ncaa football rankings last year

3 min read 27-11-2024

The 2022 NCAA football season was a rollercoaster ride, full of upsets, unexpected contenders, and ultimately, a thrilling championship game. Let's take a look back at the landscape of the NCAA football rankings throughout last year. This retrospective will analyze the top teams, surprising performances, and the final standings that shaped the 2022 season.

The Preseason Powerhouses and Early Surprises

The preseason polls often set the stage, but 2022 proved that early predictions are rarely foolproof. While some teams lived up to the hype, others stumbled unexpectedly. Several teams ranked highly in the preseason AP Poll and Coaches Poll faced early season challenges.

Top Preseason Contenders:

Georgia: Entered the season as the overwhelming favorite, and rightfully so. They dominated much of the season, showcasing their incredible talent and depth. Their consistent performance throughout the year solidified their place at the top of the rankings.
Alabama: Always a force to be reckoned with, Alabama started strong but encountered some unexpected setbacks throughout the season. Their overall record remained impressive, highlighting their enduring strength in the SEC.
Ohio State: Possessing a high-powered offense, Ohio State made a strong case for a playoff spot but fell short in crucial moments.

Early Season Upsets and Notable Performances:

The early weeks of the season served up several unexpected outcomes. Several unranked teams pulled off stunning victories against top-25 opponents, shaking up the rankings and proving the parity of college football. This unpredictable nature made following the rankings a weekly adventure.

Midseason Mayhem and the Race for the Playoffs

The middle portion of the season typically defines the contenders and pretenders. This phase in 2022 involved a few teams climbing the rankings surprisingly, while other high-ranking teams began to fall.

The Rise of Unexpected Contenders:

Some teams exceeded expectations. Their strong performances and winning streaks propelled them into the national conversation and significantly impacted the rankings. Their late-season success added an extra layer of excitement to the playoff race.

The Fall of the Favorites:

Not all preseason favorites maintained their early momentum. Injuries, unexpected losses, and inconsistent performances impacted several teams' chances of making the College Football Playoff. These unexpected drops demonstrated the highly competitive nature of the sport.

The Final Stretch and the College Football Playoff

The final games of the regular season are crucial for determining the College Football Playoff (CFP) participants. The tension and excitement reached fever pitch, with every game carrying significant weight.

The Playoff Picture:

The four teams that made the CFP ultimately reflected the season's unpredictable nature. Some were expected, others surprised many. The selection committee's choices sparked debate, showcasing the complexities of ranking teams fairly based on their overall performance.

The National Championship Game:

The championship game concluded the 2022 season, crowning a deserving champion. The game itself was a testament to the high level of competition in college football.

Analyzing the Final Rankings: A Retrospective

Looking back at the final AP Poll and Coaches Poll of the 2022 season, several key takeaways emerge. The final rankings underscored the competitive balance in NCAA football. Unexpected results and the unpredictable nature of the game led to a thrilling and engaging season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who won the NCAA Football Championship in 2022?

A: [Insert Winning Team Here]

Q: Which teams were in the College Football Playoff in 2022?

A: [List the four teams that made the CFP]

Q: Were the final rankings controversial?

A: The final rankings always generate discussion, and 2022 was no exception. Certain teams' placements were debated based on strength of schedule and overall performance. The CFP selection process remains a point of contention each year, with many feeling a different set of teams should have been selected.

This retrospective offers a comprehensive review of the 2022 NCAA football season rankings. It highlights both the expected and unexpected performances that defined a thrilling and memorable year for college football fans. The unpredictable nature of the season is a key takeaway, reminding us that anything can happen in the world of college football.