The initial CFP Rankings drop on Tuesday, and while the AP Top 25 is supposedly not a factor in the committee's final decision, it is a good guideline, and the differences between the two rankings will give us a greater idea of what is dictating the committee's thought process from week to week.
Miami is expected to be No. 1 in the first CFP poll, but nothing is guaranteed, and there will likely be two or three other teams brought into the discussion. Georgia and Utah are going to be talked about, and here's how those two teams compare to the Hurricanes:
AP Rank: 1st
Coaches Rank: 1st
Biggest Wins: Week 3 at Wake Forest, 33-20; Week 5 at Clemson, 41-13
The case for the Hurricanes: They advanced to the CFP Championship Game last season and have returned a good portion of the talent from that team. There's something to be said for a roster of guys who have been through some of the playoff battles. Miami's offense is among the best in the country, and Malachi Toney is the most must-see player in college football.
The case against the Hurricanes: On the field, the defense is a huge concern and that unit's flaws have been brought to the surface in the past three games, giving up over 300 yards passing and 10 total touchdowns during that stretch. The schedule hasn't been good either, although the Wake Forest win looks great now that the Demon Deacons have won five straight. Beating Notre Dame on Saturday changes the schedule narrative significantly.
AP Rank: 2nd
Coaches Rank: 2nd
Biggest Wins: Week 6 at Alabama, 20-17; Week 8 vs. Florida, 27-8
The case for the Bulldogs: Georgia is a team powered by a great defense and a strong running game. As long as the Bulldogs can run the ball and shut teams down, they will win. Gunner Stockton is a game manager and lacks a real vertical weapon, but he's been through enough battles to be considered a strength.
The case against the Bulldogs: The loss to Auburn looks REALLY bad since the Tigers haven't been competitive since that win. Even with the polls so heavily slanted to the SEC, Georgia's schedule, outside of Alabama, hasn't been anything to shout about thus far. There are a few challenges remaining on the schedule, and Ole Miss on the road should be a fun challenge. But the Bulldogs avoided LSU, Texas, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
AP Rank: 3rd
Coaches Rank: 4th
Biggest Wins: Week 8 vs. Houston, 21-13; Week 9 at Cincinnati (49-25)
The case for the Utes: Outside a road scare against Colorado, the Utes have handled business this season and received a major jump in the AP Poll after dusting Cincinnati in a game that wasn't anywhere near as close as the score indicates.
The case against the Utes: I feel like I'm repeating myself, but the schedule has been very friendly. As with the case of Miami and Georgia, the biggest tests for the Utes are yet to come. Of the top three AP teams, Utah is probably the team that I could see outside the top four in the first rankings.
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