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College Football Playoff 2020: Projected top 4 after Week 8

By Michael Hanich

Oct 24, 2020; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks (7) celebrates his fumble returned for a touchdown with defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (72) during the third quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2020; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks (7) celebrates his fumble returned for a touchdown with defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (72) during the third quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) dodges Tennessee linebacker Henry To’o To’o (11) during a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction
Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) dodges Tennessee linebacker Henry To’o To’o (11) during a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction /

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0)

Like the Tigers, No. Alabama is getting better each week on both sides of the ball. After handing the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs their first loss of the season in Tuscaloosa, the Tide had to travel to Knoxville to take on rival Tennessee (2-3). The Tide won big, 48-17. This makes the fourth time in the past five years that the Tide have beaten the Volunteers by more than 30 points.

Alabama’s offense played a completely dominant performance against the Volunteers’ defense. The Tide out-gained Tennessee in total yards 587-302 as well as first downs 30-16.

Quarterback Mac Jones played exceptionally once again as he threw for 387 yards and had a 96.2 QBR on 25-of-31 completions. Running back Najee Harris was a force in both facets of the offense as he rushed for 96 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries as well as caught six passes for 61 yards.

The defense keeps establishing itself in terms of efficiency after a rough start to the season. Tennessee rushed the ball 38 times for 139 rushing yards for an average of 3.7 yards per carry and no touchdowns. True freshman defensive back Malachi Moore recovered a fumble and returned it 28 yards for a touchdown. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II continues to play like an All-American as he accounted for four solo tackles and three pass breakups.

Alabama did lose star wide out Jaylen Waddle in the first play of the game on kickoff return. It will be tough for the Crimson Tide as they will play more tough games in the season. They might be in a shootout once again as they will host the Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-3) this Saturday.

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