This college football season has been unlike any other. But what it comes down to will be as exciting as ever. As it stands after week fifteen, here are my College Football Playoff predictions.
1. Alabama
Alabama seems to be as close to a lock as a team can be. Unless they get handily destroyed in the SEC Championship game, it looks like they have locked up their spot in the playoff.
2. Ohio State
Ohio State nearly wasn’t going to play in the Big Ten Championship game, but after the minimum game requirement was waived, they have a good shot to reach the College Football Playoff. Their seed will be determined largely by the ACC Championship game. If Ohio State were to lose to Northwestern, that would open the door for Texas A&M or another outside contender to slide into the number four slot.
3. Notre Dame
After beating Clemson earlier in the season, Notre Dame is in a great position to visit the Playoff for the first time since 2018. Even if they lose to Clemson in the ACC championship, it could still be argued that they deserve to be one of the top four teams in the country. The only way I see them missing the playoff is if they get completely clobbered by Clemson.
4. Clemson
Clemson is in a bit of a pickle this season because they NEED to win the ACC championship… but they don’t. Nobody outside of the committee knows what happens in those meetings that determine who will fight for a National Championship and who gets a nice consolation bowl game. Therefore, it is just guesswork as to whether or not Clemson could reach the playoff with another loss to Notre Dame. Needless to say, with a win Clemson will be in the College Football Playoff.
Other Contenders
Texas A&M - With Florida nearly out of contention after their loss to LSU, Texas A&M has a chance to reach the playoff. Although they really need to dominate Tennessee if they want a real, solid chance. They need Clemson and Florida to both lose handily for them to slide into the number four slot.
Cincinnati - In order for Cincinnati to reach the playoff, they would need a crazy set of scenarios. Clemson would have to lose by a lot, Texas A&M would have to lose, and they would have to win their conference championship over Tulsa handily.
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