CFB Playoff Outlook.
This past weekend cleared out quite a few weeds out of the way of this year's chase for a playoff spot. Notre Dame was crushed by Miami; 41-8, effectively eliminating the Irish. Oklahoma took the lead in the Big 12 by critically damaging TCU's playoff hopes. Auburn's blowout of Georgia puts the Tigers in a good position, but the Bulldogs certainly aren't out of the picture yet.
I have eight teams still alive for the four playoff spots. The four that have work to do will be reviewed first. The final four on my list should be the ones appearing in the top four this week.
☆Ohio State (6-1)(8-2)
Yes; the Buckeyes still have a glimmer of hope to make it. They have a layup this week hosting Illinois; then it's a trip to Ann Arbor to decide the Big Ten East. A win over their arch rival will send them facing a potential undefeated Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game. If the Buckeyes win all three of these games, it wouldn't suprise me they end up at #4.
☆Georgia (6-1)(9-1)
The blowout loss to Auburn hurt, but hasn't killed the Bulldogs chances for a playoff spot by any stretch. They will be in the SEC Championship Game against Alabama or another crack at Auburn. They host Kentucky this week before the first of two trips to Atlanta. The first Atlanta trip will be against a tricky Georgia Tech team and their triple option offense. Three wins lands Georgia safely into the playoffs.
☆Auburn (6-1)(8-2)
The big win over Georgia catapulted the Tigers firmly into playoff contention. After hosting Louisiana Monroe this week, the Iron Bowl follows with the SEC West hanging in the balance. That game is at Jordan Hare Stadium. Potential wins over Alabama and another one over Georgia should have Auburn in the playoffs.
☆Clemson (7-1)(9-1)
The only reason I have Clemson outside of the top 4 is that they have one loss and Miami is undefeated. This will be settled when they meet in the ACC title game, which appears that it will be an elimination game.
Here are the four that should be holding the four playoff spots this week.
☆Wisconsin (7-0)(10-0)
I know their schedule has been weak, but they were impressive against Iowa this past weekend and still are unbeaten. They will have to continue to earn it with difficult games against Michigan and a trip to dangerous Minnesota. Ohio State, Michigan or Michigan State awaits the Badgers in the Big Ten title game.
☆Oklahoma (6-1)(9-1)
Coming off two huge conference wins against Oklahoma State and TCU, the Sooners are in control of their destiny to the Big 12 Championship Game. They travel to Kansas this week and host West Virginia that could cause a problem for the Sooners.
☆Miami (6-0)(9-0)
The team that continues to be doubted, but a team that is rapidly getting better. They should sail through the remainder of the ACC schedule, hosting Virginia this week then traveling to Pitt. The ACC title game against Clemson appears to be an elimination game.
☆Alabama (7-0)(10-0)
Of course; but the Tide seemed to be bored the past couple of weeks. They needed a last minute touchdown to get past Mississippi State. They can slumber for one more week against Mercer before what looks to be the biggest Iron Bowl in memory. A loss to Auburn will hurt not only for the loss, but the loss of a championship game appearance. A loss to Auburn doesn't necessarily eliminate the Tide.
