1. Oregon

Going into the season, there were questions surrounding the defense because of the number of talented players they lost on that side of the ball, but it has yet to be an issue. Of course, only one of their three games (Michigan State) has been much of a true test. The offense, as always, is firing on all cylinders with Marcus Mariota at the helm. He and the many other incredibly talented (and fast) skill players on that offense have been on a roll and that is unlikely to stop any time soon. So long as the defense can hold up, Oregon will take the college football circuit by storm.

2.  Florida State

Despite what Oregon has done and is capable of, Florida State has the most talented roster in the nation. They are behind Oregon because their coaching and offensive scheme are inferior, but the sheer talent on the roster makes a repeat national championship as likely as can be. There is legit NFL talent loaded at every position on the FSU roster and, if they are “on” and not being restricted by the scheme, could steamroll any team in the nation.

3. Alabama

Despite some recent struggles, namely against West Virginia, Alabama is still a top tier team. New quarterback Blake Sims has played up to par, the offensive line is improved, and the streamline of talented running backs is a major backbone for the offense. Also, the defense has been impressive aside from shaky cornerback play, but if they can create just a bit more pressure, they will be fine. Alabama’s smash mouth play style has yet to die.  

4. Texas A&M

With or without Johnny Manziel, Kevin Sumlin’s offense is elite and arguably the best in the nation besides Oregon. Unfortunately, their defense is not up to par, but it is, at the least, improved from last year. That said, their offense is so high powered and explosive that they have the ability to win any shootout. Though their scheme is different, Texas A&M is essentially “Oregon South.”

5. Auburn

As they were last year, Auburn has a brutalizing offense that carries their defense. To be fair, their defense is a better overall unit this year despite losing Dee Ford. Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams, two key defensive linemen, played well as freshman and have seemingly improved. Gus Malzahn has his squad looking as good as ever and they have a fair shot to find themselves in the national championship game once again.

6. Baylor

Much like Texas A&M, Baylor is a heavy four-verts system that is predicated upon their athletes winning one on one matchups and exposing defenders in space. As their success would suggest, Art Briles has recruited well for them to do that and has assembled a terrifying offense. The defense is a bit questionable, but with an offense like theirs, games are bound to be a shootout regardless.

7. Michigan State

Many will point to the loss to Oregon and disregard the BIG 10 team, but notice where Oregon ranks on this list. Michigan State lost to the best team in the country. Was that not expected, at least to some degree? Regardless, Michigan State has an incredible defense lead by Trae Waynes, and an equally as impressive offense that features Connor Cook at the helm. Cook, Tony Lippett, and Jeremy Langford make for a trio of skill players that have the ability to allow MSU to run circles around the rest of the conference.

8. Oklahoma

Though youthful at the core, Oklahoma is no joke. Trevor Knight has proved to be an intriguing specimen, and Oklahoma’s defense was underrated coming into the season, especially their front. Eric Striker and Geneo Grissom lead fearsome group that has annihilated the competition they have already faced and have shown the ability to continue to do so. If the newly shaped offense can keep up, the team will be a force to be reckoned with.

9. Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish had a disappointing year in 2013, but with Everett Golson back, they have began once again looking like the team that fought to get to a national title just two years ago. He has that offense constantly finding themselves in the end zone, while Jaylon Smith, Cody Riggs, and Sheldon Day lead a defensive effort that has been able to keep other offenses at bay.

10. LSU

Even more so than Oklahoma, LSU is a young team. Their top three offensive skill players (Anthony Jennings, Leonard Fournette, and Travin Dural) are all either true sophomores or younger. Granted, they are all incredibly talented and surrounded by other more experienced talents, but for the most part, LSU may be subject to “young mistakes.” Although, if those can be avoided, LSU could be incredible.