Based on how Ohio State performed against UGa, I expected them to be #2 in that poll.

Funny thing about Alabama is they are the only other team that could have given the Dawgs a real game (assuming they retained their focus, as oppose to their erratic losses).

In the end though, I think the expanded playoff is a good thing. Maybe 8 teams instead of 12, but it can help to (slowly) build some parity in the game.

As it is now, the most successful big-name teams attract the best talent, and thus have the most success. If players see that other schools have realistic paths to a title, it may entice them to select other schools than the traditional powerhouses.

Unfortunately, players are now looking more for a realistic path to the NFL than to a title. The expanded transfer portal may accelerate that, but it might also bring more parity to the game; e.g., UGa's entire second string could form another competitive university team.

One downside is that it favors experienced upperclassmen, and may lead to fewer players completing degrees because of all the issues with transferring academic credits.