The Playoff Picture

[hookemhorb]

It's never too early to start talking about playoffs. Here are my thoughts.

The Shoo-ins
These are teams that look real good, so far. They could stumble and still make it.

Ohio State
Miami
Georgia
Florida State

Both Miami and Florida State are in the same conference but barring injuries or a collapse, I think both will make it.

The Definite Maybes
These are teams that have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs but could stumble because of their schedule. There is still a lot of football left to play. I'm guessing two or three of these will make the playoffs.

LSU - An SEC team with a decent shot of making the playoffs. They need a little more offense if they are going to make it which is surprising since Nussmeier is an experienced QB.
Oregon - A Big X contender. It'll be between them and Penn State. We'll find out at the end of the month which one of these will have the edge.
Penn State - A Big X contender. It'll be between them and Oregon. We'll find out at the end of the month which one of these will have the edge.
texas a&m - They've played pretty good, but their November swoon is no secret.
ouSux - Another SEC team that has got to win conference games if they want to make it. Tough schedule.
Iowa State - the Big 12 is up in the air this year. I'm picking the team with an experienced QB.
Utah - the Big 12 is up in the air this year. I'm not sure who it will be.
Georgia Tech - Arnold gives them a chance. Georgia is the only ranked team left on their schedule. They have make the CCG and look good to be the 2nd ACC team.
Vanderbuilt - Pavia gives them a puncher's chance, but I'm expecting them to fall to Has Beens.
Ole Miss - They have issues but someone has to be the 3rd SEC team. They have a shot, but have to win 2 of their 3 games against a ranked opponent.

The Razor's Edge
These are teams that are on the edge of the playoffs. They've lost a game or two and need to finish strong.

Texas - not hitting on all cylinders are will be playing some tough teams. Can probably lose another game, but that's all.
Notre Dame - Let's see what the committee does if a team losses to 2 ranked teams that may make the playoffs. This will be interesting to watch, but they have to win the rest.
Tennessee - Their loss to Georgia was expected and it was close, but they forgot to play Defense. 3 SEC teams will make it to the playoffs. Will they be one of them.
Alabama - It could happen because we all know nothing is a given in the SEC.

The Pretenders
These teams are ranked but really haven't played anyone. I guess they looked good beating creampuffs. I don't think they have much of a chance, but did I mention they're ranked. Yeah, wake me up in November and let's see where these "Cinderellas" are.

Texas Tech - I look out my front window every morning and see a 7ft inflatable Yosemite Sam with his guns up across the street. Now that they've beaten up the Sister's of the Poor and company, it's time to get to playing real football teams.
Indiana - when they can beat OSU, Penn St or Oregon, I'll take them serious.
Illinois - when they can beat OSU, Penn St or Oregon, I'll take them serious. They only have OSU and USC on their schedule. But they have to get past dreaded Indiana first.
South Carolina - So much promise when they beat Viginia Tech, then they lost to Vandy. Oh well. A loss to Missouri this weekend and they move to the Has Beens.
Missouri - I just can't take them serious. Let's see where they are at the end of October.
USC - starting strong against weak opponents. Let's see how they do when they have to play defense.

The Has Beens
These were the top ranked teams at the beginning of the season but tanked. They need to win the conference in order to get in.

Clemson
Florida
Michigan

 

[63_Texas_1]

View attachment 8491

It's never too early to start talking about playoffs. Here are my thoughts.

The Shoo-ins
These are teams that look real good, so far. They could stumble and still make it.

Ohio State
Miami
Georgia
Florida State

Both Miami and Florida State are in the same conference but barring injuries or a collapse, I think both will make it.

The Definite Maybes
These are teams that have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs but could stumble because of their schedule. There is still a lot of football left to play. I'm guessing two or three of these will make the playoffs.

LSU - An SEC team with a decent shot of making the playoffs. They need a little more offense if they are going to make it which is surprising since Nussmeier is an experienced QB.
Oregon - A Big X contender. It'll be between them and Penn State. We'll find out at the end of the month which one of these will have the edge.
Penn State - A Big X contender. It'll be between them and Oregon. We'll find out at the end of the month which one of these will have the edge.
texas a&m - They've played pretty good, but their November swoon is no secret.
ouSux - Another SEC team that has got to win conference games if they want to make it. Tough schedule.
Iowa State - the Big 12 is up in the air this year. I'm picking the team with an experienced QB.
Utah - the Big 12 is up in the air this year. I'm not sure who it will be.
Georgia Tech - Arnold gives them a chance. Georgia is the only ranked team left on their schedule. They have make the CCG and look good to be the 2nd ACC team.
Vanderbuilt - Pavia gives them a puncher's chance, but I'm expecting them to fall to Has Beens.
Ole Miss - They have issues but someone has to be the 3rd SEC team. They have a shot, but have to win 2 of their 3 games against a ranked opponent.

The Razor's Edge
These are teams that are on the edge of the playoffs. They've lost a game or two and need to finish strong.

Texas - not hitting on all cylinders are will be playing some tough teams. Can probably lose another game, but that's all.
Notre Dame - Let's see what the committee does if a team losses to 2 ranked teams that may make the playoffs. This will be interesting to watch, but they have to win the rest.
Tennessee - Their loss to Georgia was expected and it was close, but they forgot to play Defense. 3 SEC teams will make it to the playoffs. Will they be one of them.
Alabama - It could happen because we all know nothing is a given in the SEC.

The Pretenders
These teams are ranked but really haven't played anyone. I guess they looked good beating creampuffs. I don't think they have much of a chance, but did I mention they're ranked. Yeah, wake me up in November and let's see where these "Cinderellas" are.

Texas Tech - I look out my front window every morning and see a 7ft inflatable Yosemite Sam with his guns up across the street. Now that they've beaten up the Sister's of the Poor and company, it's time to get to playing real football teams.
Indiana - when they can beat OSU, Penn St or Oregon, I'll take them serious.
Illinois - when they can beat OSU, Penn St or Oregon, I'll take them serious. They only have OSU and USC on their schedule. But they have to get past dreaded Indiana first.
South Carolina - So much promise when they beat Viginia Tech, then they lost to Vandy. Oh well. A loss to Missouri this weekend and they move to the Has Beens.
Missouri - I just can't take them serious. Let's see where they are at the end of October.
USC - starting strong against weak opponents. Let's see how they do when they have to play defense.

The Has Beens
These were the top ranked teams at the beginning of the season but tanked. They need to win the conference in order to get in.

Clemson
Florida
Michigan

I enjoy your posts. Keep posting.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

View attachment 8491

It's never too early to start talking about playoffs. Here are my thoughts.

The Shoo-ins
These are teams that look real good, so far. They could stumble and still make it.

Ohio State
Miami
Georgia
Florida State

Both Miami and Florida State are in the same conference but barring injuries or a collapse, I think both will make it.

The Definite Maybes
These are teams that have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs but could stumble because of their schedule. There is still a lot of football left to play. I'm guessing two or three of these will make the playoffs.

LSU - An SEC team with a decent shot of making the playoffs. They need a little more offense if they are going to make it which is surprising since Nussmeier is an experienced QB.
Oregon - A Big X contender. It'll be between them and Penn State. We'll find out at the end of the month which one of these will have the edge.
Penn State - A Big X contender. It'll be between them and Oregon. We'll find out at the end of the month which one of these will have the edge.
texas a&m - They've played pretty good, but their November swoon is no secret.
ouSux - Another SEC team that has got to win conference games if they want to make it. Tough schedule.
Iowa State - the Big 12 is up in the air this year. I'm picking the team with an experienced QB.
Utah - the Big 12 is up in the air this year. I'm not sure who it will be.
Georgia Tech - Arnold gives them a chance. Georgia is the only ranked team left on their schedule. They have make the CCG and look good to be the 2nd ACC team.
Vanderbuilt - Pavia gives them a puncher's chance, but I'm expecting them to fall to Has Beens.
Ole Miss - They have issues but someone has to be the 3rd SEC team. They have a shot, but have to win 2 of their 3 games against a ranked opponent.

The Razor's Edge
These are teams that are on the edge of the playoffs. They've lost a game or two and need to finish strong.

Texas - not hitting on all cylinders are will be playing some tough teams. Can probably lose another game, but that's all.
Notre Dame - Let's see what the committee does if a team losses to 2 ranked teams that may make the playoffs. This will be interesting to watch, but they have to win the rest.
Tennessee - Their loss to Georgia was expected and it was close, but they forgot to play Defense. 3 SEC teams will make it to the playoffs. Will they be one of them.
Alabama - It could happen because we all know nothing is a given in the SEC.

The Pretenders
These teams are ranked but really haven't played anyone. I guess they looked good beating creampuffs. I don't think they have much of a chance, but did I mention they're ranked. Yeah, wake me up in November and let's see where these "Cinderellas" are.

Texas Tech - I look out my front window every morning and see a 7ft inflatable Yosemite Sam with his guns up across the street. Now that they've beaten up the Sister's of the Poor and company, it's time to get to playing real football teams.
Indiana - when they can beat OSU, Penn St or Oregon, I'll take them serious.
Illinois - when they can beat OSU, Penn St or Oregon, I'll take them serious. They only have OSU and USC on their schedule. But they have to get past dreaded Indiana first.
South Carolina - So much promise when they beat Viginia Tech, then they lost to Vandy. Oh well. A loss to Missouri this weekend and they move to the Has Beens.
Missouri - I just can't take them serious. Let's see where they are at the end of October.
USC - starting strong against weak opponents. Let's see how they do when they have to play defense.

The Has Beens
These were the top ranked teams at the beginning of the season but tanked. They need to win the conference in order to get in.

Clemson
Florida
Michigan

Agree with everything you said. That Penn St vs Oregon game is going to be a dandy.

 

[hookemhorb]

4 weeks in and the playoff picture is still a little foggy. A lot depends on how many teams get in from each conference. This is keeping a number of teams in the playoff picture. The next couple of weeks will help us weed out the pretenders. With a lot of football left to play, I see 2 teams from the ACC, 3 teams from the Big X, 1 team from the Big 12 and 4 teams from the SEC making it into the CFP. That leaves 2 spots - one for the 5th conference champion and the other for another Power 4 team. Right now, it's Notre Dames to lose with George Tech and Indiana duking it out for the last spot if the fighting Irish falter.

The Shoo-ins
These are teams that look real good, so far. They could stumble and still make it.

Ohio State
Miami
Georgia
Florida State

The Definite Maybes
These are teams that have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs but could stumble because of their schedule. There is still a lot of football left to play. I'm guessing five to six of these will make the playoffs.

Oregon - A Big X contender. They travel to Penn State this weekend and then have Indiana at home. USC is in November. They need to win 2 of those 3 games to make the playoffs.
Penn State - A Big X contender. They have Oregon, Ohio State and Indiana on the schedule. They just have to win 1 of those 3 and the rest of their conference games and they will be the 3rd Big X team.
LSU - An away game at Ole Miss this weekend. A win and they get a breather before 3 ranked teams in a row. I like this team with an experienced QB.
texas a&m - I think they have the easiest schedule of the SEC bunch. They have to win the 2 of the 3 ranked teams to make the playoffs.
ouSux - A Tough schedule at the end of the season. They must win the Texas game if they want to make the playoffs. I don't think they can win 4 of their last 5 games. Beat Texas and go 3-2 against their other ranked teams and they stand a good chance.
Vanderbuilt - A breather this week and then 4 ranked SEC teams starting with 'Bama and LSU. Those 2 games will decide the fate of this team.
Ole Miss - Only 3 ranked teams on their schedule, but they are top 10 teams. They have to win 2 of those 3 games or be on the bubble.
Iowa State - the Big 12 is up in the air this year and I'm sticking the team with an experienced QB. They have only 2 ranked teams left on their schedule. Their destiny is in their own hands.
Texas Tech - The best team money can buy. I don't see a dominate team in the Big 12 and it looks like $28 million can help you win a conference. They only have 1 barely ranked team left on their schedule. Looks like they have a clear shot to the CCG.
TCU - I guess I should include the Horned Frogs. They are still underfeated and could make the CCG, but they have to win them all.

The Razor's Edge
These are teams that are on the edge of the playoffs. They've lost a game or two and need to finish strong.

Texas - starting to look insync. They need to win 3 of their 4 games against ranked teams, otherwise they are out.
Notre Dame - With only one ranked game left, USC, they have to win them all. They lost to 2 ranked teams by 4 points so I feel, they are in the driver's seat. They have a slot and it's theirs to lose.
Tennessee - 3 ranked teams left on their schedule. It's simple, win and they're in. Lose 1 and it's a coin flip. 4 SEC teams will make the playoffs. Will they be one of them?
Alabama - 6 ranked teams on their schedule with Georgia, Vandy, Missouri and Tennessee their next 4 games. Win 3 out of 4 of these games and they are still in it. 2 losses and they fall to Has Beens.

The Numbers Game
These are the teams on the outside looking in. Unless their conference gets an extra team in the playoffs, they are SOL.

Indiana - The win over Illinios helps them but they have Oregon and Penn St on the schedule. If they win one of those 2 and the rest of the others, they could be the 3rd Big X team otherwise they will be the 4th Big X team.
Georgia Tech - Georgia is the only ranked team left on their schedule. They have make the CCG and look good to be the 2nd ACC team. Otherwise, they are the #3 ACC team. That's slim pickens.

The Pretenders
These teams are ranked but really haven't beaten anyone. I guess they looked good beating creampuffs. I don't think they have much of a chance, but did I mention they're ranked. Yeah, wake me up in November and let's see where these "Cinderellas" are. Most teams move from here to the Has Beens. They need help moving on up.

Illinois - where were the police on Saturday? The Illini were assaulted by the Hoosiers in front of thousands of witnesses. The only chance they have is to run the table that includes USC and Ohio State, both at home. yeah, right. It's all over but the crying for them.
BYU - Still undefeated with a chance. They're in a weak conference and need to make it to the CCG. They have the toughest schedule of the Big 12 teams on the list. I don't see it happening.
Utah - the loss to Texas Tech puts them at a big disadvantage. Without playing more ranked teams, they need to be in the CCG to be considered. That doesn't look like it will happen as the Big 12 has too many teams ahead of them. They need help.
Missouri - I just can't take them serious. Let's see where they are at the end of October.
USC - 3 ranked teams in the next 3 weeks and then Oregon in November. If they don't make the CCG game, it'll be a numbers game between them and Indiana. They need to show Illinois whose their daddy if they want to beat out Indiana.

The Has Beens
These were the top ranked teams at the beginning of the season but tanked. The fat lady is warming up.

Michigan - They still have a shot, but the loss to ouSux and their weak schedule won't help. They have to beat USC and play Ohio State close to be considered for the 4th Big X team.
Clemson - bye bye
Florida - forgetaboutit
South Carolina - Can they run the table? About as much as chance as the sun rising in the West.

 

[hookemhorb]

5 weeks in and the playoff picture is as foggy as ever. As conference play gets going, the number of teams a conference gets into the playoffs will change. Florida State's loss to Virginia may have loosen a 2nd team out of the ACC hands and into somewhere else. Georgia Tech could step up and take that 2nd ACC spot but it just might mean that the Big X and SEC will get 4 spots each and it's a battle between the Big 12, Notre Dame and ACC for that last spot. Still a lot to be determined.

The Shoo-ins
These are teams that look real good, so far. They could stumble and still make it.

Ohio State - the champ, until someone proves otherwise.
Miami - Beck & Co are on the verge of clinching it this weekend. The rest of their schedule is pretty light.
Oregon - The win over Penn State was huge. This gives them a leg up on the #2 spot in the Big X. That makes next weekend's game with Indiana a nice to have game but not a must-win. Win next weekend and they'll reside in the Shoo-ins. Otherwise it may just be a brief stay here.


The Definite Maybes
These are teams that have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs but could stumble because of their schedule. There is still a lot of football left to play. I'm guessing five to six of these will make the playoffs.

Penn State - A Big X contender. The loss to Penn State hurt them but they still control their own destiny. They have Ohio State and Indiana on the schedule and must win one of those games to be the 3rd Big X team.
Indiana - A bye this week before the Oregon game. They still have Penn St to play but with the Illini beating USC, Indiana is sitting pretty. If they win one of those 2 and the rest of the others, they could be the 3rd Big X team otherwise they will be the 4th Big X team.
Alabama - The win over Georgia helped their cause since Florida State loss to an unranked team. Vandy, Missouri and Tennessee their next 3 games. Win 2 out of 3 of these games and they are still in it. 2 losses and they may need help.
ouSux - A Tough schedule at the end of the season. They must win the Texas or Ole Miss game if they want to make the playoffs. I don't think they can win 4 of their last 5 games. Beat Texas and go 3-2 against their other ranked teams and they stand a good chance.
LSU - Oof, a tough loss at Ole Miss last weekend. They are still in it, but they didn't look to good last week. Either Ole Miss is really good or these are paper tigers. The Gamecocks are next and it's a must win for them.
texas a&m - I think they have the easiest schedule of the SEC bunch. They have to win the 2 of the 3 ranked teams to make the playoffs. Don't look past this week or they might get surprised by Miss St.
Vanderbuilt - They have 4 ranked SEC teams starting with 'Bama, followed by LSU, Missouri and Texas. Win 3 of 4 and the will be standing pretty. 2-2 and they are on the bubble and may need help.
Ole Miss - They took out LSU so they have Georgia and ouSux as the only ranked teams left on their schedule. They have to win 1 of those 2 games or be on the bubble.
Iowa State - the Big 12 is up in the air this year and this is the team I see winning it. They have only 2 ranked teams left on their schedule. Their destiny is in their own hands and they have a tough one this week traveling to Cincinnati. The winner of this game is in the running for the CCG. Loser is pretty much out of it.
Texas Tech - The best team money can buy. I don't see a dominate team in the Big 12 and it looks like $28 million can help you win a conference. They travel to Houston this week. They shouldn't have a problem with the Cougars but you never know when you try to buy a championship team.



The Razor's Edge
These are teams that are on the edge of the playoffs. They've lost a game or two and need to finish strong.

Texas - They kick off their SEC schedule with a date in the Swamp. They need Loose Arch to win this one comfortably otherwise it will be a dog fight. The meat of their schedule is coming up so they need to start firing on all cylinders.
Notre Dame - With only one ranked game left, USC, they have to win them all. They lost to 2 ranked teams by 4 points so I feel, they are in the driver's seat. They have a slot and it's theirs to lose.
Tennessee - 3 ranked teams left on their schedule. It's simple, win and they're in. Lose 1 and it's a coin flip. 4 SEC teams will make the playoffs. Will they be one of them?
Georgia - The loss to 'Bama hurt them a little but they are still in the driver's seat where it comes to making the playoffs. I think they can lose another SEC game and still make it.


The Numbers Game
These are the teams on the outside looking in. Unless their conference gets an extra team in the playoffs, they are SOL.

Florida State - Their loss to an unranked Virginia team may have killed their chances. They still control their own destiny but a loss to Miami this week and they may not make the ACC championship game.
Georgia Tech - Georgia is the only ranked team left on their schedule. The Seminoles loss to an unranked Virginia team bumps the Yellow Jackets into the #2 ACC slot but their weak schedule may be their undoing. They have make the CCG and look good to be the 2nd ACC team. Otherwise, they are chances are slim and none and ...

The Pretenders
These teams are ranked but really haven't beaten anyone. I guess they looked good beating creampuffs. I don't think they have much of a chance, but did I mention they're ranked. Yeah, wake me up in November and let's see where these "Cinderellas" are. Most teams move from here to the Has Beens. They need help moving on up.


Illinois - A big win over USC keeps them in the picture but they are the #5 team in the Big X. The only chance they have is to run the table that includes Ohio State at home. Stranger things have happened, but the fat lady is warming up.
Michigan - They still have a shot, but the loss to ouSux and their weak schedule won't help. They have to beat USC and play Ohio State close to be considered for the 4th Big X team.
USC - Last week's loss to the Illini means they must beat Michigan this weekend and Oregon in November. If they don't make the CCG game, they are out.
BYU - Still undefeated with a chance. They're in a weak conference and need to make it to the CCG. They have the toughest schedule of the Big 12 teams on the list. I don't see it happening.
Utah - the loss to Texas Tech puts them at a big disadvantage. Without playing more ranked teams, they need to be in the CCG to be considered. That doesn't look like it will happen as the Big 12 has too many teams ahead of them. They need help.
TCU - Technically they are still in it, but the loss to ASU pretty much put a nail in their coffin. They have to win them all and hope for a little help.
Missouri - A 5-0 SEC team ranked #19. That just about sums them up.

The Has Beens
These were the top ranked teams at the beginning of the season but tanked. The fat lady is warming up.

Clemson - bye bye
Florida - forgetaboutit
South Carolina - Can they run the table? About as much as chance as the sun rising in the West.

 

[Baron]

You need to upgrade Texas to the definite maybes. A single loss 14-7 to the number one team in the country at their place and people want to write Texas off. You must read too much Heather Dinnich, she's a nimrod who doesn't have a clue. She was touting Clemson and Penn St in the final.

 

[hookemhorb]

You need to upgrade Texas to the definite maybes. A single loss 14-7 to the number one team in the country at their place and people want to write Texas off. You must read too much Heather Dinnich, she's a nimrod who doesn't have a clue. She was touting Clemson and Penn St in the final.

Texas probably belongs there. They can easily lose a game and still make it. I feel they just aren't playing sharp enough to move them. It seems until their offense gets on track, each SEC game could be a toss up. The D will keep them in games. Can the Offense score enough points to win them.

I was waiting to see how they play Florida before moving them.

 

[hookemhorb]

Things are starting to shake out but still a heck of a lot of teams still in the running for the Playoffs.

Right now my best guess is ACC gets 2 teams, Big X gets 4 teams, Big 12 gets 1 team and SEC gets 4 teams. Still a lot to be determined.

ACC
Miami has it made in the shade. The way they are playing unless they completely fall apart, they are in. They have no more ranked teams on their schedule.
Georgia Tech, Virginia and Duke will battle it out to get into the CCG. Depending on the number of losses they have, after playing each other they may get a bid.

Big X
Ohio State has Illinois, Penn State and Michigan left to play. Win 2 of 3 and they are in.
Oregon and Indiana play this weekend. Winner takes a giant step to getting one of the 4 slots. The loser still controls their own destiny to getting a spot.
Michigan has quitely snuck back into the picture. They've got USC and Washington the next 2 weekends plus Ohio State at the end of the season. Win the next 2 weekends and the Ohio State game won't matter.
Illinois will be the benefactor of a Michigan slide, but they have to win their games too. They control their own destiny.
USC is technically still in it but their loss to Illinois puts them behind Illinois and Indiana. Good luck with that.
Washington has a tough schedule and will probably slide in the next couple of weeks.

Big 12
Texas Tech looks like the team the football gods have deemed the most likely to represent this conference. I'm sure a little $28 million goes a long way in a weak conference.
BYU is another undefeated team that can make the playoffs. They'll have a chance to leapfrog Tech when they play each other.
The conference winner will get the only bid coming from this conference.
This may be a weak conference but the teams are pretty evenly matched. There are still a lot of teams still in contention. Basically the only teams out are West Virginia, Colorado, Oklahoma State, UCF and Kansas State.

SEC
With 4 slots, pretty much everyone is still in the race with the exception of Kentucky, Auburn, Mississippi State and Arkansas.
Ole Miss and a&m have the easiest schedules left and should secure spots.
Bama, Georgia, LSU, Vandy, Tennessee, ouSux and Missouri can probably take a loss and still be in it. They control their destinies but it's tough sledding.
Texas and South Carolina have to win out to make it. That's a tall order in this conference.

The others
Notre Dame needs to run the table, and it's a fairly easy table to run, and they could make it. The problem is if they are in, someone is out as the 5th conference champ is guaranteed a spot. That means the ACC or Big X will loss one of their spots. This will keep things very interesting. Could the SEC lose their 4th slot? It's a possibility if everyone ends up with 2 or 3 losses and their ranking at the end isn't in the top 15. It would also mean the Big X has 4 dominate teams with 0-2 losses and the ACC has 2 teams with 1 or fewer losses.

We have 2 ranked teams in the American Conference, the Memphis Tigers and South Florida Bulls. They are sitting there with 2 other unranked undefeated teams, the Navy Midshipmen and the North Texas Mean Green. They all play each other so let's see how this plays out and if we get a ranked team from this conference. The Mountain West has the UNLV Rebels as undefeated. Will see if any of these teams are standing tall at the end.

 

[hookemhorb]

Things are starting to shake out but still a heck of a lot of teams still in the running for the Playoffs.

Right now my best guess is ACC gets 2 teams, Big X gets 4 teams, Big 12 gets 1 team and SEC gets 4 teams. Still a lot to be determined.

ACC
Miami has it made in the shade. The way they are playing unless they completely fall apart or injuries, they are in. They have no more ranked teams on their schedule.
Georgia Tech, Virginia and Duke will battle it out to get into the CCG. Georgia Tech plays Duke this weekend so this could eliminate one of them. Virginia will play Duke towards the end of the season so we will see about them. SMU is technically still in the running for the CCG but they have a tough schedule. I don't see them making it, but let's see where they are after traveling to Clemson this weekend.

Big X
Indiana and Ohio State have 2 slots from the Big X and it's theirs to lose. Oregon's loss to Indiana puts them as the #3 school in the Big X. They have USC at home near the end of the season and that could be a pivotal game, but I believe they will be in the playoffs.
The Trojans have snuck back into this picture with their win over Michigan, but it could be short lived. They have Notre Dame and Nebraska coming up and they have to win or follow Michigan down the ladder.
Nebraska and Washington have quietly stepped into contention with the fall of Michigan, Illinois and Penn State. One of them could be there at the end but I expect them to quietly drop out of the race at some point, but you never know.
If the Big X gets a 4 slot, it could be any of these teams or Illinois. The Illini need a little help but could make if they beat Washington in a couple of weeks. After the Washington game, they play teams at the bottom of the Big X.


Big 12
Texas Tech looks like the team the football gods have deemed the most likely. I'm sure a little $28 million goes a long way in a weak conference.
BYU is another undefeated team that can make the playoffs. They'll have a chance to leapfrog Tech when they play each other.
I still believe only the conference winner will get the only bid coming from this conference. Could they get a 2nd? A lot depends on the other conferences and Notre Dame.
This is a race to see who makes the CCG. I don't really know the tie breaker rules but there could be a couple of teams with 1 conference loss. That would make things interesting.
Iowa State and Kansas drop down to the teams that are out joining West Virginia, Colorado, Oklahoma State, UCF and Kansas State.

SEC
With 4 slots, too many teams are still in the race. I think 2 conference losses could be the dividing line between those still in the race and those out of the race. If you have 2 conference losses, you'll probably need help getting in.
So for now South Carolina joins Kentucky, Auburn, Mississippi State and Arkansas as those outside.
Vandy plays LSU this week so one of them will probably fall out of contention. The paper Tigers have a luckless Auburn team. They need this win or drop out.
Ole Miss and Georgia will play this weekend in a must win for Georgia otherwise they will need lots of help. Maybe Smart can get extra timeouts by running up to the refs "clapping" again.
Tennessee needs to take care of 'Bama or join the 2 conference loss club.
Is this the week chokelahoma falls to the 2 conference loss club. They have the Gamecocks which could be a team that gives them trouble. At any rate, they're on an express elevator going down.
Texas still needs to win out to control their own destiny. They have a couple of road games so let's see where they stand in 2 weeks.
Ole Miss and a&m have the easiest schedules left and barring any collapse should secure spots, but that's why we play the games.


The others
Notre Dame needs to run the table, and it's a fairly easy table to run, and they could make it. They need to beat USC this weekend.

We have 2 ranked teams in the American Conference, the Memphis Tigers and South Florida Bulls. They are sitting there with another unranked undefeated team, the Navy Midshipmen. They all play each other so let's see how this plays out and if we get a ranked team from this conference. The Mountain West has the UNLV Rebels as undefeated. Will see if any of these teams are standing tall at the end.

 

[hookemhorb]

As Tom Herman said, "winning is hard". Besides Texas, some of the top teams this past week found out just how hard it is and now we have a little chaos. I guess that is what this 12 team playoff does. It creates more opportunity and chaos.

ACC
Miami's loss put a hurtin on their playoff chances if only the ACC champ makes it to the playoffs. Right now there are 3 undefeated teams in conference play with Georgia Tech leading the way. Virginia and SMU are also undefeated with Pitt, Duke, Louisville, California and Miami sitting with 1 loss. SMU has the toughest schedule so if they win out, they will knock out Miami and Louisville or they could help another team. At any rate their destiny is in there own hands. Louisville beating Miami gives them the tie breaker with Miami but I have a feeling there may be more than a 2 team tie. Virginia has the tie breaker over Louisville.

This is pretty much wide open but Georgia Tech beat Duke and only has Pitt left of the contenders. So unless there is more chaos, they could be considered a favorite to make the CCG. Virginia only has Duke left on their schedule and winning out means they are in the CCG too. If we have 2 undefeated teams in the CCG, both teams may get a nod for the 12 team playoff.

Big X
Let's assume the Big X gets 4 spots in the playoffs. Indiana and Ohio State have 2 slots. Those slots are theirs to lose.
There are 7 teams with 1 loss so they are duking it out for either the CCG or slots 3 & 4. Those teams are Oregon, Iowa, Michigan, USC, UCLA, Minnesota and Northwestern.
Oregon plays Iowa, Minnesota and USC so they will decide their own fate. I like their chances but then again, I liked Miami.
Iowa has Minnesota this weekend then Oregon and USC. A tough task and I don't think they have the offense to do it.
The Trojans loss to Illinois and Notre Dame really puts them behind the 8-ball. They really need to win out to have a chance to make the playoffs. They have Nebraska and then 4 of the 1-loss teams. They want to be the #3 team which means beating Iowa, Oregon, UCLA and Northwestern. Not likely with their D.
Northwestern...yeah, right, but it could happen, when hell freezes over.
Michigan will need to beat Ohio State or will need some help. A loss to unranked USC and a sliding (will be unranked at the end of the season) ouSux will hurt there chances. They pretty much have to win out.

Big 12
Looks like $28 million doesn't get you an automatic bid to the playoffs. I still think only 1 team will make it out of the Big 12 so Tech may have just shot themselves in the foot. Any team wanting to get into the playoffs needs to make it to the CCG.
BYU and Cincinnati are undefeated in conference play. They will play each other so one of them will join the 1 loss teams which currently include Arizona State, Tech and Houston. Houston and Arizona State play each other this weekend so one will be knocked out of this race.
Tech and BYU play later so they both could decide their own fate. We'll see if there is more than a 2 team tie.

SEC
With 4 slots, too many teams are still in the race. I still think 2 conference losses could be the dividing line between those who control their own destiny and those who need help getting into the playoffs.
So for now Florida, Tennessee and LSU are outside looking in with 2 conference losses.
South Carolina, Kentucky, Auburn, Mississippi State and Arkansas are out.
a&m and Alabama are undefeated in conference play. They control their own fate. The aggies play LSU and Missouri in their next 2 games and Texas at the end of the season. Let's see if LSU can give them their first loss this weekend.
Bama is looking good as they just have LSU and ouSux on their schedule. Of course you never know what might happen in the Iron bowl.
Ole Miss plays ouSux this weekend and I expect them to take out their loss to Georgia against chokelahoma.
Vandy plays the paper Tigers of Missouri so I expect one of them (Missouri) to drop out of the race.
Georgia and Texas are the other 1 conference loss teams. They have it "easy" this week.

The others
Notre Dame needs to run the table and it's a fairly easy table to run. They got a couple of teams vying for the conference in Navy and Pitt but I don't see either of those teams posing a problem.

We have only 2 ranked team in the American Conference and that is the South Florida Bulls. The Memphis Tigers choked their way out of the race losing to UAB. But Memphis can throw a wrench into this party by beating the Bulls this weekend. Let's not forget the Navy Midshipmen. They are undefeated and still unranked though they have a much tougher schedule than Memphis and South Florida. Tulane is also undefeated in conference play and faces Memphis in 3 weeks so that could decide if the American Conference gets a team into the playoffs.

 

[hookemhorb]

Every week another one bites the dust. Conference teams are beating each other knocking each other out of the playoff picture. The picture is starting to get into focus, but there are plenty of traps and pitfalls still out there. For one, the Big X might only get 3 playoff teams if things play out where there are Indiana and Ohio State and a bunch of schools with 2 conference losses. The ACC could steal one of those slots if Virginia and Georgia Tech continue to win. Or could we have a situation where the SEC gets 5 teams in? It could happen.

ACC
SMU's loss this past weekend dropped them out of the undefeated teams, leaving just Georgia Tech and Virginia undefeated in conference play. SMU and Miami play this week. Loser is out of the race with 2 conference losses. the ACC champ makes it to the playoffs. Pitt, Duke, Louisville, SMU and Miami are sitting with 1 loss. Virginia has the easier schedule as they have Duke. They have a good chance of going into the CCG undefeated.

Unless we see some upsets, it's looking like Georgia Tech and Virginia in the CCG. Winner gets in. Loser will probably have 2 losses. Even though Georgia Tech is still undefeated, they play Georgia at the end of the season. I don't expect them to win. Norte Dame is the key to the ACC getting 2 teams into the Playoffs.

Big X
It's looking that the Big X will get at least 3 spots in the playoffs. I'm not sure if they will get a fourth. Indiana and Ohio State have all but wrapped up 2 slots. That leaves 1 or 2 slots for the rest of the league to duke it out. Last week there were 7 teams with 1 conference loss, now there are only 4--Oregon, Iowa, Michigan and USC.

Oregon, Iowa and USC play each other so 2 of those teams will have 2 losses. That leaves Michigan with the "easier" schedule, but they have Ohio State at the end of season. So it's possible that we will see a 2 conference loss team make the playoffs. A lot will depend on the other leagues. The 4th slot could go to the ACC or Big 12.

There are 5 teams sitting with 2 conference losses but I don't see any of them staying at 2 conference losses by the end of the season. So it comes down to those 5 teams for 3 to 4 slots. My money is on Oregon and Iowa to be standing at the end of the season with a shot to make the playoffs.

Big 12
If only 1 team gets in, we got a lot of football ahead of us before we can decide who is going to make it to the CCG. Right now we have BYU and Cincinnati undefeated in league play with Tech and Houston sitting with 1 loss. Arizona State's loss to Houston this past weekend, pretty much knocked them out. The $28 million team still has a chance as they play BYU later in the year.

BYU and Cincinnati will also play each other so 1 of them will join the 1 loss teams. Cincinnati travels all the way to Utah this weekend so they have a tough task ahead of them. Houston's loss to Tech puts them behind Tech so they have to hope for a little chaos. These 4 teams have their destinies in their own hands.

SEC
It's crunch time in the SEC. With 4 slots, there are 6 teams with 0 or 1 conference loss and another 4 with 2 conference losses but a closer look at the remaining schedules could pare that down. Bama and the aggies are undefeated in conference play. They will be favorites in the rest of their games so I expect them to have the best shot at the CCG and making the playoffs. They can afford to lose a game and still make it.

Of the 1 conference loss teams, Ole Miss has the Gators, Gamecocks and Bulldogs left on their conference schedule. No upsets and they get the 3rd or 4th spot. Vandy and Texas play this weekend. Loser gets knocked out of the race. Georgia has just Florida and Texas at home and Mississippi State on the road. I like their chances. Their final game is against Georgia Tech which if both teams win out would only decide seeding in the playoffs.

Unless we get some upsets, I still think 2 conference losses and your out of the playoff picture. It's looking like Ole Miss and Georgia are the favorites for the 3rd and 4th slot. Vandy has an outside chance should they win out and Ole Miss and Georgia win out, could there be a 5th SEC team make it to the playoffs? Stranger things have happened.

The others
Notre Dame can't afford a stumble if they want to make the playoffs. BC is this week's game followed by a couple of teams vying for their conferences in Navy and Pitt but I don't see either of those teams posing a problem. But that is why we play the game.

And then there was only 1. Memphis is the only ranked team outside the group of 4. Their victory of South Florida catapulted them back into the race. It's pretty much theirs to lose. But let's not forget the Navy Midshipmen. They are still undefeated and unranked and have North Texas, another contender for the American Conference title this weekend. A win and I expect to see them ranked at least for a week. Their schedule is a little too tough to take them serious. Tulane and North Texas are probably the favorites if Memphis falters.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Virginia just beat a lousy North Caroline team by one point. They are imposters.

Enjoyed the read. Good stuff.

 

[hookemhorb]

Virginia just beat a lousy North Caroline team by one point. They are imposters.

Enjoyed the read. Good stuff.

I agree that Virginia isn't a great team but they have the easier schedule. Duke has to beat Clemson this week and I don't think they will. I still like Miami the best but they need help. Even if Virginia loses, Miami is behind Louisville so Miami needs Louisville to lose too.

If Virginia or Louisville makes it to the CCG and loses, it makes me wonder if the committee would pick Miami over the loser of the CCG.

 

[jrcruz1026]

Texas is not a playoff team, I am sorry haha

 

[UT1983]

Texas is not a playoff team, I am sorry haha

If Texas goes 10-2, they have a strong chance. Saturday against Vandy will help determine if 10-2 is possible.

 

[Kmed]

If Texas goes 10-2, that means they beat Georgia and a&m (and Vandy), and would be on a pretty long winning streak. Texas would easily be a playoff team. Sounds easy, right?

 

[jrcruz1026]

If Texas goes 10-2, that means they beat Georgia and a&m (and Vandy), and would be on a pretty long winning streak. Texas would easily be a playoff team. Sounds easy, right?

As they say "earning your first $million is the hardest"

 

[Steelhammer]

Virginia just beat a lousy North Caroline team by one point. They are imposters.

Enjoyed the read. Good stuff.

I

As they say "earning your first $million is the hardest"

As they say "earning your first $million is the hardest"

As Aerosmith sang " Dream On"although can see them handling Aggies if this team has heart

 

[UT1983]

10 - 2 Texas easy? Nope. Doable? Maybe. That’s why you play the games.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

From Yahoo Sports . . .

The Longhorns crash the playoff and face a first-round test in Lubbock in our latest CFP predictions