Ahead of Georgia's rivalry matchup vs Florida in Jacksonville, it's time to revisit the College Football Playoff picture. Quite a lot has changed over the recent weeks, and the picture looks as muddied as ever, with a large number of teams in the mix and late-season chaos guaranteed.
The College Football Playoff Committee will unveil its first official rankings on Tuesday, Nov. 5, but until then, here are my current predictions.
Conference Champions
SEC - Following Georgia's road victory at Texas, it seems like the Bulldogs are hitting their stride at the perfect time. Additionally, the injuries are starting to wane for the team, as offensive lineman Tate Ratledge, linebacker Smael Mondon and defensive lineman Jordan Hall are nearing returns. Even though Mykel Williams played at Texas, Kirby Smart confirmed he wasn't 100%, but is getting closer to that as November nears. With the considerations above, it feels like Georgia may be the team to beat in college football at this moment, and I envision Smart closing out the season without another blemish, defeating Texas again in the SEC Championship Game.
Big 10 - This pick feels uncomfortable after the Buckeyes struggled with Nebraska, but I'm sticking with Ohio State to defeat Oregon in the Big 10 Championship Game. Despite Oregon winning the regular season matchup, it was close enough that I believe Ohio State can win the rematch on a neutral site. While Oregon is extremely well-coached and very talented with a Heisman candidate in Dillon Gabriel, Ohio State still may be more talented. I see the Buckeyes avenging its only regular season loss and winning the conference over the Ducks.
ACC - It's a two-team race in the ACC, and I am firmly backing Clemson. After getting embarrassed in the second half against Georgia, the Tigers have rolled since. While it hasn't been a tough schedule by any means, Clemson's defense remains a dominant force with an offense following closely behind. Miami has an edge at quarterback, although it may be more slim than some believe, but it won't be enough after watching the Hurricanes struggle at times through a weak ACC schedule. Miami will suffer its first loss of the season in Charlotte, getting beaten for an ACC Championship.
Big 12 - The Big 12 remains wide open. BYU looks great, but I'm sticking with head coach Matt Campbell and the Iowa State Cyclones, who remain the favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
At-Large Bids
SEC - Whether you love it or hate it, this is the scenario that many envisioned when the 12-team CFP was introduced. That is a whole lot of SEC teams. In this week's prediction, I have a total of four. With Georgia securing the bye after winning the conference, I have Texas, Texas A&M and LSU earning a spot as well. Texas will be a guarantee, as I have them beating Texas A&M and finishing the season with two losses, both being to Georgia. Texas A&M would also find themselves in the CFP after a 10-2 season, with losses to Notre Dame and Texas, missing the SEC Championship game. Finally, I have LSU beating Alabama and finishing the season 10-2, with losses in Week 1 to USC and Texas A&M at Kyle Field. LSU would boast quality wins over Ole Miss and Alabama.
Big 10 - Matching the SEC with four teams is the Big 10. Following conference champ Ohio State, I have Oregon, whose only loss would be in the conference title game against Ohio State, Penn State and Indiana. The Big 10 will be interesting as the season wraps up, as I have Oregon finishing the regular season undefeated with Ohio State, Penn State and Indiana all with one loss. However, Penn State and Indiana would have each suffered their loss to the Buckeyes, leaving Ohio State and Oregon to battle it out in the conference title game.
ACC - The ACC pretty clearly has two CFP teams barring disaster for one of them, as I envision both Clemson and Miami making it to the ACC Championship Game unbeaten in conference play. With Clemson getting the win in that game, Miami would be a shoo-in for the CFP after an undefeated regular season.
Group of Five
Boise State remains in control of its own destiny and after defeating UNLV on the road, there is very little left to challenge the Broncos. They may match up with UNLV again in the Mountain West Conference Championship, but I have them winning that conference and representing the Group of Five.
Outside Looking In
In this scenario, BYU and Notre Dame are the notable exclusions. BYU may finish the regular season undefeated, but the lack of a good win may be what keeps them out. However, there is a chance that the Cougars fall to Arizona State along the way. As for Notre Dame, if they win out, it is quite the predicament. How would the committee compare them to Indiana? Notre Dame would have superior wins, but a glaring loss at home to Northern Illinois. On the other hand, Indiana would be without a signature win, but its loss being on the road at Ohio State. However, I'm not sure we get to that point, as I still believe Notre Dame could suffer a loss before the end of the regular season.
Seeding:
1. Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. Clemson
4. Iowa State
5. Oregon
6. Texas
7. Penn State
8. Texas A&M
9. Miami
10. Indiana
11. LSU
12. Boise State
First-Round Matchups:
Boise State @ Oregon
LSU @ Texas
Indiana @ Penn State
Miami @ Texas A&M
Photo via UGAA
-
2
Recommended Comments