The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee is gearing up for a pivotal few weeks as they face a pressing question: should they lean towards a 4-4 split or a 5-3 breakdown between the Big Ten and SEC? This isn’t about defensive strategies; it’s about the potential representation of teams from the two most powerful conferences in college football. As it stands, both the Big Ten and SEC have four teams each in the latest rankings, and the debate is heating up.
The stakes are high for both conferences. The SEC is eager to push for a fifth team, while the Big Ten is determined to protect its fourth spot. This tug-of-war will likely intensify unless Notre Dame steps in and alters the landscape by losing one of its final two games against Army or USC. Such a loss could shift the dynamics significantly.
As the committee deliberates, the performance of teams like Ohio State and Indiana will be under scrutiny. If Ohio State secures a win against Indiana this Saturday, the conversation will pivot towards the Hoosiers and the concepts of “brand bias” versus “brand-new” bias. Is there brand bias? Absolutely! Teams like Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, and Penn State have established themselves with multiple New Year’s Day Six appearances. Their track records matter when the committee evaluates the quality of play.
On the flip side, there’s the allure of brand-new bias. Indiana, under first-year coach Curt Cignetti, has become a captivating story. They could potentially upset the established order by defeating Ohio State, and college football fans are always eager to jump on a new bandwagon. After all, the last time Indiana triumphed over Ohio State, the hit song was “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin. The Hoosiers are certainly a team to watch.
As we approach the final weeks of the regular season, how these perceptions align with the committee’s decisions will be fascinating. It’s 2024, and fans from the SEC and Big Ten are on edge. Will they accept being sidelined by a one-loss Indiana team? The answer is likely no, especially for passionate supporters of teams like Tennessee and Ole Miss.
CFP Rankings bubble teams last two in for Week 13
No. 7 Alabama (8-2)
The Crimson Tide boasts a significant victory over Georgia, yet they also carry a loss to Tennessee, which currently sits outside the playoff picture. Despite this, Alabama leads the pack of two-loss teams with the best cumulative winning percentage against conference opponents. Their wins against Oklahoma and Auburn bolster their case as they vie for a playoff spot.
No. 10 Georgia (8-2)
The Bulldogs are back in the mix, but they need some assistance to avoid a mere first-round playoff appearance. The key for Georgia lies in their turnover management. In the four games where they committed fewer than two turnovers against FBS teams, they won by an impressive average of 16 points per game. However, their record drops to 3-2 in the other five games, highlighting the importance of ball security.
No. 9 Ole Miss (8-2)
The Rebels find themselves on the bubble, with Tennessee fans closely monitoring their situation. Ole Miss has a notable win against Georgia, but their loss to Kentucky—who only has one SEC victory—casts a shadow over their playoff aspirations. The pressure is on as they look to solidify their position.
College Football Playoff bubble teams for Week 13
No. 11 Tennessee (8-2)
Currently on the outside looking in, Tennessee’s resume includes a head-to-head victory against Alabama. As the only SEC playoff contender to face both Alabama and Georgia, their strength of schedule should resonate more with the committee. Yet, it appears that their efforts may not be getting the recognition they deserve.
No. 15 Texas A&M (8-2)
The Aggies are in control of their destiny regarding a spot in the SEC Championship game, but they rank sixth among SEC teams in the current standings. With a crucial road game against Auburn and a revival of the in-state rivalry with Texas on the horizon, Texas A&M has no room for mistakes if they hope to secure a playoff berth.
No. 16 Colorado (8-2)
The Buffaloes are gaining momentum and control their fate in the Big 12 championship race. With upcoming games against Kansas and Oklahoma State, Colorado has won their last four contests by an average of 19.3 points per game. Featuring standout players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, both of whom are Heisman Trophy contenders, Colorado is a team that could surprise in the postseason.
CFP Rankings vs. AP Top 25
As we head into Week 13, it’s essential to compare the initial College Football Playoff rankings with the AP Top 25. Here’s a snapshot of how the two lists align:
| RANK | CFP RANKINGS | AP TOP 25 |
| 1 | Oregon (11-0) | Oregon (11-0) |
| 2 | Ohio State (9-1) | Ohio State (9-1) |
| 3 | Texas (9-1) | Texas (9-1) |
| 4 | Penn State (9-1) | Penn State (9-1) |
| 5 | Indiana (10-0) | Indiana (10-0) |
| 6 | Notre Dame (9-1) | Notre Dame (9-1) |
| 7 | Alabama (8-2) | Alabama (8-2) |
| 8 | Miami (9-1) | Georgia (8-2) |
| 9 | Ole Miss (8-2) | Ole Miss (8-2) |
| 10 | Georgia (8-2) | Tennessee (8-2) |
| 11 | Tennessee (8-2) | Miami, Fla. (9-1) |
| 12 | Boise State (9-1) | Boise State (9-1) |
| 13 | SMU (9-1) | SMU (9-1) |
| 14 | BYU (9-1) | BYU (9-1) |
| 15 | Texas A&M (8-2) | Texas A&M (8-2) |
| 16 | Colorado (8-2) | Colorado (8-2) |
| 17 | Clemson (8-2) | Clemson (8-2) |
| 18 | South Carolina (7-3) | Army (9-0) |
| 19 | Army (9-0) | South Carolina (7-3) |
| 20 | Tulane (9-2) | Tulane (9-2) |
| 21 | Arizona State (8-2) | Arizona State (8-2) |
| 22 | Iowa State (8-2) | Iowa State (8-2) |
| 23 | Missouri (7-3) | UNLV (8-2) |
| 24 | UNLV (8-2) | Illinois (7-3) |
| 25 | Illinois (7-3) | Washington State (8-2) |
As the season progresses, the excitement builds, and the debates rage on. Who will emerge from the chaos of the rankings? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: college football fans are in for a thrilling ride!
