Case for these 10 teams to make the College Football Playoff

The first College Football Playoff rankings of 2019 are just around the corner. Heading into Week 9, there are 10 teams in the FBS still undefeated. Of course, only four can make it into the Playoff.

That said, here's a look at 10 teams (in order from least to most likely) that we feel have a legitimate chance to be part of the final four grouping of teams. Not all are unbeaten but still worthy of consideration.

Baylor (7-0)

Don't dismiss the inclusion of the Bears just yet. Baylor would obviously have to run the table in the regular season just to have hope. That also would mean beating Oklahoma and Texas, which the Bears get both at home in consecutive weeks. Should that happen, they might run into one of the two in the Big 12 championship game. If Baylor survives all that and finishes undefeated come the final CFP rankings, it would need to be in the conversation.

Notre Dame (5-1)

The Irish's CFP fate could potentially be determined this weekend if they lose at Michigan. The Wolverines are expected to be Notre Dame's final real hurdle before bowl season. Plus, we don't know how that loss at Georgia will look in a few weeks. Wisconsin's unthinkable loss at Illinois helped the Irish's cause somewhat, but their only win over a ranked team — until possibly this weekend — is against a Virginia squad, which lost to disappointing Miami (FL).

Georgia (6-1)

Next weekend's tilt with Florida would all but eliminate one of these teams from the national championship conversation. The Bulldogs can still play defense, but they've been inconsistent on offense and are also banged up on that side. If Georgia is to win the SEC East Division, then it would probably still need to the win the conference championship game to have a legitimate shot at reaching the CFP.

Florida (7-1)

We can put the Gators in the same boat at Georgia, but at the moment, they appear to be the better team. That's why they are a bit higher in this listing. Plus, Florida was able to beat South Carolina on the road, something Georgia could not do at home. The Gators have some concerns (running game?) but still find ways to win. However, should they reach the SEC title game, we don't see them beating any of the two — maybe three — potential West Division champs on a neutral site.

Penn State (7-0)

Can the Nittany Lions beat any of the two aforementioned SEC teams? Probably not. Yet, their path to the CFP potentially depends on one game — in all likelihood. That's Nov. 23 at Ohio State. Penn State still must win at Michigan State and Minnesota, which won't be easy either, but if it survives those, upsets the Buckeyes and manages to win the Big Ten East Division, one would think it would be favored in the league title game. Another victory there, and the Nittany Lions would have a chance for CFP inclusion.

Clemson (7-0)

Now we're getting to the teams that truly have a chance to reach the College Football Playoff. Yet, even if the Tigers enjoy a second straight undefeated regular season, will that be good enough to make Clemson one of the four teams that gets a shot at the national title? Maybe not. The Tigers have had the easiest schedule of any of the final five teams we'll mention. Now, it's not the fault of the defending national champs that the rest of the ACC has disappointed. But quarterback Trevor Lawrence's poor decision making and the disturbing trend of the Tigers falling in The Associated Press Top 25 without suffering a loss could continue...

Oklahoma (7-0)

...because the fifth-ranked Sooners might not lose the rest of the way either. If that's the case, do they have the juice to leapfrog No. 4 Clemson? Like the Tigers, Oklahoma has faced just one Top 25 team, but one and maybe two more dates with Baylor await and perhaps another with Texas. Still, the Sooners, behind quarterback Jalen Hurts and a much-improved defense, are rolling. When it comes down to it, however, can they beat Clemson head-to-head and in the eye test?

Alabama (7-0)

The Crimson Tide's chances revolve around the ankle of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. While the star signal-caller underwent ankle surgery, reports suggest he could be ready to face LSU on Nov. 9. Of course, coach Nick Saban gave the classic, "there's no real timeline" for his return. Even if Tagovailoa is ready to take on the Tigers, will he be big-game ready? This is a fierce LSU defense, and a confident program that is poised to take down Alabama. At the moment, the top-ranked Crimson Tide are in, but that could all change come Nov. 9.

LSU (7-0)

Speaking of the Tigers. Things might be setting up nicely for LSU in terms of being part of the CFP. The No. 2 team in the country has an interesting test against No. 9 Auburn this weekend and then Alabama in two weeks. With Tagovailoa ailing, LSU could have the advantage in that contest. There is also the possibility that both the Tigers and Tide could reach the CFP, depending how things shake out elsewhere in college football. LSU is playing like one of the top four teams in the nation and, thanks to quarterback Joe Burrow, could be the best.

Ohio State (7-0)

While we debate the merits of Clemson vs. Oklahoma or who's better between Alabama and LSU, we might want to look seriously at the fact that the country's best team is Ohio State. Big games against Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan await, but the Buckeyes have outscored their opponents 348-56 and seem to be getting stronger as the season goes on. Now, anything can happen and Ohio State has lost road games it should have won in recent years, but right now, Ryan Day's team looks like the real deal.