Urban Meyer addresses CFP Top 4, Tennessee at No. 1 and Michigan at No. 5

Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer believes the College Football Playoff committee was correct in putting Tennessee at No. 1 in its initial rankings on Tuesday.

Even with his undefeated Buckeyes coming in behind them at No. 2, Meyer had to concede that the Volunteers have looked like the best team in college football to this point. On the most recent episode of Urban’s Take with Tim May, Meyer spoke about what he has seen out of Tennessee that led him to that conclusion.

“I used to look at that all the time and just want to be in their top four,” he said. “But I think — I’ve watched Tennessee because I’m gonna do a little special on them this week. They’re great, they’re not good. How that happened so fast underneath (Josh Heupel) and, you know, the other coach got in so much trouble for all the recruiting violations. Some people say that’s one of the reasons they’re so good. They have all those big recruits.

“But they’re fast, long, athletic receivers and good running backs. I’m really impressed with their offensive line and the quarterback (Hendon) Hooker. It’s him and CJ (Stroud) for the Heisman. So, I think they got it right.”

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Tennessee has been the most explosive offense in the country this season, currently leading the FBS in both points (49.4) and yards (553.0) per game. It is also the only team with two wins against opponents currently ranked inside the top 10 of the CFP.

But while Urban Meyer believes the committee got the top three teams in the College Football Playoff rankings correct, he took issue with No. 4. Clemson claimed that spot, but the Tigers have had several close calls this season, including in Week 8 against Syracuse when it benched starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.

Meyer would have instead liked to see Michigan in that spot, as the Wolverines have already claimed a 41-17 victory against No. 15 Penn State this season.

“I think the Wolverines should have been in there,” Meyer said. “I think they’re the No. 4 team in the country. But, if they take care of business, they’re in the Playoff.”

As Urban Meyer alluded to, the final version of the College Football Playoff rankings is likely to look much different than Tuesday’s edition. Opinion could change on Tennessee with a loss to Georgia on Saturday, while Michigan could change its fate with a Clemson loss or a win against Ohio State later this month.

Until then, however, fans will just have to wait and see how the final month of the regular season plays out.