Mark Russell
September 3, 2024 12:02 pm ET
Week 1 for college football, and YOUR Ohio State Buckeyes, is in the books, and the race to Atlanta for the College Football Playoff national championship is on. While there weren’t too many surprises, there were a few teams that seemed to separate themselves from the pack and a few that failed to impress in the opening week. Hint, Ohio State was one that impressed.
Joel Klatt is one of the most respected names in college football. Each week, Klatt gives us a peek at his opinion of who the top teams are, and each week we take a look and give our opinion. Of course, we always like to see where he has the Buckeyes as well.
This week, Klatt only has nine teams in his personal rankings. Let’s get to it and see what he thinks of Ohio State and some of the other teams vying for that 12-team invitational.
9
Michigan Wolverines
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
What we think
Curious choice here. Especially with (spoiler alert) no Oregon on this list. Michigan didn’t look good against Fresno State. We’re not sure who the quarterback is and Donovan Edwards rushed only 11 times for just 27 yards. Maybe it was just a case of opening game jitters, but with Texas coming to town, the Wolverines could be in for a world of hurt.
8
Penn State Nittany Lions
Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
What we think
Penn State did exactly what they were supposed to do, and maybe more. Many had this pegged as a trap game for the Nittany Lions, but the team proved to be up for the task. Drew Allar didn’t make mistakes as he’s been prone to do in the past and Nicholas Singleton picked up right where he left off from last season. Some believe Penn State is a dark horse candidate to challenge for the Big Ten title. We’re not sure James Franklin has that many big wins in him.
7
Ole Miss Rebels
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
What we think
Lane Kiffin has a pretty good squad. The Rebels just put up 76 points on Saturday. Of course, it was against Furman of the FCS. Ole Miss has talent, but do they have enough to run the SEC gauntlet? The Rebs should stay in the playoff conversation even with a loss or two.
6
Miami Hurricanes
Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
What we think
Miami looked impressive going into The Swamp and embarrassing the Florida Gators. The Gators have fallen on hard times, but you still had to look twice when the 41-17 score came up in favor of the ‘Canes. Rivalry games can bring out the best in teams, but the ACC looks like it’s Miami’s to lose.
5
Alabama Crimson Tide
Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
What we think
The Kalen DeBoer era has begun in Tuscaloosa and on the surface it seems like The Tide picked up right where Nick Saban left off. But it’s pretty easy to beat up on lowly Western Kentucky. Saban left the cupboard full, so Alabama should still be a heavyweight in the SEC.
4
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
What we think
Notre Dame got an impressive win when it came out of College Station with a win over . The Fighting Irish have a very manageable schedule the rest of the way and Duke transfer Riley Leonard could very well be a contender in the Heisman race all the way to the end.
3
Texas Longhorns
USA Today SMG
What we think
A playoff qualifier in 2023, the Texas Longhorns know what it takes to get to that next level. Quinn Ewers is as good as they come in college football, but a trip to Ann Arbor looms. While Michigan may not have an identity on offense just yet, the defense is stout. We’ll know more about Texas a clash with the Wolverines.
2
Ohio State Buckeyes
USA Today SMG
What we think
Akron is far from a quality opponent, but Ohio State got the job done. We’re not worried about a slow start against the Zips. This team is loaded and has several more warmup games before facing any real challengers.
1
Georgia Bulldogs
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
What we think
After missing the College Football Playoff last year, Georgia once again looks like the team to beat. After a slow start, the Bulldogs dismantled the Clemson Tigers with relative ease. The offense is smooth and the defense is fast. Georgia will be a tough matchup for anyone it faces this year.
Klatt’s full ranking
Tonights result will not have an impact on my following rankings so here is a quick look at my new Top teams after week 1
1) @GeorgiaFootball
2) @OhioStateFB
3) @TexasFootball
4) @NDFootball
5) @AlabamaFTBL
6) @CanesFootball
7) @OleMissFB
8) @PennStateFball
9)…— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) September 1, 2024
