Georgia remains part of College Football Playoff bracket projection despite loss
Georgia’s recent setback against Mississippi won’t prevent them from securing a spot in the College Football Playoff as an at-large selection. If this happens, Tennessee will be knocked out, and Ole Miss will earn a place in the 12-team field. This Saturday’s showdown between Georgia and the Volunteers will serve as one of the most pivotal regular-season matchups left in the Power Four.
Despite both teams having identical records heading into the postseason, Ole Miss would have the edge over Tennessee, thanks to the outcome of their respective games against Georgia. Meanwhile, Texas has emerged as the frontrunner in the SEC, although the Longhorns have yet to secure a victory over a ranked opponent. Their upcoming game against Texas A&M will play a crucial role in determining which teams earn a shot at the conference title and a first-round playoff bye.
In the ACC, Miami remains at the top despite a loss to Georgia Tech. The Hurricanes are on track to face SMU in the conference championship, a game that will likely be a win-or-go-home scenario, with the loser falling out of playoff contention. If Miami falters again this month, Clemson could take their place.
College Football Playoff Projection
With November winding down, the landscape of the College Football Playoff field is starting to solidify, though surprises are still possible. The Big 12 is expected to send just one team to the playoff. Brigham Young may have a slim chance at an at-large bid if they finish 12-0 but lose the conference championship to a team with two or three losses, potentially damaging their playoff hopes.
Miami’s loss has significantly reduced the likelihood of the ACC sending two teams. However, if chaos ensues in the Big Ten and SEC, the opportunity remains for the Hurricanes, Mustangs, or Tigers to claim the conference’s sole spot. The Big 12 and ACC will each likely send one team, while Notre Dame and Boise State will also be in the mix, leaving the SEC and Big Ten to split the remaining playoff spots.
Currently, the most probable split appears to be four teams from the Big Ten—Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State, and Indiana—and four teams from the SEC—Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Teams to Watch
Louisiana-Lafayette
Since a close loss to Tulane in September, Louisiana has rattled off six consecutive wins, including victories over Wake Forest and three potential bowl teams from the Sun Belt: Texas State, Coastal Carolina, and Arkansas State. The Ragin’ Cajuns are set to enter the conference championship with an 11-1 record, positioning them to potentially finish atop the Group of Five, though they’ll need significant help from the American Athletic and Mountain West conferences.
Colorado
In a stunning turn of events, Colorado is on track to compete for the Big 12 title, with upcoming games against Utah, Kansas, and Oklahoma State. Their toughest challenge will come against Kansas on the road, especially considering the Jayhawks’ recent strong performances. However, losses to Nebraska and Kansas State have already eliminated Colorado’s chances of earning an at-large bid.
Clemson
Clemson’s at-large playoff hopes are nearly nonexistent, but there’s still a slim chance if they defeat Pittsburgh and South Carolina, coupled with chaotic results in the Big Ten and SEC. More realistically, the Tigers need to secure a win against the Panthers and rely on Miami to lose to either Wake Forest or Syracuse.
UNLV
UNLV remains a contender in the Mountain West race, despite a loss to Boise State. The Rebels still have a path to the conference championship, as they can catch up with Colorado State, the only other unbeaten team in the league, provided the Rams lose once and the Rebels win out. If no direct tiebreaker is available, the league will determine the champion based on playoff rankings or, if both teams are unranked, a comparison of metrics, both of which favor UNLV.
