CFP Rankings 2023: Will Michigan vault to the top?

College Football

Updated Nov. 28, 2023 10:00 a.m. ET

FOX Sports National College Football Analyst

The big question when the College Football Playoff selection committee unveils its rankings Tuesday night: Will we see a new No. 1?

The committee has shown that it is comfortable shifting the order at the top of the rankings, even while the elite teams continue to pile up victory after victory.

So why not now? Especially after No. 3 Michigan outmuscled rival No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday in a matchup that was more impressive than the final score of 30-24 indicated. Yes, Ohio State will slide, and it will be interesting to see how far, but I’m curious to see what happens with Michigan because the Wolverines now own the best win any team has had this season. (I will react to the CFP rankings with a special live episode of “The Number One College Football Show” shortly after they’re revealed).

We went nine weeks saying that Michigan hadn’t played anybody. Then the Wolverines went out and beat Penn State in Happy Valley.

Then, just in case anyone decided that Penn State wasn’t good, the Wolverines doubled down and beat the Buckeyes handily.

They scored 30 points on a defense that hadn’t given up more than 17 to any other team this season.

They did it in a game in which J.J. McCarthy played well but didn’t have to overdo it.

They did it despite losing offensive lineman Zak Zinter to a season-ending injury, an injury they responded to by sending Blake Corum 22 yards to pay dirt on the next play.

Should Michigan be ranked No. 1?

They did it with a defense that got after Ryan Day’s run game.

They did it by picking off Kyle McCord twice, once to start the game, and once to seal it.

And they did all of it without Jim Harbaugh on the sideline.

Instead, they were led by acting coach Sherrone Moore, a man I really think ought to be considered for this job if Harbaugh eventually moves on. What he has done these last three games, I would imagine most would struggle to match.

And thrust into the lead role, he didn’t shrink from the challenge. He went for it on fourth down three times. He ran a trick play. He brought in a backup quarterback to be a run threat. He was very aggressive, and it worked.

I have Michigan at No. 1, while the AP voters have Georgia in that spot. And honestly, you can’t go wrong either way. Georgia is good, and I’d love to see these teams play again. I think this Michigan team, with McCarthy running the show, would give the Bulldogs a game.

How does the committee see it? We’ll find out tonight.

The College Football Playoff Rankings as of Nov. 21. (Records after Week 13)

Georgia (12-0)
Ohio State (11-1)
Michigan (12-0)
Washington (12-0)
Florida State (12-0)
Oregon (11-1)
Texas (11-1)
Alabama (11-1)
Missouri (10-2)
Louisville (10-2)
Penn State (10-2)
Ole Miss (10-2)
Oklahoma (10-2)
LSU (9-3)
Arizona (9-3)
Oregon State (8-4)
Iowa (10-2)
Notre Dame (9-3)
Kansas State (8-4)
Oklahoma State (9-3)
Tennessee (8-4)
NC State (9-3)
Tulane (11-1)
Clemson (8-4)
Liberty (12-0)

More on the College Football Playoff Rankings

Tuesday’s reveal is the fifth of six rankings announcements, capped by Selection Sunday on Dec. 3.

The top four teams will compete in the CFP semifinals, which will be held on Jan. 1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. The national championship game will be held on Jan. 8 in Houston.

College Football Rankings remaining 2023 schedule