With the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I College Football regular season coming to a close, the College Football Playoff is fast approaching. Although there are less than ten teams with a realistic shot at clinching one of the four coveted playoff spots at this point, a lot could happen in the coming weeks that could shuffle the rankings mightily. So, who are the teams with a realistic shot?
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is loaded as always with the University of Georgia sitting atop the rankings. The Bulldogs are the defending national champions and have not missed a beat this season. After losing 15 players in the National Football League (NFL) Draft, the team has looked just as good, if not better. Finishing the season at 12-0, the Bulldogs are locked in and ready to make a run at another championship. Other teams in this conference with a slight chance are the University of Tennessee Volunteers and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. However, these two are likely eliminated. Both teams have two losses, and neither have an opportunity to win the conference championship. They will need a lot of luck on their side in order to reach the Playoff.
The Big Ten has two true contenders in the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State University Buckeyes. The Wolverines seem to have locked themselves into the Playoff after a big-time blowout of the Buckeyes this past weekend, 45-23. For the opposition, this loss likely pushes the Buckeyes out of the playoff picture for now. While the odds are stacked against them, if one or two teams lose their game on championship weekend, they could find themselves back in the top four.
When it comes to the Big 12, the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs have carried the conference. Their undefeated season has come as a shocker, but nonetheless, they have deservedly found their way into playoff contention. After a dominant win over Iowa State this past weekend, TCU will move into the top three. However, their game against Kansas State University in the Big 12 championship game is crucial for their playoff hopes. For TCU, it’s win and they’re in.
Head coach Lincoln Riley and young quarterback Caleb Williams did not need any time to adjust after leaving Oklahoma to join the University of Southern California Trojans prior to this season. While the defense has been spotty, the offense has been electrifying. With help from the Michigan Wolverines, the Trojans have leap frogged their way back into the top four. At 11-1, the only real blemish on their résumé is a one-point loss to a great Utah team and they can get their revenge this upcoming weekend when they’ll get a rematch against Utah in the Pac-12 championship. If this team can earn the Pac-12 crown, then they are a shoe in for the Playoff.
Although two teams have clinched a playoff berth, there’s still two other spots up for grabs. With championship weekend on its way, this gives the remaining contenders a chance to finalize their résumés and hoist their conference championship trophy. Even though there’s only one game left before the postseason, the rankings can change quickly.
