It's not how you start. It's how you finish.

Vince Lombardi said that.

Or was it Knute Rockne?

For all we know, it was Dabo Swinney. Or maybe even Urban Meyer. Because it looks like their respective programs could have the last laugh come January.

Here's our Top 10 after a topsy-turvy weekend as of October 30, 2017 (with won-loss records in parentheses).

 

NCAA College Football (CFB) Rankings

1. Alabama, (8-0)

The Tide were idle. No, that doesn't mean they had a rematch with Tennessee (we'll stop soon, we promise). Or Florida. But it does mean they stay put. Unlike most of the rest of our 10.

2. Georgia, (8-0)

The Bulldogs didn't start out the season in our rankings. Yet, here they are. Sony Michel (6 carries, 137 yards, 2 TDs) et al made it look easy against long-time rival Florida. Sound familiar?

3. Wisconsin, (8-0)

Badgers Bashers will say that UW has had a soft schedule. We point out that they are 8-0, and in the Big 10. Still, with freshman RB Jonathan Taylor (12 carries, 73 yards vs. Illinois) leaving Saturday's game early with an apparent injury, the Badgers' status as playoff contenders may be short-lived.

4. Ohio State, (7-1)

Yep. We were that impressed with the Buckeyes' comeback versus Penn State. And we feel like an NFL team has to find someplace on the field for J.T. Barrett (33-39, 328 yards passing, 4 TDs; 12 carries 95 yards) next season, though we know most OCs in the league are not that creative. There, we said it.

5. Penn State, (7-1)

No, we don't think the Nittany Lions' road loss--by 1 point--knocks them out of the playoff picture. But since we noted a few weeks ago that the Big 10 could learn a lesson on how to stop RB Saquon Barkley on the ground from Northwestern, the back has struggled a bit as a ball carrier (21 carries 44 yards vs Ohio State; -1 rushing yards in the second half), while emerging as a receiving threat and kick returner. His all-around play may improve his draft stock, but coach James Franklin will need to find a run game to get his team back in the top 4.

6. Oklahoma, (7-1)

That loss to Iowa State isn't looking so bad at the moment. But Bedlam is up next, and the rivalry game is at Stillwater. The winner will still have to win out for a chance to go to Arlington in January.

7. Clemson, (7-1)

QB Kelly Bryant (22-33, 207 yards, 2 TDs; 12 carries 65 yards rushing) is back and so are the Tigers, who, you'll remember, suffered an upset loss last season (at home, no less) and still won it all.

8. TCU, (7-1)

No, a loss to Iowa State still isn't so bad, but a QB (Kenny Hill) who completes just 12 of 25 passes for 135 yards, with 2 INTs? Well, the numbers speak for themselves. However, Hill is a talented athlete, and he and Horned Frogs have plenty of time to recover.

9. Miami, (7-0)

The Hurricanes are still undefeated. But they play host to Virginia Tech this Saturday, which may mean the bloom will soon be off their Rose (Bowl).

10. Notre Dame, (7-1)

Notre Dame keeps winning, much to the chagrin of many Power Five teams, who see the committee preferring the potential riches of the Irish and the "subway alumni" in the playoffs. Still, RB Josh Adams (27 carries, 202 yards, TD vs NC State) deserves a national stage.