Another great Saturday has passed us by, nearly as good as the last, and things are continuing to take shape in the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff. Before the season started, many worried about the quality of the regular season with an expanded format, allowing for more room for error. However, this has already been one of the most fun regular seasons in recent memory, and with certain matchups on the horizon, as the season enters its final stretch, it will only get better. Here are this week's updated College Football Playoff Predictions.
Power Four Conference Champs:
SEC: Not much has changed since last week, as both Georgia and Texas won. However, the two did it in different ways. After falling behind 3-0 to Oklahoma, Texas rattled off 34 unanswered points in dominating fashion. For Georgia, its matchup with Mississippi State became more of a dogfight than anticipated. It's hard to compare the two teams at the moment, but fortunately, they play each other this week in Austin. Much more will be known about these teams next week, but Texas continues to look like the most consistent and best team in the conference. If I had to pick, they're who I expect to win the conference at the moment.
Big 10: Despite losing to Oregon on the road this week, my prediction remains unchanged. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Ohio State would still be a favorite on a neutral site over Oregon, even after last week's loss is factored in. If the two rematch, or whoever winds up in the Big 10 championship, I expect Ohio State to run the table and win the conference.
ACC: Similarly, my ACC pick remains unchanged. I think that Miami will finish the regular season undefeated, but Clemson has proven to this point that they are the best team in the conference. Once again, quarterback Cade Klubnik shined last week in a blowout victory over Wake Forest. Both teams will likely wind up in the CFP, but Clemson gets the bye.
Big 12: Once again, this conference could go in so many different directions. BYU could also win the conference, but I like the experience of Matt Campbell getting it done for the Cyclones and sending them to the CFP.
At-Large Bids:
SEC: With Texas winning the conference, I have Georgia making it as an at-large, as well as Alabama and Texas A&M. I battled with leaving Alabama in this week, as they've had uninspiring performances two weeks in a row, but ultimately, I don't think they lose two more games. As noted last week, Texas A&M is currently in a great spot and the final game when they host Texas could be one for the ages. LSU can make noise as well, but the Tigers still have to play Texas A&M and Alabama.
Big 10: Nothing changes here, as I still have Ohio State winning the conference. Both Oregon and Penn State had fantastic wins this past week and are near locks for the playoffs. USC falls further out of the picture.
Big 12: A little bit of a shake-up this week, but I think BYU will find itself in the College Football Playoff. Currently undefeated, I don't see a loss left on its schedule other than a Big 12 Championship game. Additionally, I think they will get some help from a Notre Dame slip-up along the way. Between playing both Army and Navy (both currently ranked), Georgia Tech and USC, I think someone will shock the Fighting Irish and end their CFP hopes.
Group of 5 Representative:
As much as I wanted to put Army or Navy in this spot, Boise State has the Heisman favorite and controls its own destiny. As long as the Broncos continue to win, they'll find themselves in the CFP. Even crazier, with a shake-up in the Big 12, they could even find themselves as the No. 4 seed. For now, I think they remain No. 12.
Rankings & Matchups:
1. Texas
2. Ohio State
3. Clemson
4. Iowa State
5. Oregon
6. Penn State
7. Georgia
8. Miami
9. Texas A&M
10. Alabama
11. BYU
12. Boise State
No. 12 Boise State @ No. 5 Oregon (rematch)
No. 11 BYU @ No. 6 Penn State
No. 10 Alabama @ No. 7 Georgia (rematch)
No. 9 Texas A&M @ No. 8 Miami
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