College Football Playoff Preview

It’s been two and a half seasons since the idea of the college football playoffs became a reality.  Since then, seven different teams have appeared in the four-team playoffs with the opportunity of claiming the title of “National Champion” instead of through the traditional BCS National Championship Game.  In fact, the playoffs gave No. 4 Ohio State an opportunity it would never have had to become National Champion in 2015.  Tonight is the first time this season that the College Playoff Rankings are released to show “Who’s In?”

The Projected Mentions

Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0, 5-0 SEC)

Back at it after the bye week. #BAMAvsLSU #RollTide pic.twitter.com/iI2p2WXKbh

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 31, 2016

There is no way the Crimson Tide will not be featured with a spot in the Playoffs later tonight. They have been tested numerous times by playing in five Top-25 matchups this year.  This includes an impressive 33-14 win over No.7 Texas A&M.  No one has been able to stop the Tide as they have won by an average margin of 29 points a game.  However, Alabama still faces the test of playing a revitalized No. 15 LSU team this weekend and concludes the season against arch-rival No. 11 Auburn at home.  There is still plenty of time to slip up for the Crimson Tide but for now, they are rolling strong.

Michigan Wolverines (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten)

Forged for greatness. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/DaFcyuWAZt

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) November 1, 2016

The No.2 Wolverines are also a definite mention in tonight’s rankings.   Facing a series of their own dificult tasks, the Wolverines have played in three Top-25 matchups this year including a hard fought 14-7 win against the No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers.  The Wolverines have featured a ferocious defense that has only allowed 231 yards of offense per game to their opponents.  Overall, it should be smooth sailing for the Wolverines from here until they face their nemesis in No.6 Ohio State on the road November 26th.

Clemson Tigers (8-0, 5-0 ACC)

The No. 3 Tigers are also likely to be mentioned in tonight’s rankings. The Tigers have played in three Top-25 matchups with a huge win over No. 5 Louisville.  Inconsistency has been one of the struggles the Tigers have faced so far this season, winning only three games by more than a single possession.  With an easy schedule remaining, the toughest test for the Tigers will be a home game against Pitt.  The Tigers could stumble along the way but for now they are on the right track.

Washington Huskies (8-0, 5-0 Pac-12)

https://twitter.com/UW_Football/status/793548211336060928

The N0. 4 Huskies are also hoping to be mentioned in tonight’s rankings.  The Huskies have been the least tested of these four teams, having played only one Top-25 matchup in a win against No. 17 Utah.  The Huskies have won in dominating fashion, winning by a margin of 30 points a game.  The Huskies will face an upcoming test on November 12 against an athletic USC team, and then on November 25 when they play Washington State for the Apple Cup.

Potential Candidates

Louisville Cardinals (7-1, 4-1 ACC)

The No. 5 Cardinals will be looking to find a way to slip into the top four tonight.  Leading the Cardinals is Heisman favorite Lamar Jackson, who has 22 passing touchdowns and 16 rushing touchdowns so far this season.   The Cardinals’ lone loss came from a road trip to Clemson.  November 22nd will be the biggest test left remaining for Louisville, as they play a rather depleted Houston team.  However, Houston will be looking to make a statement by ruining Louisville’s season.  Louisville needs a little help but can definitely still find their way into the playoffs.

Ohio St Buckeyes (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten)

No. 6 Ohio State has an easy route back into the playoffs with a direct matchup with the Wolverines.  Though, for the past two weeks they struggled losing to Penn State and then barely skidding by a mediocre Northwestern team 24-20.  Ohio State has a tough schedule ahead but luckily play both No. 7 Nebraska and No. 2 Michigan in their house.  Luckily for Ohio State, they control their own destiny.

Dark Horse

Florida Gators (7-1, 4-1 SEC)

6-1 overall, 4-1 in the SEC. Back in the Top 10.

It's GREAT to be @FloridaGators.https://t.co/UKY4bORQeW #SparkMade pic.twitter.com/ii96NBRlGa

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 31, 2016

The No. 10 Florida Gators are a name that has been thrown around but still has yet to be decided as pretender or contender.  Florida has had an easy road thus far but the meat of their schedule is coming up soon.  They will face No. 15 LSU and No. 19 FSU on the road for the last two weeks of the season.  The Gators will prove to the nation if they deserve a spot in the playoff by winning those two games and the SEC Championship game.  The Gators could potentially run the table but we will have to wait and see if that is a reality.

The Playoff Selection

https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff/status/793502303365926913

Anything is possible as the season starts drawing to an end and teams try to find their way into the playoffs.  The only thing for certain left in this season is on December 4th we will know “Who’s In?”.