The College Football Playoff (CFP) has entered its crucial phase, with the committee revealing its final projections on Tuesday. This marks a pivotal moment before Selection Sunday, when the definitive rankings and the twelve-team playoff bracket will be announced.
This year’s bowl season promises to deliver an exciting twist, particularly given some surprising upsets last weekend involving teams like Miami and Ohio State. The latest rankings shine a light on the competitive landscape of college football heading into the postseason.
The top projected teams are as follows:
1. Oregon (12-0)*
2. Texas (11-1)*
3. Penn State (11-1)
4. Notre Dame (11-1)
5. Georgia (10-2)
6. Ohio State (10-2)
7. Tennessee (10-2)
8. SMU (10-2)*
9. Indiana (11-1)
10. Boise State (11-1)*
11. Alabama (9-3)
12. Miami (10-2)
Notably, Miami and Ole Miss were left just outside the projected playoff teams. Both teams showcased strong performances this season, yet neither will participate in their respective conference championships, leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
As the college football landscape continues to shift, Alabama’s strong performance against ranked teams has given them an edge in the rankings over Miami, despite having three losses. This illustrates the committee’s focus on comparative strength of schedule and performance over simple win-loss records.
Looking ahead, the CFP is scheduled to unfold its exciting playoff schedule:
– **First Round:**
– Game 1: December 20, 8 p.m.
– Game 2: December 21, 12 p.m.
– Game 3: December 21, 4 p.m.
– Game 4: December 21, 8 p.m.
– **Quarterfinals:**
– Fiesta Bowl: December 31, 7:30 p.m.
– Peach Bowl: January 1, 1 p.m.
– Rose Bowl: January 1, 5 p.m.
– Sugar Bowl: January 1, 8:45 p.m.
– **Playoff Semifinals:**
– Orange Bowl: January 9, 7:30 p.m.
– Cotton Bowl: January 10, 7:30 p.m.
– **National Championship:** January 20, 7:30 p.m.
Fans and analysts eagerly await the final selection show on December 8, which will confirm the matchups and set the stage for this newly formatted playoff system. As teams gear up for an electrifying postseason, the expanded format could bring unprecedented excitement to college football, providing more teams an opportunity to compete for the championship and captivating fans nationwide.
In summary, this year’s playoff is set for a thrilling revelation and creates a hopeful environment where more teams will have the chance to shine on college football’s biggest stage.