- Three new schools join the 12-team field: Florida State, Illinois and Iowa State are now in PFF’s 12-team playoff bracket after missing out last week.
- USF the clear G5 favorite?: After upsetting Florida in Week 2, the Bulls look like the clear favorite for the Group of Five playoff spot.
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Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
It’s never too early to start thinking about the College Football Playoff. Before the games kick off in Week 3, here’s what PFF’s updated bracket would look like based on our top-25 for the week.
Byes
1. Ohio State (2-0)
After beating top-ranked Texas in Week 1, Ohio State took care of business this past week by shutting out Grambling State, 70-0. Julian Sayin thrived in his second career start, posting an 81.0 passing grade with 280 yards and four touchdowns in the first half.
2. LSU (2-0)
LSU experienced a slight hangover from its season-opening victory over Clemson, beating Louisiana Tech 23-7 despite being favored by 36.5 points. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had a solid performance, posting a 76.7 passing grade with three big-time throws and two turnover-worthy plays. The Tigers have a big game in Week 3 at home against Florida.
3. Penn State (2-0)
Penn State shut Florida International out in Week 2 by a final score of 34-0. The Nittany Lions’ pass rush dominated with a 90.2 pass-rush grade. It’s the highest single-game pass-rush grade for Penn State in the PFF College era (since 2014). The Nittany Lions got pressure on the Golden Panthers on 51.3% of plays.
4. Miami (FL) (2-0)
After beating Notre Dame in Week 1, Miami took down Bethune-Cookman 45-3 on Saturday. Carson Beck was nearly perfect in the victory, completing 21-of-23 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns. The Hurricanes face No. 18 USF, which will be seeking its third top-25 victory in as many weeks, in Week 3.
First round
5. Oregon (2-0) vs. 12. Iowa State (3-0)
Oregon annihilated Oklahoma State in Week 3, 69-3. The Ducks dominated on both sides of the ball, averaging 10 yards per play while only giving up 3.5 yards per play. Oregon looks to continue its dominance as it opens up Big Ten play this week against Northwestern.
Iowa State is the new highest-ranked team in the Big 12 and is currently the only Power Four team with a 3-0 start to its season. The Cyclones’ defense excelled in a 16-13 win over archrival Iowa this past weekend, allowing just 3.4 yards per play.
6. Texas (1-1) vs. 11. USF (2-0)
Texas bounced back from its season-opening loss to Ohio State with a 38-7 win over San Jose State. Arch Manning finished with an 85.3 PFF grade, 346 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
USF is the only team in America with two ranked victories to start the season, beating No. 25 Boise State in Week 1 and No. 13 Florida in Week 2. The Bulls are currently 37th in coverage grade (78.6) and will need their secondary to perform at a similar level if they want to pull off their third upset in as many weeks against fifth-ranked Miami (FL).
7. Georgia (2-0) vs. 10. South Carolina (2-0)
Georgia vanquished Austin Peay in Week 2, winning 28-6. The Bulldogs’ run defense shined in the victory, posting a 92.7 run-defense grade as a unit. That’s Georgia’s second-best performance in a game since 2018. The Bulldogs defense will be tested far more this week against Tennessee.
South Carolina took down South Carolina State this past Saturday, 38-10. The Gamecocks completely shut down the Bulldogs' run game, posting an 89.4 team run-defense grade while allowing only 70 yards total. That was South Carolina’s best run-defense grade in a game since 2018. Next up is Vanderbilt, a team that just beat Virginia Tech by 24. For reference, the Gamecocks beat the Hokies in Week 1 by 13.
8. Florida State (2-0) vs. 9. Illinois (2-0)
After pulling off the upset of the week over Alabama in Week 1, Florida State took care of business in Week 2 with a 77-3 win over East Texas A&M. The Seminoles were incredibly efficient offensively, averaging 18.4 yards per pass and 7.4 yards per rush. FSU enjoys a bye week this weekend before resuming play against Kent State in Week 4.
In one of the biggest games of Week 2, Illinois went on the road and took down Duke by a final score of 45-19. The Fighting Illini took full advantage of the Blue Devils’ mistakes, scoring 28 points off their four turnovers. Quarterback Luke Altmyer impressed with a 76.5 passing grade.
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