In a significant turn of events, Oklahoma defeated Alabama, propelling the Sooners into the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture while leaving Alabama in a precarious position as they hold on to the last at-large spot. This prediction marks the beginning of my weekly College Football Playoff projections, to be updated after each Saturday”s games.
As we approach what could be the fourth meeting of No. 1 versus No. 2 in Big Ten history, Ohio State and Indiana appear set for a clash in the Big Ten Championship Game. The debate over who should occupy the No. 2 position in the final CFP rankings will intensify. Ultimately, the debate may prove irrelevant, as both the SEC champion and the Big Ten runner-up will be in contention. However, it is crucial to see if the SEC title game runner-up can keep Texas Tech at bay for the final first-round bye, and for now, it appears they will.
If Texas A&M, which slipped to the fourth seed in my latest bracket after narrowly escaping an upset against South Carolina, were to face No. 5 seed Texas Tech, it could result in the most sought-after Cotton Bowl ticket since the days when the old Southwest Conference sent its champion to Dallas annually. Given their shared history as Southwest Conference alumni and former Big 12 rivals, demand for these tickets would be high.
Alabama”s setback against Oklahoma not only boosted the Sooners” CFP aspirations but also knocked the Tide down to the final at-large position. This outcome has set the stage for four exciting first-round matchups, including Alabama making a trip west to face Ole Miss. Although this contest is no longer a scheduled annual event in the SEC, its significance would be amplified tremendously.
Another intriguing matchup would pit Oklahoma against Notre Dame, which is likely to attract high television ratings during the opening weekend. Meanwhile, a first-round game featuring Texas Tech and North Texas would draw considerable regional interest. Each week, the question of which Group of 5 champion receives a bid is up for grabs, often landing on a different team from the American Athletic Conference. Should we spin the wheel again next week, it may very well end up with Sun Belt leader James Madison.
Week 13 presents two pivotal games with major CFP implications. Pittsburgh facing Georgia Tech is not only an eliminator for the ACC Championship Game but also a blow to one team”s CFP hopes. Meanwhile, USC visiting Oregon stands as the most critical game for the overall playoff picture. The Ducks, with a win in either of their last two games, should be in line for a CFP bid for the second consecutive year. On the other hand, the Trojans must defeat Oregon to keep the Big Ten”s chances of securing four berths in the CFP alive.
Five upcoming games carry significant CFP implications: Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech, BYU at Cincinnati, Missouri at Oklahoma, USC at Oregon, and Kentucky at Vanderbilt.
