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ESPN staff
For the first time in 2022, the ESPN writers unanimously have the top four to make it to the College Football Knockout Qualifiers.
third class Michigan made the biggest statement, turning a three-point deficit at halftime compared to 2nd place Ohio State onto a route 45-23. Michigan dashed 242 yards in the second half, largely lagging behind Donovan Edwards‘ touches at 75 and 85 yards. Edwards finished with 216 yards, the second most by a Michigan player against Ohio State of all time (Tim Biakabutuka had 313 yards in 1995).
Combined with midfielder JJ McCarthyAfter three long touchdown passes, Michigan has five points at more than 45 yards. That’s the highest by any team in a game against a Top 5 AP opponent since at least 2004.
In other places, USC advanced to the knockout stages with a 38-27 win over 15 Notre Dame. Caleb William became the first USC quarterback in 25 years with three hasty touchdowns in a game.
Meanwhile, at the top Georgia and number 4 TCU won against Georgia Tech and Iowa State, respectively.
Georgia became the first school to start in a row 12-0 since Clemson in 2018-19 and the first SEC program to do so since Alabama in 2008-09.
TCU has the third 12-0 start in school history and becomes the seventh Big 12 team to do so and the first since Texas in 2009.
With all that in mind, here’s how ESPN’s college football reporters see the current playoff picture.
André Adelson: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
Blake Baumgartner: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
Bill Connelly: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
Heather Dinich: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
David Halle: 1. Michigan 2. Georgia 3. TCU 4. USC
Chris Low: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
Harry Lyles Jr.: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
Ryan McGee: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. USC 4. TCU
Adam Rittenberg: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
Alex Scarborough: 1. Georgia 2 Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
Mark Schlabach: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
Paolo Uggetti: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
Tom VanHaaren: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
Dave Wilson: 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. TCU 4. USC
