ESPN has projected the 12-team College Football Playoff field after Week 12, and there are some notable shifts in playoff predictions from last weekend. This comes just before the third reveal of the rankings on Tuesday night, igniting excitement among fans and analysts alike.
Oregon Leads the Pack
Oregon remains at the pinnacle of the playoff projections, thanks to a hard-fought 16-13 victory over Wisconsin. While it wasn’t the most glamorous win, the Ducks are sitting pretty at 11-0 as they head into the final two weeks of the season. However, it’s worth noting that they have yet to clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship due to tiebreakers. Still, Oregon controls its own destiny for the top seed, and that’s a powerful position to be in.
Texas Holds Steady
Texas, much like Oregon, didn’t look particularly dominant but secured a 20-10 win over Arkansas. For now, they are projected as the SEC champion and hold the No. 2 seed in the playoff rankings. However, with their recent loss, Texas faces an uphill battle to claim the top seed unless Oregon stumbles in the coming weeks. Time is running out, and the stakes are high.
Miami’s Unexpected Rise
In a surprising twist, Miami didn’t even take the field this past weekend but still managed to climb a spot in the playoff projections. This shift occurred due to movement involving the fourth best conference champion. Now, Miami is eyeing a potentially favorable quarterfinal matchup against the winner of the Georgia-Penn State clash, which adds an intriguing layer to the playoff bracket.
BYU’s Fall from Grace
Unfortunately for BYU, their playoff hopes took a hit after a disappointing loss to Kansas, a team that isn’t bowl eligible at the moment. The Cougars dropped nine spots in the projections, despite being a conference champion. This loss has opened the door for Arizona State and Colorado, both of whom now have a chance to make a run for the Big 12 Championship. BYU’s bad loss could leave them well below the at-large teams, with Ohio State currently leading that pack.
Georgia vs. Penn State: A Clash for Supremacy
As the playoff picture unfolds, the impending showdown between Georgia and Penn State is generating buzz. Which conference reigns supreme? The SEC or the Big Ten? This matchup will provide a crucial test for Georgia as they navigate the intense atmosphere of a white-out game at Penn State. Will the Bulldogs emerge victorious, or will the Nittany Lions pull off an upset?
Alabama and Notre Dame on the Rise
Both Alabama and Notre Dame made strides in the playoff projections this week. Alabama dominated Mercer with a resounding 52-7 victory, keeping their SEC Championship Game hopes alive. Meanwhile, Notre Dame showcased their strength by overpowering Virginia, solidifying their position in the playoff race. Could a potential matchup between Alabama and Texas be on the horizon? That would certainly add some spice to the playoffs!
Group of Five Standouts
Switching gears to the Group of Five, Boise State has emerged as the top-ranked champion, overtaking BYU in the playoff projections. If Boise State continues to win, they are poised to secure a top-four seed. However, the landscape could shift dramatically if Army manages to go undefeated, setting the stage for a captivating debate over the G5 representative.
Indiana’s Momentum
Indiana is also making waves, moving up a spot in the playoff projections after reaching 10-0. They are heading into a bye week, but their upcoming matchup against Ohio State will be a significant test. A win could propel them even higher in the rankings, making it a must-watch game for college football fans.
Ole Miss Joins the Fray
In a surprising turn of events, Ole Miss has made it into the 12-team playoff field this week. With a recent win over Georgia, they are in a position to improve their seeding. However, with two losses under their belt, the Rebels must tread carefully as they navigate the final weeks of the season.
First Four Out
As the playoff picture continues to evolve, here are the teams currently on the outside looking in:
Tennessee
SMU
Colorado
Clemson
Next Four Out
The following teams are also in contention but face an uphill battle to break into the playoff field:
Arizona State
Texas A&M
Iowa State
South Carolina
Group of Five Power Rankings
Finally, here’s a look at the current Group of Five power rankings:
1. Boise State
2. Tulane
3. Army
4. UNLV
5. Louisiana
As we move closer to the playoff selection, the excitement is palpable. Teams are fighting tooth and nail for their chance at glory, and every game counts. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? The answers are just around the corner!
