Last year, I painted a pretty clear picture of why college football needs an eight-team playoff. I stand by that argument – eight is the way…no more, no less. So, I’ve started a new weekly column looking at what the College Football Playoff would look like under my format. I think it’s a reasonable way to determine a National Champion without leaving deserving candidates out, but making sure everyone has an equal chance to get in. With that said, let’s dive right in to my weekly College Football Playoff projections…
BIG NATURAL’S COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PROJECTIONS
1. Oklahoma Sooners (Big 12 Champion) – This is easy to me. Oklahoma’s loss to Iowa State is much better than Clemson’s loss to Syracuse. Clemson may look like the better team per the eye test, but I really like the way Oklahoma’s playing. They have the Heisman frontrunner in Baker Mayfield, and appear ready to make a run.
2. Clemson Tigers (ACC Champion) – It was full-on panic after the Tigers lost to Syracuse, but they’ve steadied the ship and have worked their way into a veritable play-in game in the ACC Championship. The Miami Hurricanes won’t be an easy task, but if they win, they’re in.
3. Wisconsin Badgers (Big Ten Champion) – Ohio State is going to be a tall order for a Badgers team that still seem relatively unproven. That said, they’ve put themselves in a position where if they when this game they should be in.
4. Auburn Tigers (SEC Champion) – The Tigers have the hot hand in the SEC right now, but I’m not sleeping on Georgia in the SEC Championship. Without Kerryon Johnson, the Auburn offense could be in trouble. Even if they win, does the committee put in a two-loss team for the first time?
5. USC Trojans (Pac-12 Champion) – The Pac-12 is officially dead in the actual playoff race, but under my model, the Trojans get in by virtue of winning the conference. They look like the best team in the league right now.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide (Wild Card #1) – As it stands, Alabama is the first team out, but they’re still 11-1 with quality wins over Florida State, Fresno State, LSU, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and one loss to SEC West Champion Auburn. They could get in should Oklahoma/Wisconsin lose.
7. Georgia Bulldogs (Wild Card #2) – I actually think the Bulldogs will win the SEC Championship this weekend and vault to the #1 overall seed in the playoffs. Kirby Smart will have his guys ready.
8. UCF Golden Knights (Group of Five Representative) – This spot comes down to whoever wins the American Conference Championship this weekend: UCF or Memphis. UCF is undefeated and the unquestioned best of the Group of Five so far.
So, that gives us…
(8) UCF at (1) Oklahoma
(7) Georgia at (2) Clemson
(6) Alabama at (3) Wisconsin
(5) USC at (4) Auburn
Catch y’all next week, for the final edition of this column for the season. I’m a sad panda.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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