The road to the College Football Playoff (CFP) is shaping up to be more complex than expected, especially with the recent developments in various conferences. As the season nears its end, teams are battling not just for wins but for coveted playoff spots. This article breaks down the current status of the teams in contention and those on the bubble.
CFP Bubble Watch: Who’s In, Out, and Needs Help for the Bracket?
Power Conferences Update
With the CFP rankings looming, it’s crucial to evaluate which teams are positioned favorably and which have work to do. The upcoming championship games could significantly alter the playoff landscape.
- ACC: The ACC Championship features Virginia and Duke. If Duke wins with five losses, the ACC might be excluded from the playoffs. However, a Virginia victory could place them in contention.
- Big 12: Texas Tech is expected to perform well against BYU, making them a strong candidate for a playoff spot.
- SEC: Alabama and Georgia are both in contention, with Alabama needing a strong showing in the SEC Championship to secure their position.
- Big Ten: Indiana and Ohio State are likely to maintain their playoff spots, even if they lose in their conference title games.
Key Contenders for the CFP
Several teams are looking good as we approach the crucial selection day.
- SEC Would Be In:
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Oklahoma
- Ole Miss
- Texas A&M
- Big Ten Would Be In:
- Indiana
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Big 12 Would Be In:
- Texas Tech
- Independent Would Be In:
- Notre Dame
- Group of 5 Would Be In:
- Tulane
Teams Still in the Mix
Several teams are still vying for their playoff hopes:
- Texas
- Miami
- BYU
Teams Likely Out
Several teams have been ruled out of postseason contention for this year:
- Arkansas
- Auburn
- Florida
- Kentucky
- LSU
- Mississippi State
- Missouri
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Vanderbilt
- Illinois
- Iowa
Conclusion
The landscape of the CFP is constantly evolving as teams head into championship weekend. With critical matchups ahead, the playoff selection committee’s decisions will be pivotal in determining which teams earn their spots.
Fans and analysts alike should keep an eye on the outcomes of the remaining games, as they will shape the final bracket for this season’s College Football Playoff.
