FAVORITE TEAMS

25) MEMPHIS

Memphis played spoiler to Tulane’s playoff opportunity. It would’ve been nice to see quarterback Seth Henigan compete for one, but the Tigers are bowl bound.

24) ARMY

Army had a great season thus far at 10-1 and unblemished in AAC. Their only game left is The Army/Navy game. If they win, they cap off their first season an undefeated AAC team.

23) COLORADO

Colorado came up short of that one opportunity to showcase their name and brand to the nation. They improved mightily and will still showcase Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter in a bowl game for one last time for the fans.

22) SYRACUSE

The Orange had a good season. They also played spoiler to Miami to give Clemson one more shot for a playoff spot. The Clemson program better send a very expensive gift to Syracuse.

21) ILLINOIS

Feels like an accomplished season for an experienced group with little expectations. They are a good, competitive team and I enjoyed watching quarterback Luke Altmyer play and lead the team.

20) UNLV

Put everything on the table and hope for the best. You steal the win, and you’re in the playoffs.

19) MISSOURI

I don’t understand why they’re still in the Top 25, but I guess their three losses were against current ranked teams makes sense…maybe. It feels more like pity than deserved.

18) BYU

The Cougars had a rare opportunity for a playoff push. They still had a great season, but it feels like a failure. Keep your head up though. They have another opportunity next season with their Jewish gunslinger, Jake Retzlaff.

17) CLEMSON

They blew their chance once again only to get into the ACC title game as a mulligan. Fourth time’s the charm, right??? Better eat some Syracuse-grown oranges for good luck🍊

16) IOWA STATE

The Cyclones have an opportunity to be on top of the Big 12 after Texas’s and Oklahoma’s departure. Arizona State stands between them and Big 12 supremacy, but it won’t be easy stopping workhorse running back coming right at them.

15) ARIZONA STATE

The projected last place Big 12 team could finish first in their conference and earn a playoff spot in their first annual season as a Big 12 program. That would be icing on the Sun Devil cake. Get it? Yeah, lame. But good for them though.

14) SOUTH CAROLINA

The Gamecocks may have come up short, but it would’ve been nice to watch them as a Cinderella team.

13) OLE MISS

I sense an argument coming between them and Alabama. Ole Miss may have an argument defeating both Georgia and Bama, but a loss to Kentucky and Florida could ultimately blemish their opportunity.

12) MIAMI (FL)

Miami may have choked away their only opportunity of getting an automatic bid. Now, they must pray that they can find their way past Bama for the last spot.

11) ALABAMA

Bama are now living on a prayer. If one “outside looking in” team upsets a current playoff contending team, they might as well punch a ticket for a bowl.

10) BOISE STATE

Win and you’re in. You got the best dang running back in the country. No pressure.

9) INDIANA

The Hoosiers also did everything possible and should be in a playoff spot. If they survive, Coach Cigs must lighten up for a day and break out the Cigs because they earned it…hopefully🙏🏾

8) SMU

The Mustangs have the biggest opportunity to prove they deserve to be in. Even if they don’t, they should qualify with how well they fared in the ACC.

7) TENNESSEE

The Vols did everything possible and likely earned a playoff spot. Great season for Josh Heupel and the boys.

6) OHIO STATE

There’s plenty of questions. There’s plenty of uncertainty. And, there’s plenty of jokes and memes to go around about Ryan Day and Ohio State. However, their resumé is strong enough for them to be in. Wins over Penn State and Indiana with a close loss to overall seeded Oregon kept them afloat.

5) GEORGIA

The Dawgs have one chance to prove they’re still Georgia. Who must show up? Carson Beck. It’s either him or the team’s in trouble hanging by a thread on the bracket.

4) NOTRE DAME

The Irish sit comfy at South Bend knowing they’re in the playoffs with a home playoff game. Great regular season of work👏🏾 Who cares if they lost to Northern Illinois?

3) PENN STATE

The Nittany Lions got the easiest route to the Big Ten championship. Who knew not being in divisions anymore would be so heavenly at Happy Valley??? They hope to put Oregon in their place as newcomers.

2) TEXAS

Texas is one win away from back-to-back conference titles with the Big 12 and SEC. They could strut their stuff as the new SEC powerhouse going into the postseason.

1) OREGON

Oregon’s in no matter the result. However, they may be looking at playoff matchups prior and maybe hope not to see Boise again. If Oregon loses, it’s not an upset. They prefer setting up a home playoff game instead.