Final Playoff Predictions ahead of Week 14
Final Playoff Predictions ahead of Week 14
Ohio State (12-1)
Georgia (11-2)
Miami (12-1)
Boise State (12-1)
Oregon (12-1)
Texas (11-2)
Penn State (11-1)
Notre Dame (11-1)
Indiana (11-1)
Tennessee (10-2)
Alabama (9-3)
Arizona State (11-2)
First Two Out: Ole Miss (9-3), BYU (11-2)
Why Alabama with three losses?
The committee has shown in the past their “brand bias” and Alabama is still one of the premier programs in college football even without Nick Saban. Alabama has not only played one of the hardest schedules in the country, but they also have a big win against Georgia and in this scenario Georgia is the SEC champion. Ole Miss is in the same exact spot as the Crimson Tide but I believe Alabama has a “better” loss. I do not think it is right for the committee to put Alabama in the playoffs as they have proven to struggle on the road this season and have dropped three games. If you look at it through the committee’s perspective they see a chance to make more money for the sport as Alabama would generate more revenue and viewership.
Could Texas possibly lose on purpose this week in College Station?
Long shot? Yes, but they would for sure have a spot in the playoff as a two loss team. They wouldn’t have to play a glorified road game against Georgia which is taxing. Quinn Ewers is set to have a MRI on his ankle this week and could use the rest. They still might be able to win the game against A&M as Arch Manning is probably the best backup QB in the sport. If they were to lose this game they can rest up and not have to play against Georgia for the second time this season. The only problem is they will most likely have to go on the road in the first round.
If they win this game, they have a chance to win the SEC and get a bye in the first round. Not sure if they would be able to pass up the opportunity to play for a league championship. I believe that Texas will play their best and try to win the game, but I don’t think Quinn Ewers should play against the Aggies as he should rest up for the playoffs. Even though Arch is a great QB, Ewers has the big game experience and it is very valuable to have in the playoffs.
Underdog picks of the week:
South Carolina beats Clemson in Death Valley. I just don’t trust Clemson anymore after their loss against Louisville and their tight game against Pitt. The Gamecocks look like they have found something coming down the final stretch. Shane Beamer has his team winning and picking up steam to ruin teams' playoff chances. They knocked out A&M in dominant fashion and I expect them to do that this week against the Tigers.
Texas A&M beats Texas in college station. I believe Quinn Ewers should sit this game out and rest for the playoffs even if he is 90%. College Station at night is probably one of the hardest environments to go into and win. I know Arch Manning is very talented but he does not have experience in big rivalry games. These teams have not played each other since 2011 and the stadium is going to be rocking. The Longhorns still haven’t proved to anyone that they deserve that #3 ranking as their “big wins” have been deflated throughout the season.
TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK:
Minnesota beats Wisconsin +110
Stanford beats San Jose State +130
Utah beats UCF +260
Kansas beats Baylor -even
Pittsburgh beats Boston College +164
Arkansas beats Missouri +145
Rutgers beats Michigan State -even
Kansas State beats Iowa State +120
