College football playoff predictions indicate that Colorado, along with Georgia, is poised to secure a spot, while Tennessee and BYU may miss out. In just three weeks, the Buffaloes could be competing not only for the Big 12 title but also for the chance to be among the top-ranked conference champions.
The Buffaloes are part of one of the most fiercely contested leagues in college football, showcasing talents like Deion Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Shedeur Sanders. While Coach Prime stands out as one of the sport’s best promoters, alongside figures like Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds, it is Travis Hunter who truly makes a difference on the field.
Hunter’s performance distinguishes Colorado from its competitors. Currently, he ranks sixth nationally with 74 receptions, tied for eighth with nine receiving touchdowns, and sits 14th with 911 receiving yards. To put this in perspective, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith has recorded 49 catches for 865 yards and nine touchdowns. Defensively, Hunter is tied for third in the Big 12 with three interceptions, trailing Kansas corners Cobee Bryant (5) and Mello Dotson (4). Remarkably, against Utah, he became the first player in 25 years to achieve a rushing touchdown, 50 receiving yards, and an interception in a single game.
Fans should take a moment to appreciate Hunter’s highlight reel, as his college football career is nearing its end.
The question remains: will Hunter and the Buffaloes be featured in this year’s College Football Playoff? The anticipation builds!
Here are the latest CFP projections:
1. Oregon
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 11-0
2. Texas
Conference: SEC
Record: 9-1
3. SMU
Conference: ACC
Record: 9-1
4. Colorado
Conference: Big 12
Record: 8-2
5. Ohio State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 9-1
6. Indiana
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 10-0
7. Penn State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 9-1
8. Notre Dame
Conference: Independent
Record: 9-1
9. Alabama
Conference: SEC
Record: 8-2
10. Georgia
Conference: SEC
Record: 8-2
11. Ole Miss
Conference: SEC
Record: 8-2
12. Boise State
Conference: Mountain West
Record: 9-1
QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS
1. Oregon: Bye (would then play the winner of 8. Notre Dame vs. 9. Alabama)
2. Texas: Bye (would then play the winner of 7. Penn State vs. 10. Georgia)
3. SMU: Bye (would then play the winner of 6. Indiana vs. 11. Ole Miss)
4. Colorado: Bye (would then play the winner of 5. Ohio State vs. 12. Boise State)
FIRST-ROUND MATCHUPS
5. Ohio State (Big Ten championship runner-up) vs. 12. Boise State (highest-ranked Group of 5 champion)
The Buckeyes feature the nation’s top scoring defense, allowing just 10.3 points per game. Meanwhile, Boise State boasts the fourth-ranked scoring offense and has the standout tailback, Ashton Jeanty, who has rushed for 1,893 yards and 26 touchdowns this season. Jeanty is just 736 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.
Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty has rushed for 1,893 yards and 26 touchdowns this year. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
6. Indiana (one of the top-12 teams) vs. 11. Ole Miss (one of the top-12 teams)
7. Penn State (one of the top-12 teams) vs. 10. Georgia (one of the top-12 teams)
Georgia has shown it can excel against top-ranked teams, even in defeat. The Bulldogs clawed back from a 28-0 deficit against Alabama, showcasing their resilience. Their best defensive performance came against presumptive SEC champion Texas, while their offense shined against No. 7 Tennessee last Saturday.
If Georgia replicates the defensive prowess displayed against Texas and the offensive efficiency seen against Tennessee, James Franklin’s Penn State squad may struggle to keep pace. Penn State has been held without a touchdown in its sole matchup against a top-10 opponent this year.
Penn State QB Drew Allar is completing 71.9% of his passes for 2,253 yards and 16 touchdowns through 10 games this season. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
8. Notre Dame (one of the top-12 teams) vs. 9. Alabama (SEC championship runner-up)
This rematch of the 2020 Rose Bowl at Notre Dame Stadium promises to be one of the standout games in the new 12-team playoff format.
Alabama QB Jalen Milroe has thrown for 2,232 yards and rushed for 608 yards through 10 games this year. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)
