Are we enjoying this yet?

Things aren’t looking bright at Florida, where former coach-to-be Billy Napier seems unaware that only 11 players can be on the field for special teams.

The mood is dreary at Ole Miss, where heavy spending on NIL hasn’t turned into a strong defense, causing them to fall in close matches against Kentucky and LSU.

Meanwhile, in Alabama, fans are frustrated with a defense that is more laid-back than Kalen DeBoer’s wardrobe.

At Southern California, supporters are left wondering why they’re shelling out big bucks for Lincoln Riley when he’s performed worse than Arkansas’ Sam Pittman over his last 13 games.

Tennessee fans are questioning their investment in a quarterback when the state’s top player is showcasing his skills at Vanderbilt.

On a brighter note, Texas fans are celebrating as their team dominates the SEC. Steve Sarkisian’s squad stands out amid the chaos of the conference.

At Penn State, smiles abound because James Franklin has crafted a strong team that’s capable of winning major games. Perhaps he’ll even manage the long-awaited airport renovation in State College now.

Oregon is also thriving, under the leadership of their coach who resembles Chris Pratt, steering an undefeated squad after a thrilling 32-31 victory over Ohio State.

“You can sleep when you die, right?” quipped Ducks coach Dan Lanning during a lively press conference reflecting on an unforgettable 24 hours in Eugene.

LSU is also in high spirits after an exciting 4-hour, 16-minute game, where they only led after the final play. The team shot off an estimated 9,749 fireworks to mark the occasion (maybe a slight overstatement), and linebacker Whit Weeks enthusiastically ran the length of the field celebrating.

“It was definitely fun,” Weeks recounted about LSU’s thrilling comeback, encapsulating the drama of a wild Saturday of college football.

In overtime, four Top 25 teams secured victories, and Alabama didn’t feel safe until a last-minute interception during their close call against South Carolina.

Take a moment to breathe; we are only halfway through the season, and over 30 teams still have their sights set on making the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.

Here’s what I’m focusing on from the “Topp Rope,” as I catch my breath before the next overtime:

Which Teams Are Contenders for the National Championship?

Believe it or not, Indiana, Pittsburgh, Army, and Navy are all undefeated, each vying for a shot at the playoffs. Did you think the 12-team playoff format would lessen the excitement of the regular season?

Although this playoff race is unpredictable and thrilling, there’s a clear division between the group of teams contending for playoff berths and the smaller elite class that has a genuine chance at the national title.

Here are six teams that appear capable of clinching it all:

1. Texas (6-0). The Longhorns are looking nearly flawless. They excel at the lines of scrimmage, feature dynamic wide receivers, and boast two standout quarterbacks. Texas strengthens an otherwise unclear SEC landscape.

2. Ohio State (5-1). Even though Oregon claimed victory, I still believe in the Buckeyes after their narrow loss, which involved a crucial offensive pass interference penalty at a pivotal moment. Ohio State has a wealth of talent, although I would prefer to see another team’s starting quarterback take the helm.

3. Oregon (6-0). Coach Lanning has excelled in major matchups, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel living up to his Heisman expectations. Like Ohio State, Oregon has invested heavily in their roster, and they’re witnessing the benefits of that investment.

4. Georgia (5-1). The Bulldogs had a rough patch during their win against Kentucky and a loss to Alabama, but in college football, talent can be a decisive factor in securing championships. They still have the necessary talent to return to the top, even if they haven’t shown their potential since early September.

5. Penn State (6-0). The Nittany Lions remind me of a toned-down version of 2023 Michigan. While they might lack the top-tier receivers of teams like Texas and Ohio State, they’re recognized as one of the most balanced teams in the nation. Notably, they conquered a tough road challenge with a 33-30 overtime victory at USC.

6. Alabama (5-1). I nearly excluded the Tide from this list, but I can’t overlook the fact that performance in college football often hinges on the strength of the teams involved.

Alabama has an impressive roster, backed by a coach known for pulling off many nail-biting victories at his previous position. The current Alabama team has a thrilling style of play reminiscent of the 2021 squad, which relied heavily on Bryce Young’s extraordinary skills to make it to the national championship. This year’s success will hinge on how far Jalen Milroe can lead the team.

Quick Thoughts

1. It’s worth revisiting my earlier observation that Alabama’s thrilling wins started not after Nick Saban retired but when NIL deals and transfer rules introduced more flexibility before the 2021 season. Back then, Alabama narrowly defeated Florida by two points, LSU by six, Arkansas by seven, and Auburn by two, while losing to Texas A&M by three points. None of these teams achieved a record better than 9-4. This pattern of close-call victories is what defines Alabama now, long before DeBoer arrived, though losing to Vanderbilt while a coach sported a T-shirt did start with DeBoer.

2. Following Texas’s dominant 34-3 victory over Oklahoma, head coach Sarkisian made an appearance at the postgame press conference enjoying a corn dog. “It’s fantastic,” he said about his fried delight. Meanwhile, OU coach Brent Venables had humorously committed to eating a corn dog if his team won but feared his body “might shut down” if he had to follow through. No need to worry, coach; you were never close to having to eat that corn dog.

3. The latest “Topp Rope” 12-team playoff predictions include: Texas (SEC), Ohio State (Big Ten), Kansas State (Big 12), Miami (ACC), Boise State (Group of Five), along with at-large bids for Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, Penn State, Oregon, Clemson, and Notre Dame. Other contenders include Iowa State, Brigham Young, Tennessee, and LSU.