Conference championship weekend has wrapped up, and the College Football Playoff picture is starting to take shape. While the final rankings will still hold significant weight, we now have a clearer understanding of what to expect as we head into the playoff selection.
The Top 4 Seeds
1. Oregon (Big Ten Champion): The Ducks have proven themselves as the team to beat, showcasing their dominance by jumping out to a quick 28-10 lead against Penn State in the championship game. With a final score that secured their unbeaten record, there’s no question Oregon will claim the top overall seed when the rankings are revealed. They’ve earned a well-deserved first-round bye.
2. Georgia (SEC Champion): The Bulldogs are no strangers to pressure, especially in overtime situations. Their SEC Championship Game against Texas was a nail-biter, particularly after starting quarterback Carson Beck left the game due to injury. Yet, Georgia’s resilience shone through, bolstered by a strong defensive performance and the late-game heroics of running back Trevor Etienne. With this victory, Georgia also secures a first-round bye.
3. Boise State (Mountain West Champion): The Broncos made a statement in the Mountain West Championship Game, defeating UNLV with a solid 21-7 victory. This win not only clinched their playoff spot but also positioned them as the third-highest-ranked conference champion, earning them the No. 3 seed in the playoff bracket.
4. Arizona State (Big 12 Champion): The Sun Devils have been a force to reckon with, especially in the latter half of the season. Their Big 12 Championship Game against Iowa State showcased their offensive prowess. While they may not leapfrog Alabama in the rankings, they are projected to remain ahead of Clemson, securing a first-round bye as a top-four seed.
The At-Larges
As we look at the at-large bids, several teams have positioned themselves well for playoff contention. The final weekend of action solidified their standings and playoff hopes.
5. Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish had the luxury of watching from home, already assured of a playoff spot at 11-1. Ranked No. 4 in the previous CFP rankings, they are virtually guaranteed a home playoff game. Anything less would be a shocking upset.
6. Texas: The Longhorns fought valiantly against Georgia, pushing the game into overtime. However, they missed key opportunities, with quarterback Quinn Ewers struggling to find his rhythm. Despite the loss, Texas is expected to remain in a favorable position, likely hosting a first-round playoff game.
7. Ohio State: The Buckeyes complicated their playoff journey with a loss to Michigan in their regular-season finale. Nevertheless, their impressive resume, including victories over top-10 teams like Penn State and Indiana, should keep them in contention. Their narrow loss to Oregon won’t hurt their chances significantly, and they are projected to host a playoff game.
8. Penn State: The Nittany Lions faced a tough challenge against Oregon, falling behind early and ultimately running out of steam. However, because it was a conference championship loss, the impact on their ranking should be minimal. They are projected to host a first-round playoff game, but the committee’s decisions could see them slipping a bit.
9. Tennessee: Like Ohio State, Tennessee spent the weekend watching from home, comfortably in the playoff field. The question remains whether they can surpass Penn State in the rankings, which could determine whether they host or travel for their first playoff game.
10. Indiana: The Hoosiers narrowly missed out on a shot at the Big Ten Championship Game but are expected to secure a playoff spot as they were ranked No. 9 in the last CFP rankings. Although they may need to travel for their first-round matchup, their remarkable season has been commendable.
11. SMU: The Mustangs nearly pulled off a comeback against Texas, and while they fell short, their performance may have been enough to keep them in the playoff picture. They are projected as the last team in these rankings, but Selection Sunday could bring some nail-biting moments.
12. Clemson (ACC Champion): Clemson wasted no time in the ACC title game, jumping out to a significant lead. Their victory solidified their playoff spot, likely as the final seed due to their three losses and previous ranking.
First Four Out: Alabama, Miami, Ole Miss, South Carolina
The Projected Bracket
As we look ahead to the playoff matchups, here’s how we project the bracket to unfold:
No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Penn State
Winner faces No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl
No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Notre Dame
Winner faces No. 4 Arizona State in the Peach Bowl
No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Ohio State
Winner faces No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl
No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Texas
Winner faces No. 3 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl
With the playoff picture becoming clearer, fans are left buzzing with excitement. Who will rise to the occasion, and which teams will leave it all on the field? The road to the championship is just beginning, and it promises to be a thrilling ride!
