College football playoff predictions indicate that the Big Ten and SEC continue to dominate the field, showcasing their strength and competitiveness.
Texas, fresh off a well-deserved bye week and boasting a victory over a ranked Michigan team now sitting at No. 24 in the AP Top 25 Poll, has ascended to the No. 1 spot. This shift underscores a key college football adage: on any given Saturday, any team can face unexpected challenges.
Arkansas can swiftly transform the Volunteers into a mere red solo cup. Texas A&M has the potential to catch a Mizzou Tiger by its toe, and when it yells, they can lock it in a figure four. Meanwhile, Alabama can find itself unexpectedly outmatched by the Commodores.
Some might call them Vander-BUILT—a formidable force. They stand tall, challenging Alabama and asking, “Is this your king?”
“Thou wast born of woman. But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn, Brandished by man that’s of a woman born.” This quote from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” resonates in the context of this season.
While Vanderbilt may face a fate akin to Macbeth’s, fans will remember the dreams fulfilled on that October 5 date.
Alabama, currently ranked seventh in the AP Top 25 Poll, faces scrutiny after a shocking loss to Vanderbilt. This defeat raises eyebrows, especially since no one expects a team to lose to Cornelius.
This loss only magnifies Georgia’s earlier defeat to Alabama. Notably, Vanderbilt has previously lost to Mizzou and Georgia State. Mizzou, in turn, fell to Texas A&M, which lost to Notre Dame, who then lost to Northern Illinois.
It’s also significant that Vanderbilt had never beaten a No. 1 or No. 5 team until this past weekend. As a result, the upcoming Tennessee vs. Alabama game on October 19 has transformed into a crucial playoff play-in scenario. This sentiment extends to Alabama’s future matchups against Mizzou, LSU, and Oklahoma.
Super Conference bias remains strong
Last week, the AP Top 25 Poll featured nine SEC teams, five of which were in the top 10. The Big Ten was not far behind, with seven teams, four of which also made the top 10. Together, these two conferences accounted for 16 teams in the rankings.
Even after a week filled with intense college football action, nine teams from the SEC and six from the Big Ten remain in the top 25.
The Big 12 and ACC may find it challenging to secure a second team in the 12-team playoff when the selection committee convenes.
The CFP is wide open
With Texas as the last undefeated team in the SEC and nine SEC teams still among the top 25, a 10-2 SEC team is likely to make the playoff.
Texas A&M’s victory over Missouri has reignited Notre Dame’s playoff hopes, as that win now looks even more impressive. Texas A&M also enters the CFP conversation.
Now, let’s examine the second set of CFP projections for the 2024 college football season:
1. Ohio State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 5-0
2. Texas
Conference: SEC
Record: 5-0
3. Miami (Fla.)
Conference: ACC
Record: 6-0
4. Iowa State
Conference: Big 12
Record: 5-0
5. Oregon
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 5-0
6. Georgia
Conference: SEC
Record: 4-1
7. Penn State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 5-0
8. Clemson
Conference: ACC
Record: 4-1
9. BYU
Conference: Big 12
Record: 5-0
10. Tennessee
Conference: SEC
Record: 4-1
11. Oklahoma
Conference: SEC
Record: 4-1
12. Boise State
Conference: Mountain West
Record: 4-1
With the projected seeding established, the first-round matchups are shaping up:
1. Ohio State: Bye (would then play the winner of 8. Clemson vs. 9. BYU)
2. Texas: Bye (would then play the winner of 7. Penn State vs. 10. Tennessee)
3. Miami: Bye (would then play the winner of 6. Georgia vs. 11. Oklahoma)
4. Iowa State: Bye (would then play the winner of 5. Oregon vs. 12. Boise State)
5. Oregon (Big Ten championship runner-up) vs. 12. Boise State (highest-ranked Group of 5 champion)
This matchup promises excitement, reminiscent of their thrilling Week 2 clash. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty charged through Oregon’s defense like a blue shell in a Mario Kart race, racking up 192 rushing yards. Despite the close score of 37-34 in favor of the Ducks, Jeanty remains a standout player to watch.
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty leads all FBS running backs with 1,031 rushing yards through the first six weeks of the season. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
6. Georgia (SEC championship runner-up) vs. 11. Oklahoma (one of the top-12 teams)
7. Penn State (one of the top-12 teams) vs. 10. Tennessee (one of the top-12 teams)
This clash of programs is particularly exciting, as both have much to gain from an extended playoff format. The matchup serves as a showcase for SEC and Big Ten pride, providing a platform for each conference to assert its dominance.
Penn State has the No. 3-ranked rushing offense in the Big Ten through six weeks, averaging 217.8 yards per game. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
8. BYU (Big 12 championship runner-up) vs. 9. Clemson (ACC championship runner-up)
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik helped guide the Tigers to a 4-1 record and the No. 10 ranking in the latest AP Top 25 Poll. (Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
