As we approach the final stretch of the regular season, excitement is building in the world of college football. The race for the 12-team College Football Playoff is heating up, and with Week 11 now behind us, ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach have rolled out their latest playoff predictions and bowl projections. Fans are eager to see how their teams stack up as we inch closer to the postseason.
Understanding the New Playoff Format
The new expanded playoff format is designed to create more excitement and opportunities for teams. In this system, the five highest-ranked conference champions will earn automatic bids, with the top four among them receiving coveted first-round byes. The remaining eight teams will battle it out in the first round, with teams ranked No. 5 through No. 8 hosting home games.
After the initial round, the four winners will move on to face the top four seeds in the quarterfinals. These quarterfinal and semifinal games will take place during the traditional New Year’s Six bowl games, culminating in the national championship on January 20. This format promises to bring thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments for fans.
First-Round Matchups to Watch
As the playoff picture takes shape, Bonagura and Schlabach have identified some intriguing first-round matchups. Both experts predict the same opening game: No. 12 Boise State traveling to face No. 5 Ohio State. The Broncos, led by standout RB Ashton Jeanty, will look to pull off an upset against the Buckeyes, who are currently projected as the Big Ten runner-up.
In another exciting matchup, Bonagura has No. 11 Ole Miss facing No. 6 Penn State, while Schlabach predicts No. 11 Georgia will take on No. 6 Indiana. Bonagura’s choice reflects Ole Miss’s recent victory over Georgia, making this an enticing SEC-Big Ten clash. Schlabach’s prediction of Georgia still making the playoff is a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football.
Quarterfinals: Setting the Stage
The quarterfinals promise to be thrilling, with Bonagura predicting No. 5 Ohio State will face off against No. 4 Miami, while Schlabach has No. 11 Georgia taking on No. 3 BYU. Bonagura believes Ohio State will continue its strong performance, while Schlabach’s projection of Georgia sneaking into the quarterfinals adds an exciting twist to the playoff narrative.
In the Peach Bowl, Bonagura envisions No. 6 Penn State squaring off against No. 3 BYU. Meanwhile, Schlabach also sees Ohio State and Miami clashing, but in a different bowl venue. The anticipation for these matchups is palpable, as teams vie for a place in the semifinals.
Semifinals: A Battle of Titans
As we look ahead to the semifinals, both analysts agree on a significant matchup: No. 5 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon in the Cotton Bowl. This clash is set to be a rematch of the Big Ten Championship Game, with Ohio State seeking redemption after two losses to the Ducks earlier in the season. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and fans are eager to see if the Buckeyes can turn the tide.
On the other side, Bonagura has No. 6 Penn State facing No. 2 Texas in the Orange Bowl, while Schlabach also predicts Georgia will meet Texas. The potential for these matchups to deliver high-stakes drama is exciting for college football fans everywhere.
National Championship: A Clash of the Best
Both Bonagura and Schlabach foresee a thrilling national championship showdown between No. 2 Texas and No. 1 Oregon. This matchup promises to be a nail-biter, as both teams have proven their mettle throughout the season. Oregon, having bested Ohio State three times in one year, will look to secure its place in history, while Texas aims to fulfill the promise made by head coach Steve Sarkisian.
The anticipation for this championship game is already building, and fans are left wondering: can Texas finally claim the title? Or will Oregon continue its dominance?
Looking Ahead: Bowl Projections After Week 11
As the regular season winds down, bowl projections are also taking shape. Here’s a glimpse at what Bonagura and Schlabach are predicting for the upcoming bowl season:
- Cricket Celebration Bowl: Jackson State vs. South Carolina State
- Camellia Bowl: East Carolina vs. Coastal Carolina (Bonagura) / Ohio vs. Arkansas State (Schlabach)
- Frisco Bowl: Texas State vs. North Texas (Bonagura) / Northern Illinois vs. North Texas (Schlabach)
As we move through the final weeks of the season, the excitement is palpable. With each game, teams are fighting for their playoff lives, and fans are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable postseason. Will your team make the cut? Keep your eyes on the field as we head toward the thrilling conclusion of the college football season!
