Dive into the potential College Football Playoff bracket as Michigan eyes its third consecutive playoff appearance, leaving Ohio State in need of a miracle. Explore the landscape, contenders, and projected outcomes after a thrilling victory.
College Football Playoff Projections Unveiled: Michigan’s Path to Glory and Ohio State’s Uphill Battle
Michigan stands on the precipice of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff for the third consecutive year, while Ohio State’s chances now hinge on a miracle after their recent defeat.
In a dramatic showdown, Michigan emerged victorious over Ohio State for the third season in a row. The game’s outcome hung in the balance until the final possession, ultimately sealed by a Kyle McCord interception, sealing the fate of the Buckeyes. Michigan’s record now stands at an impressive 12-0 (9-0) for the season, while Ohio State has dropped to 11-1 (8-1). With a 30-24 triumph over Ohio State, Michigan needs just one more win against Iowa in Indianapolis to secure a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff.
Michigan finds itself with arguably the smoothest path to the playoff, given Iowa’s struggle to score multiple offensive touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, other contenders such as Georgia, Washington, Florida State, and Texas face formidable challenges in their respective conferences.
As we enter the second viewing window of Saturday’s slate on rivalry weekend, only eight teams remain in contention for the playoff. In the Big Ten, both Michigan and, technically, Ohio State are still alive. Only Florida State remains in the ACC following Louisville’s loss to Kentucky. Texas is holding on in the Big Ten, while Alabama and Georgia are still vying for a spot from the SEC. The Pac-12 sees Oregon and Washington with a shot at making the playoff.
Let’s now explore what the College Football Playoff bracket could look like following Michigan’s pivotal victory.
College Football Playoff Projections After Ohio State’s Loss to Michigan
Assuming favorites prevail, here is the potential makeup of the four-team field, along with the first two teams narrowly missing out:
- Georgia Bulldogs (SEC Champions, 13-0)
- Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten Champions, 13-0)
- Washington Huskies (Pac-12 Champions, 13-0)
- Florida State Seminoles (ACC Champions, 13-0)
- Texas Longhorns (Big 12 Champions, 12-1)
- Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1, Big Ten East Runner-Up)
If Georgia overcomes Georgia Tech and Alabama consecutively in Atlanta, they secure the top seed. Michigan, with a win over Iowa in Indianapolis, would claim the second seed. Washington, victorious over Washington State and Oregon, would secure the third seed. Florida State, triumphant over Florida and Louisville in Charlotte, would clinch the fourth seed. All four teams would enter the playoff undefeated.
Texas would narrowly miss out as the fifth seed, with their only loss being to Oklahoma at Red River. Ohio State, likely the sixth seed, would face a three-loss Louisville Cardinals team in the Orange Bowl. Teams such as Alabama and Oregon would be excluded.
Currently, only four teams control their destiny in the playoff race: Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, and Washington, all poised to be 13-0, Power Five champions. Teams like Alabama, Oregon, and Texas could clinch conference championships but would require external assistance to secure a playoff spot at 12-1. As for Ohio State, their path to the playoff would necessitate absolute chaos and then some.
The stage is set for what could be the most unpredictable Selection Sunday in the history of the College Football Playoff.
Manchester United vs. Everton: Garnacho’s Sensational Goal and Premier League Showdown 2023
FAQs
Q1: How many times has Michigan made the College Football Playoff? A1: Michigan is on the verge of its third consecutive College Football Playoff appearance, pending the outcome of the upcoming games.
Q2: What is Ohio State’s playoff outlook after the recent defeat to Michigan? A2: Ohio State faces a challenging path to the playoff, needing a combination of favorable results and external factors to secure a spot in the coveted four-team field.
Q3: Why does Michigan have an advantage in the playoff race? A3: Michigan’s strong position is attributed to their 12-0 record and a convincing victory over Ohio State. Additionally, their upcoming game against Iowa could solidify their spot in the College Football Playoff.
Q4: Which teams are still in contention for the playoff in other conferences? A4: Teams such as Georgia, Washington, Florida State, Texas, Alabama, and Oregon are still alive in their respective conferences, with playoff implications hinging on upcoming matchups.
Q5: How many teams control their destiny in the College Football Playoff race? A5: Currently, four teams—Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, and Washington—have the opportunity to control their destiny by potentially securing undefeated, Power Five championship seasons.
Q6: What scenarios could lead to a historic Selection Sunday in the College Football Playoff? A6: The playoff landscape is poised for unpredictability, with potential upsets, conference championship outcomes, and intricate tiebreakers contributing to what could be the craziest Selection Sunday in College Football Playoff history.