The College Football Playoff is almost here. I take a deeper look into the CFP 12-Team Playoff and predict the final teams who will make the playoffs.
12. Tulane Green Wave
As the G5 representative, Tulane has the clearest shot to the Playoffs. Win and you’re in. Currently the only ranked team from the group of five, they will most likely play Navy in the AAC Conference Championship, and the winner will secure an automatic bid into the playoffs.
11. BYU Cougars
With a favorable schedule left, BYU could easily finish the year 11-1 with a rematch against Texas Tech in the conference championship. If they lose to the Red Raiders again, it’s up to the committee if the Cougars can sneak in as one of the last at-large bids. A lack of challenges in the regular season means these big games are worth so much more for BYU to prove they belong, but losing the two biggest games of the year could mark the end of their run.
10. USC Trojans
USC has emerged as a contender late in the year and have a direct shot to sneak in without playing in the Big 10 championship game. Heading to a big showdown in Eugene, Oregon to play the Ducks means there is only room for one of these old Pac 12 foes in the playoffs.
9. Alabama Crimson Tide
After a staggering loss at home, Alabama find themselves on the brink of a playoff birth. Winning their last two games won’t automatically qualify them into the SEC Championship Game but that might not be a bad thing. One loss and they’re out so avoiding another knockout game and securing a spot in the playoffs is perfectly fine for the Crimson Tide.
8. Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss, with its one loss to Georgia, sit comfortably in the SEC trying to get into the SEC Conference Championship Game to obtain a first round bye. If they finish the season 11-1, they are locked into the playoffs, even if they lose the conference championship. But the bigger worry in Oxford right now is who their coach will be next year.
7. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The ACC is a mess right now and it’s looking like only the conference champ will make it in. Georgia Tech has been the best so far and will be the favorite to win against whomever they play. Their one loss to North Carolina State really set them back in the poll and currently no ACC team sits in the top 12 of the rankings.
6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
After a dominating performance against Pitt, Notre Dame secured themselves into the playoffs. A slow start to the year but they have hit their stride and are gunning for another chance at a title. While they can’t receive a first round bye, they can solidify themselves as one of the top at-large seeds and host a first round game.
5. Texas A&M Aggies
If the Aggies lose to Georgia in the SEC Championship, it’s hard to put them in the top four over other conference winners. Assuming they win their final two games of the regular season, their best victory will be over Texas followed by very mediocre SEC teams. A weak schedule won’t play in their favor when deciding who is more deserving of a first round bye.
4. Indiana
Losing to Ohio State in the Big 10 Championship won’t be a big deal to the Hoosiers because they are solidified as a top seed, assuming an undefeated regular season. The only difference between them and Texas A&M is the current standings. It will be hard to drop three spots when losing to the best team in the nation.
3. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech has emerged as the best team in the Big 12 by a clear margin. Their shot to win the conference is easy with an impressive 12-1 record. A Heisman candidate linebacker that can do it all has commanded one of the best defenses in the country and that might be enough for all the people in Lubbock, Texas to see the glory days of Red Raider football once more.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia has quietly built another dominant team after losing to Alabama early in the year. While they have narrowly escaped games that shouldn’t have been close, they always have the ability to go toe-to-toe with the best and should never be counted out when Kirby Smart is the head coach. If they win the SEC, that might be all they need to spark another championship run.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
A back to back championship season is very possible despite so much talent being lost to the NFL. Every player has stepped up and some have emerged from nowhere, which has built another dominating team that has plenty of gas left in the tank for another postseason run.
