As the college football landscape continues to shift dramatically, it has become increasingly evident that a record of 9-3 may not secure a spot in this year’s College Football Playoff (CFP). Week 13 brought unexpected results, particularly among teams from the SEC, leaving projections in disarray.
Alabama faced a surprising setback, suffering a 24-3 loss on the road to Oklahoma. This defeat marked the Crimson Tide’s second significant loss this season, following their earlier defeat to Vanderbilt. Historically, the CFP Selection Committee has favored Alabama, but this performance may test their loyalty, raising doubts about Alabama’s chances for a playoff bid.
Similar concerns arise for Ole Miss, which also stumbled against Florida, losing 24-17. This result likely diminishes their chances of claiming a CFP spot, especially after benefitting from a head-to-head win over Georgia—a significant factor that may no longer hold weight in the committee’s evaluation.
Amidst this chaos, Georgia managed to clinch a place in the SEC Championship Game by defeating UMass while other teams were struggling. They will now prepare to meet the victor of the upcoming Texas vs. Texas A&M game in Atlanta.
Texas A&M, meanwhile, has also encountered challenges this season, as they succumbed to a heart-wrenching 43-41 defeat in four overtimes against Auburn, marking their third loss. Although their hopes as an at-large team may have faded, they retain the possibility of claiming the SEC championship, which would guarantee a spot in the playoffs—provided they can overcome formidable opponents like Texas and Georgia.
As it stands, Alabama is projected to be the first team outside the anticipated playoff bracket, while SMU emerges as a potential last-in contender alongside Clemson. The upcoming committee rankings will be closely scrutinized, especially regarding Alabama’s placement.
On another note, fifth-ranked Indiana suffered a tough defeat against Ohio State, losing 38-15. However, despite the loss, Indiana’s playoff prospects seem cautiously optimistic with uncertainty surrounding other contenders.
The quarterfinal matchups for the College Football Playoff have been outlined, including featured games such as Ohio State facing off against the winner of a lower seed, and Georgia defending against other potential challengers. With bowl eligibility becoming a hot topic, there are currently 77 teams with a chance for one of the 82 available postseason spots, indicating the possibility of extending bowl games to accommodate all qualifying teams.
In summary, the season’s climax is approaching, with numerous teams vying for playoff positions and bowl eligibility. The volatility of the standings keeps fans on the edge of their seats, while the selection committee’s decisions will undoubtedly have lasting implications for the future of college football.
This season has proven that anything can happen in college football, and while some teams face daunting prospects ahead, there’s also the potential for unexpected comebacks and thrilling matchups in the postseason. Fans can look forward to an exciting finish as the championship races heat up!