Podcaster Poll

Let’s take a dive into the ESPN FPI rankings and compare them to the most accurate poll in CFB history, the PodPoll

Michigan

Pod – 2nd

FPI – 6th

Here’s where the FPI differs greatest from the Podcaster Poll. The question looms: Is 2023 Michigan’s year. The pods I’ve spoken to have said that plain and simple, Michigan has what it takes to win it all. @westlotpirates, who ranked Michigan #1, said,”They just have so much continuity. McCarthy and Corum coming back plus a bunch of key pieces from that O-Line. They lose a fair amount on D, but we’ve watched that team reload on that side of the ball time and time again over the years, the defensive culture is just so strong. […] So it looks like a good D, a good line, and 2 Heisman candidates who are both known commodities.” @Sidelines_SN, the other voter which ranked Michigan first, said,”Of Michigan, Bama, OSU, & UGA, UM is the only one with a returning starting QB. Combined with Blake Corum returning and almost the entire defense, I think this year’s team will be much better & certainly more prepared for the spotlight come CFP time. They’re my early title favorite.”

All in all, the podcasts like Michigan, who’s lowest ranking was 7th, to do well and be a real contender for not only the Big 10, but the CFP.

Georgia              Ohio State

Pod – 1st            Pod – 4th

FPI – 3rd             FPI – 1st

The reigning back to back champion bulldogs are very nearly the unanimous number one from the pods, ESPN’s FPI decides to have a less accurate view of things, placing Georgia after (4) Ohio State and (3) Alabama. Some reasoning for the pods’ decisions come down to the simple fact that: yes, Georgia can replace Bennet, they have highly skilled QBs in the wings ready to make their mark. But one question mark for Ohio State is just that: can they adequately replace Stroud? The pods say not necessarily, it remains to be seen if tOSU can make the jump from Heisman contender to new starter without issue. Georgia has not only the talent, but the depth to their defense and the security to push them ahead of Ohio State.

Texas A&M

Pod – Unranked

FPI – 19

Podcasts have a long memory. Apparently, ESPN does not. It doesn’t take the greatest memory to see TAMU squander talent year in and year out, can they finally have the breakout season that they’ve been promised over and over again? Can the aggies make the jump to being a real contender? Well, according to the most accurate poll ever taken, no.