That’s just to have a chance to make the CFP.
4
Tennessee Volunteers (11%)
Week 11 opponent: Missouri
Tennessee lost at Georgia and must win out to have a good chance to make the playoff. The Volunteers would make the playoff over Alabama if the two teams have the same record. Tennessee needs some help to make it, but not a ton of help.
3
Michigan Wolverines (13%)
Week 11 opponent: Nebraska
The Wolverines are in a good position to be 11-0 entering the Ohio State game. Michigan could still make the CFP if it loses to Ohio State, but the Wolverines’ soft nonconference schedule would probably come back to bite them.
2
Ohio State Buckeyes (31%)
Week 11 opponent: Indiana
Ohio State’s win over Notre Dame to start the season looks more impressive after the Fighting Irish defeated Clemson. The Buckeyes are in an excellent position to make the playoff and have one of the top offenses in the country.
1
Georgia Bulldogs (33%)
Week 11 opponent: Mississippi State
Georgia enters the Mississippi State game as the top team in college football. The Bulldogs, who have wins over Tennessee and Oregon, could likely lose a game and still make the playoff.
