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College Football Playoff Rankings 2021: Projected Top 25, Week 10

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's Kenneth Walker III runs for a touchdown against Michigan during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.211030 Msu Michigan 228a
Michigan State's Kenneth Walker III runs for a touchdown against Michigan during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.211030 Msu Michigan 228a /
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Oct 30, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver KeSean Carter (20) celebrates with running back Ta’Zhawn Henry (4) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver KeSean Carter (20) celebrates with running back Ta’Zhawn Henry (4) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

I had a tough time predicting who might make the first playoff rankings with so many AP Top 25 teams from the 20-25 range dropping out of the race after Week 9 losses, but Louisiana was on the verge of being ranked a week ago and a 45-0 win over Texas State should get Billy Napier’s squad some respect from the committee.

Pitt had a chance to really take control in the ACC title race with a win over Miami in Week 9, but the Hurricanes seem to have turned a corner and beat their second ranked team in a row. Pitt, on the other hand, is likely now out of the College Football Playoff race, but a 6-2 record with a solid resume and Heisman-contending quarterback should have the Panthers ranked in the first playoff rankings on Tuesday.

Devin Leary had a fantastic game against Louisville, throwing four touchdown passes with over 300 yards in a 28-13 win in Week 9. The Wolfpack dropped out of the AP Top 25 with a loss to Miami a week ago, but I see them appearing in the first playoff rankings this week with the win over the Cardinals.

Although Arkansas had a bye week, I see the playoff committee showing some respect to the Razorbacks here in Week 10. The Razorbacks were the top team receiving votes outside of the AP Top 25 last week and with about 5-6 teams losing and likely dropping out, that makes way for a team like Arkansas. While No. 22 seems high, it’s just about right.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think Houston stood a chance against SMU in Week 9, but the Cougars continued to play well and beat the Mustangs 44-37 to improve to 7-1 on the year. With the win, Houston is likely to be one of the Top 25 teams in the initial playoff rankings. I thought Houston was good enough to climb into the AP Top 25 last week, but this win over SMU surely gets the Cougars in the playoff rankings.

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