We expanded the four-team College Football Playoff to 12 teams, and one of the main reasons was to shake up the postseason landscape. For too long, we’ve seen the same familiar faces dominating the playoff picture. This year, however, the stage is set for some fresh contenders, and it’s exciting to see how the rankings will unfold.
As we look ahead to the first set of rankings, five unbeaten teams are making waves in the FBS. Oregon (9-0) is poised to claim the top spot after a stellar performance, but it’s not the only team that’s turning heads. Indiana (9-0) is also undefeated in the Big Ten, while Miami (9-0) remains perfect in the ACC. BYU (8-0) stands as the lone unbeaten in the Big 12, and Army (8-0) is the last unbeaten team from the Group of 5. The question lingers: Did we expand the playoff just to allow the usual suspects to sneak in again?
Projected College Football Playoff first-round matchups
Let’s dive into the projected first-round matchups as we gear up for Week 11 of the college football season.
No. 12 Boise State (7-1, Mountain West champion) at No. 5 Ohio State (7-1, Big Ten at-large)
Ohio State has emerged as the highest at-large team after a gritty 20-13 victory over Penn State. The Buckeyes showcased their strength with 176 rushing yards and a crucial fourth-quarter goal-line stand. Meanwhile, Boise State’s quarterback Maddux Madsen shined with his first 300-yard game of the season in a 56-24 rout of San Diego State. If these two teams meet, Boise State will undoubtedly be the underdog, but it will be fascinating to see how they stack up against Ohio State’s elite defense.
No. 11 Alabama (6-2, SEC at-large) at No. 6 Texas (7-1, SEC at-large)
In a matchup that fans are eager to see, Texas and Alabama will face off, even though they don’t meet in the regular season. Alabama, the highest-ranked two-loss team, is looking to prove its worth, especially with a crucial game against LSU on the horizon. This matchup will be pivotal for both teams, particularly for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, who has a history with Alabama.
No. 10 Notre Dame (7-1, Independent) at No. 7 Penn State (7-1, Big Ten at-large)
Notre Dame is still in the hunt for an at-large berth, thanks to a friendly schedule ahead. Their defense has been stellar, allowing just 12.2 points per game. Penn State, coming off a tough loss to Ohio State, will need to regroup quickly if they want to secure a first-round home game.
No. 9 Indiana (9-0, Big Ten at-large) at No. 8 Tennessee (7-1, SEC at-large)
Indiana is making history with its first 9-0 start, thanks to a dominant 47-10 win over Michigan State. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke returned from injury and led the charge. If they face Tennessee, it promises to be a thrilling matchup, especially with both teams looking to solidify their playoff positions.
How the committee will evaluate unbeaten teams
As we await the rankings, the committee’s perspective on unbeaten teams will be crucial. One key question is: How many one-loss SEC teams will be ranked ahead of Miami? Texas and Georgia have had their share of close calls but have managed to escape unscathed. Miami, on the other hand, has faced criticism for not playing ranked opponents this season. Will the committee favor the Hurricanes over the likes of Texas and Georgia?
What will the ranking disparity be with BYU?
BYU, the only unbeaten team in the Big 12, will also be under scrutiny. The automatic bid for the Big 12 champion means that BYU’s ranking could be pivotal for the conference. With Iowa State and Kansas State suffering losses to unranked opponents, BYU might find itself around No. 10. This could potentially limit the Big 12 to just one playoff bid.
Will Indiana or Notre Dame be ranked higher?
Another intriguing storyline is the potential ranking of Indiana versus Notre Dame. With both teams in the mix, the committee will have a tough decision to make. Indiana’s solid record against winning teams contrasts with Notre Dame’s loss to Northern Illinois, making this a classic case of “switch the uniforms and rank them.”
Projected College Football Playoff bubble teams
As we analyze the landscape, several teams are on the bubble, looking to secure their spot in the playoffs.
SMU (8-1, ACC)
SMU is making a strong case for inclusion, especially after Clemson’s recent loss. With a commanding victory over Pitt, the Mustangs are in a prime position to challenge for an ACC bid.
Texas A&M (7-2, SEC)
Texas A&M faced a setback with a loss to South Carolina, highlighting their struggles this season. With crucial games ahead, they need to bounce back quickly.
LSU (6-2, SEC)
Brian Kelly’s squad is still in contention but needs a strong performance against Alabama to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Ole Miss (7-2, SEC)
Don’t count Ole Miss out just yet! After a dominant win over Arkansas, they’re back in the conversation, and with star performances from players like Jaxson Dart, they could make a late push.
As we approach the first rankings, the excitement is palpable. With so many unbeaten teams and intriguing matchups on the horizon, this season promises to be one for the ages. Will the new playoff format deliver the fresh faces we’ve been craving, or will the traditional powers continue to dominate? Time will tell, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
