Flaws that could waylay contenders
— -- Pick your poison.
Is it a weak defense? A one-dimensional offense? A star quarterback who can't stay out of trouble? Whatever it is, every team in the top five has one -- a Playoff Kryptonite. Each of the top contenders in The Associated Press Top 25 has a glaring weakness that could keep it out of the College Football Playoff. Considering what we've seen the past four weeks, there hasn't been one team that has truly separated itself from the rest -- let alone four teams.
Here's a look at the Playoff Kryptonite that could cripple the current contenders:
1. Florida State: No running game. Florida State had 13 rushing yards against Clemson. None of the Seminoles' running backs have cracked the 70-yard mark yet. If it wasn't for Karlos Williams' 12-yard touchdown run in overtime, he would have had a completely forgettable performance (33 yards on nine carries).
According to data from ESPN Stats & Information, 30 percent of Florida State's running plays have gone for zero or negative yardage -- good for 110th in the FBS and ahead of only Wake Forest in the ACC. It's all contributed to its ineptitude on third down. FSU ranks No. 108 in the country in third-down conversions (12-of-37, for 32.4 percent).
2. Oregon: The offensive line. Marcus Mariota was sacked seven times against Washington State. Seven! With a true freshman starting at left tackle, and a former walk-on starting his first game at right tackle, it's amazing he wasn't sacked 10 times.
Back-to-back holding calls negated runs of 15 and 54 yards. There were three false starts, and the Ducks couldn't get a first down on third-and-1. Oregon is supposed to get that in its sleep. Injuries to three linemen have taken their toll. Jake Fisher's possible return against Arizona could help, but if the Ducks are going to stay in the top four, they've got to get better production from their rookie tackles up front.
3. Alabama: Turnovers. The Tide rank No. 108 in the country in turnover margin, having lost the ball seven times already, including four turnovers that amounted to 21 points for the Gators. The Tide have lost 15 fumbles since the start of last season, tied with South Carolina for most in the SEC. Alabama has had a turnover in every game this season, and at some point, a more opportunistic and better team is going to take advantage of those miscues.
4. Oklahoma: Allows too many big plays. West Virginia quarterback Clint Trickett was able to expose some weaknesses in the Sooners' secondary. Zack Sanchez was burned on a 68-yard pass to Kevin White, and Julian Wilson allowed a 30-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone. According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Sooners have allowed the most passing touchdowns and 20-plus-yard completions in the Big 12. You don't think Baylor's got that memo? The Bears are second in the country in pass completions of 30 yards or more.
5. Auburn: Downfield passing. If teams are going to take away the read-option like K-State did, Nick Marshall has to be able to throw it deep. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Marshall has completed 34.4 percent of his passes thrown 15 yards or more since the start of last season, ranking him 10th out of 13 SEC quarterbacks with 50 such attempts. Marshall was 3-of-8 on such passes against Kansas State, but he did deliver in the clutch.
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