College football playoff predictions indicate that the Big Ten and SEC dominate eight of the twelve spots. This trend highlights the competitive landscape of college football, where quarterback performance often influences team success.
Carson Beck has an impressive 20-2 record as Georgia’s starting quarterback. However, recent outings show a troubling pattern, with 11 interceptions in his last five games, including three in each of the last two. The Georgia defense stepped up significantly against Texas and Florida, allowing the Bulldogs to secure victories despite Beck’s questionable choices.
Will Howard, the Ohio State quarterback, played a pivotal role in Kansas State’s victory over an undefeated Texas Christian team for the 2022 Big 12 Championship. Yet, his season has been marred by an infamous sliding decision that led to the Buckeyes’ only loss against Oregon. Additionally, Howard has thrown five interceptions this season, the highest among active FBS quarterbacks, yet Ohio State still managed to defeat Penn State by a narrow margin.
Drew Allar, with a 17-4 record as a starter for Penn State, finds himself in a challenging position as he seeks a signature win to solidify his status as QB1.
With these developments in mind, the updated College Football Playoff projections are as follows:
1. Oregon
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 9-0
2. Georgia
Conference: SEC
Record: 7-1
3. Miami (Fla.)
Conference: ACC
Record: 9-0
4. BYU
Conference: Big 12
Record: 8-0
5. Ohio State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 7-1
6. Texas
Conference: SEC
Record: 7-1
7. Indiana
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 9-0
8. Tennessee
Conference: SEC
Record: 7-1
9. Penn State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 7-1
10. Notre Dame
Conference: Independent
Record: 7-1
11. Alabama
Conference: SEC
Record: 6-2
12. Boise State
Conference: Mountain West
Record: 7-1
1. Oregon: Bye (would then play the winner of 8. Tennessee vs. 9. Penn State)
2. Georgia: Bye (would then play the winner of 7. Indiana vs. 10. Notre Dame)
3. Miami: Bye (would then play the winner of 6. Texas vs. 11. Alabama)
4. BYU: Bye (would then play the winner of 5. Ohio State vs. 12. Boise State)
5. Ohio State (Big Ten championship runner-up) vs. 12. Boise State (highest-ranked Group of 5 champion)
Ohio State’s recent triumph against Penn State reaffirmed their commitment to a championship-winning mindset. The Buckeyes have maintained a record of 7-1 or better for 13 consecutive seasons. Their only setback this year was a narrow one-point loss on the road to the top-ranked team, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level.
As the season progresses, anticipation builds for the Buckeyes to reach their peak performance. The team’s potential is likened to a high-performance race car ready for a crucial lap. The fans eagerly await to witness what a fully optimized roster can achieve.
Will Howard has played a significant role in leading Ohio State to a 7-1 record as the season approaches Week 11. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
6. Texas (SEC championship runner-up) vs. 11. Alabama (one of the top-12 teams)
This matchup could be viewed as the Steve Sarkisian Bowl, given his history as Alabama’s offensive coordinator during their last national title run. However, it may also be seen as the Jalen Milroe Revenge Bowl, adding another layer of intrigue to this clash.
7. Indiana (one of the top-12 teams) vs. 10. Notre Dame (one of the top-12 teams)
This game could be billed as the Indiana State Championship, taking place in Bloomington. Alumni will have the chance to visit Hep’s Rock instead of a fancy NFL stadium, enhancing the local college football experience.
Kurtis Rourke has contributed significantly to Indiana’s perfect 9-0 record this season. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
8. Tennessee (one of the top-12 teams) vs. 9. Penn State (one of the top-12 teams)
In a matchup that has shifted throughout the season, Penn State would visit Neyland Stadium for what could be an exciting non-conference clash. A noteworthy aspect for Penn State is that they are not among the top five teams in the nation.
As a top-10 team, Penn State’s challenges against top-five opponents are evident, with head coach James Franklin holding a 1-13 record in such matchups. This trend raises questions about their ability to perform against elite competition.
Penn State’s head coach James Franklin faces scrutiny with a 1-13 record against AP top-five opponents. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
