The recent Saturday of college football featured several unexpected outcomes that are set to significantly alter the College Football Playoff Rankings before the final list is released on Tuesday.
Notably, South Carolina achieved a stunning victory over Clemson, Michigan triumphed against Ohio State, and Syracuse mounted a remarkable comeback to defeat Miami, all of which are poised to affect the fifth College Football Playoff rankings.
Currently, projections suggest the following playoff bracket:
1. Oregon (Big Ten Champion)
2. Texas (SEC Champion)
3. SMU (ACC Champion)
4. Boise State (Best Group of 5 Champion)
In the opening round, matchups could include:
– No. 12 South Carolina vs. No. 5 Penn State
– No. 11 Arizona State vs. No. 6 Notre Dame
– No. 10 Indiana vs. No. 7 Georgia
– No. 9 Ohio State vs. No. 8 Tennessee
Michigan’s recent victory against Ohio State extends their winning streak against the Buckeyes to four games. This defeat significantly impacts Ohio State’s playoff hopes, as they will no longer compete in the Big Ten championship game, paving the way for Penn State after their win over Maryland.
Syracuse’s comeback against Miami, where they rallied from a 21-point deficit, resulted in Miami’s second loss of the season, removing them from ACC title contention and allowing Clemson to step into that role. Miami’s losses to unranked teams, particularly Georgia Tech and Syracuse, place their playoff position in jeopardy.
Clemson’s defeat to South Carolina further complicates their playoff aspirations, as the three-loss Tigers might miss out on a first-round bye, even with a potential conference championship win, especially if SMU captures the ACC title.
Meanwhile, Alabama secured a victory over Auburn, solidifying their credentials for a playoff spot, despite facing three losses this season. Both Alabama and South Carolina have multiple victories against ranked opponents, in contrast to Miami, who has not faced any Top 25 teams this fall—a factor that could weigh heavily in the selection committee’s at-large decisions.
On a positive note, Notre Dame maintained their playoff hopes with a decisive road win against USC, while Arizona State triumphed in a dominant 49-7 victory over Arizona and will progress to the Big 12 title game. Their performance could position them well for potential at-large consideration, especially with Boise State expected to claim a top-four spot.
Texas’s victory over Texas A&M has earned them a spot in the SEC championship game against Georgia, and Indiana boosted their chances with a significant win over Purdue.
Overall, the college football landscape is proving to be thrilling and unpredictable, making the upcoming playoff selections an event to watch closely. It’s a reminder of the season’s excitement and the potential for teams to rise to the occasion when faced with challenges.