After 14 weeks of thrilling college football action, Championship Week has arrived! This pivotal moment means that the final College Football Playoff rankings will be unveiled on Sunday, setting the stage for the much-anticipated playoff bracket. With teams battling for conference championships, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they aim for a coveted spot in the 12-team CFP format.
Championship Week Excitement
As the dust settles from Friday night’s games, the first bids for the playoff have already been secured. Boise State made headlines by defeating UNLV in the Mountain West Championship, earning their place as the highest-ranked Group of 5 champion. This victory not only solidifies their position but also sets the tone for the weekend’s championship showdowns.
The remaining playoff picture will become clearer on Saturday, as the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC championship games unfold throughout the day. Each of these contests carries significant weight, as the winners will secure their spots in the playoff field. The new 12-team format allows for the five highest-ranked conference champions to make the cut, adding an extra layer of excitement to the championship games.
Understanding the Playoff Structure
In this revamped playoff format, first-round games will take place at campus sites, creating an electrifying atmosphere for fans and players alike. The four highest-seeded teams will benefit from first-round byes, allowing them to rest and prepare for the quarterfinals. The semifinals and finals will be hosted at bowl sites, culminating in the national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20.
With the final College Football Playoff rankings reveal set for December 8, anticipation is building among fans and teams alike. The projections following the Mountain West Championship provide a glimpse into what the playoff bracket might look like.
No. 1 seed – Oregon (Projected Big Ten champion)
This Saturday, Oregon will step onto the field for its first-ever Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Ducks have had an impressive inaugural season in the conference, and they’re set to face off against Penn State in a highly anticipated title match. Ending the regular season as the last undefeated team in FBS after a commanding victory over Washington, Oregon is eager to secure the No. 1 seed in the playoff bracket.
No. 2 seed – Texas (Projected SEC champion)
Meanwhile, Texas is gearing up for its first SEC Championship after a decisive win over Texas A&M in the Lone Star Showdown. The Longhorns are preparing for a high-stakes rematch against Georgia, with a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff hanging in the balance. Texas showcased a dominant defensive performance last week, limiting the Aggies to just a single score, which has propelled them into this crucial matchup.
No. 3 seed – SMU (Projected ACC champion)
In a surprising twist, SMU has emerged as the highest-ranked ACC team this season, making them the projected conference champion. The Mustangs are set to compete in their league championship on Saturday after a stellar regular season, finishing ACC play undefeated with a commanding 38-6 win over Cal. Facing Clemson in Charlotte, SMU is determined to clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff.
No. 4 seed – Boise State (Mountain West champion)
With their recent victory, Boise State has become the first team to secure a berth in the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Broncos took control early in the Mountain West Championship, leading 21-0 at halftime before finishing with a 21-7 win over UNLV. This triumph positions Boise State favorably for a first-round bye, especially as both teams in the Big 12 Championship trail them in the rankings.
First-round matchups
As the playoff picture becomes clearer, here are some of the projected first-round matchups based on the latest rankings:
No. 12 seed Arizona State (Projected Big 12 champion) at No. 5 seed Penn State
The Sun Devils are set to make their first appearance in the Big 12 Championship after a dominant season, including a blowout win against in-state rival Arizona. They will face Iowa State in the title game, hoping to secure a spot in the playoff.
No. 9 seed Tennessee at No. 8 seed Ohio State
After a Rivalry Week victory over Vanderbilt, Tennessee has reached the 10-win mark and remains in contention for the playoff. Although they won’t be competing for the SEC title, their strong performance keeps them in the playoff conversation.
No. 10 seed Indiana at No. 7 seed Georgia
Despite questions surrounding their strength of schedule, Indiana demonstrated their potential with a commanding 66-0 victory over Purdue. They remain in the playoff conversation, while Georgia seeks to solidify their spot with a win in the SEC Championship.
No. 11 seed Alabama at No. 6 seed Notre Dame
Finally, Alabama finds itself on the playoff bubble after a recent victory in the Iron Bowl. They will be closely monitoring Championship Weekend to see if they can secure a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Notre Dame is riding a 10-game winning streak, positioning them well for a first-round home game.
First four out
The teams just missing the cut include:
Miami
Ole Miss
South Carolina
Iowa State
As Championship Week unfolds, the excitement is palpable. Who will emerge victorious and secure their place in the College Football Playoff? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: college football fans are in for a thrilling ride!
