Only 1 week until the first CFP rankings. Philosophically, CFP ranking methodology aligns pretty well with ER methodology (focus on on-field results/wins, de-emphasizing margin of victory, not use rankings which include a pre-season component). However, it is still humans selecting teams and the methodology includes "pedigree" and other loose terms. How they weigh between the best teams (most likely to win) vs. most deserving teams (accomplished the most this season) remains to be seen.

Week 8 highlights

• Top 4 (CFP field) is the same as last week, albeit with FSU and UW swapping places. UM strength of schedule is still weak but the Rutgers win is looking better each week (#29 ER).
• A few teams drop out of the top-10 with losses: PSU ("good" loss to OSU but strength of schedule took a big hit with all previous opponents going winless in week 8), NC (with a horrible home loss to Virginia) and Iowa (home loss to Minnesota).
• Based on that, 3 undefeated G5 teams move up with victories. Probably their high-water-mark for the season as the P5 teams around them mostly have loaded back-half schedules. But, if you hated these teams being ER ranked in week 7, you probably hate it more in week 8. (Note: I believe JMU is not bowl-eligible this year still being in the FCS->FBS transition window. Not sure if they are eligible for CFP rankings)
• Georgia stayed put with a bye. I don't see how they can crack the ER top 4 by next week so it should be very interesting where they land on the initial CFP rankings. While the AP and Coaches poll have them overwhelmingly #1 (since preseason), most of the stats-based rankings I've seen have them much lower (especially when excluding preseason factors). Great example of best vs. deserving.