FAVORITE TEAMS

OKLAHOMA STATE’S LOSS BUSTS THE BIG 12’S PLAYOFF HOPES. TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA HAVE A SECOND CHANCE IN BIG 12

The Big 12’s playoff hopes are busted after Oklahoma State lost to Texas. Their defense is good, but the offense was shaky. Running back Chuba Hubbard at times wasn’t helpful and the offensive line made the team pay for the inconsistencies. On the other hand, Texas and Oklahoma has a second chance for Big 12 title appearance. Texas plays Kansas State and Iowa State and both hold 1 and 2 in the Big 12 standings, which could jet the Longhorns to the title game. Oklahoma still plays Oklahoma State and their schedule gets easier as long as they avoid a trap game with West Virginia. With Texas’s help defeating Iowa State and Kansas State, it could send them to the Big 12 title game as well. The last four games will be the Big 12’s wildest finish to ever see.

…SO CINCINNATI AND BYU HAVE A CHANCE

The experts can say whatever they want, but you can’t count out the Bearcats or the Cougars just yet. They’re in the Top 10 and smelling a playoff opportunity. BYU continues running through their schedule, but now it’s November and in comes Boise State. This matchup will decide if they deserve a small playoff consideration.

Cincinnati is #6 behind Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Georgia. Here’s where I think the committee needs to grow some…pride and give the Bearcats a say. Clemson or Notre Dame will lose Saturday, Georgia will likely lose to Alabama again, and it remains to be seen if COVID-19 will schedule a game with Ohio State since the Buckeyes after Wisconsin fell victim to it. When and if it all happens, Cincinnati deserves a say in the playoffs. Once they announce the CFP Top 25, consider them! Also, be aware of two potential trap games in the last three of Cincinnati’s season: UCF and Tulsa.

OHIO STATE HOLDS THE BIG TEN ANCHOR

Ohio State indeed holds the anchor because the Big Ten’s being dragged down. The only undefeated teams left after Ohio State are…Indiana, Northwestern, Purdue, and Wisconsin (1 win). Michigan, Penn State, and Minnesota hurt themselves early. Indiana has the toughest Big Ten schedule. Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State in three straight games and Wisconsin and Purdue in the last two to end the season. Northwestern is tricky, but they could battle Wisconsin for the West division. Wisconsin’s dealing with COVID and their game with Purdue could be in jeopardy. Purdue is unknown as a 2-0 team but it might not last. If Ohio State can win out, they’re in.

CLEMSON ENTERS NOVEMBER AGAINST NOTRE DAME

Ah yes, the game we’ve all been waiting for since the Alabama/Georgia game, but without a superstar named Trevor Lawrence. This is huge because Notre Dame has an elite defense to compete with most teams in the country. However, this is their first true matchup against Clemson’s offense filled with talent and seemingly impressive depth. All eyes will be on Trevor-less Clemson with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei though (say his last name 3 times). Looking at the standings and where both teams are placed at in the Top 5, I don’t think it’ll affect them getting into the playoffs together. It’s possible looking at the rest of the Top 25’s schedule for the last month and a half. It’s also a potential ACC title rematch since the rest of the conference is cannibalizing itself.

HERE COMES THE MAC AND THE PAC-12!

The last two conferences walking the college football red carpet is the Pac-12 conference and my favorite conference next to the Big 12, the MAC conference.

Unfortunately, the MAC is getting no love, attention, or even a mention, but there’s a small chance I might cover them more often. As of now, Buffalo and Toledo are favored and Buffalo should win the whole thing. Watch out for Miami (OH), Kent State and Ohio in the East, and Ball State, Central Michigan, and Northern Illinois in the West.

The Pac-12 will battle for the playoffs after the Big 12 basically eliminated from the playoffs and the Big Ten cannibalizing itself under Ohio State’s feet. Oregon and USC are favored with Oregon likely winning the whole thing. Watch out for Cal, Oregon State, Washington, and Stanford in the North and Arizona State and Utah in the South.