In name, it’s the College Football Playoff.
In presentation, it’s shaping up as the Big Ten-SEC Invitational.
The crowded playoff bubble cleared a bit on Saturday. Losses by the Big 12’s Iowa State and Kansas State and the ACC’s Clemson reduced the chance for either of those conferences to qualify a second playoff team, while boosting the likelihood that the SEC and Big Ten snag four bids apiece.
The first CFP rankings will be unveiled Tuesday night.
So with that moment at hand, here’s my latest prediction for the College Football Playoff bracket. Top-four seeds would receive a first-round bye, while teams seeded Nos. 5 through 8 would host first-round playoff games.
While other conference front-runners like Georgia and Miami continue to fend off attacks, Oregon keeps getting stronger. Unfortunately for the Ducks, an undefeated Big Ten title could set them up on a path to meet Ohio State for a third time in the CFP semifinals. Some prize, huh?
BOWL PROJECTIONS:Playoff gets three new teams after Week 10 upsets
CALM DOWN: The five biggest Week 10 overreactions assess the playoff
The Bulldogs are not inevitable. They’re inconsistent, from quarterback Carson Beck to their defense. But, they’re still the best team the SEC has going. Their toughest remaining game will come Saturday at Ole Miss.
Cam Ward and the Miami offense are good enough to pursue a national championship. Its defense is vulnerable enough that the Hurricanes could lose their undefeated record before the playoff, but I trust Ward to navigate Miami into the CFP.
The Cougars are the safest bet in the turbulent Big 12. Interestingly, the conference benefits if BYU finishes as league's runner-up, because that could unlock a second playoff bid. Who says the Cougars are losing, though? Not me.
The No. 5 seed line is one of the most enviable bracket spots, and the Buckeyes would be positioned for a potential “three-match” against Oregon if they lose to the Ducks in the Big Ten championship.
The Longhorns wouldn’t be a playoff lock if they lost a second game, because their schedule is softer than other SEC bubble teams. Conversely, if they run the table, they’ll position themselves as a first-round host.
The Nittany Lions will be the epitome of the expanded playoff. Their credentials are strong enough to earn a playoff bid, even if nobody truly believes they’re a frontline national championship contender.
The Irish’s wins against Texas A&M and Louisville give the committee permission to offer Notre Dame forgiveness for its Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois – so long as the Irish don’t lose a second game.
Losses by Iowa State, Clemson and Kansas State widened the Big Ten's avenue to qualify four playoff teams instead of three, and the Hoosiers became a top beneficiary. Indiana’s schedule strength is squishy, but it dazzles on the eye test.
If Ole Miss upsets Georgia, that could prove troublesome for the Vols, if they subsequently lose to Georgia on Nov. 16. Georgia beating the Rebels and Texas A&M finding a third loss would help solidify a playoff spot for Tennessee, even if it loses to Georgia.
The winner of Saturday’s Alabama-LSU game will enjoy an avenue to the playoff. Both teams tout a strong schedule. A nighttime kickoff in Baton Rouge works to LSU's advantage.
The Broncos would be the most dangerous of any Group of Five contender, and they’re the obvious selection as long as they win the Mountain West without suffering a second loss.
Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's national college football columnist. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer. Subscribe to read all of his columns.
2024-12-26 00:392209 view
2024-12-26 00:35245 view
2024-12-26 00:331345 view
2024-12-25 23:311721 view
2024-12-25 23:222077 view
2024-12-25 22:091158 view
BEIJING — China's ruling Communist Party has expelled Gou Zhongwen, the former director of the State
The brands featured in this article are partners of NBCUniversal Checkout. E! make a commission on y
The Chicago Bears are making a major overhaul on offense, firing coordinator Luke Getsy and four mor