FAVORITE TEAMS

25) JAMES MADISON (11-1)

James Madison has a chance to make their first College Football Playoff, but they’ll need a win and a Virginia loss to claim their spot as the 5th conference champion. Finding their way in would be fitting for Curt Cignetti, who built this foundation to maintain.

24) NORTH TEXAS (11-1)

The Mean Green went on an unbelievable run. Who would’ve thought a freshmen quarterback would lead this Group of Five program to potentially an AAC title game and a CFP appearance? This would be a huge accomplishment.

23) IOWA (8-4)

The Hawkeyes went 0-4 against ranked opponents, but they still competed hard and came close to upsetting them all. Despite the disappointment, they still had a good season.

22) GEORGIA TECH (9-3)

Georgia Tech had one of the most disappointing finishes to the season, and all of it happened in November. They lost 3 games and almost lost to Boston College. As the saying goes, “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.”

21) HOUSTON (9-3)

Houston had a surprising run this season, but November was just too much for them. They lost to both West Virginia and TCU. This program should be proud for their massive turnaround, and it’s possible they’ll stick around next season to wreak some havoc in the Big 12 again.

20) TULANE (10-2)

Jake Retzlaff and company finished off their season strong and took down Memphis on their way to a strong finish in November. Tulane is one win away from their CFP berth. Wouldn’t it be nice to see the Jewish cannon in a new place help lead his team to the promise land? If BYU gets in, imagine both on a collision course.

19) MICHIGAN (9-3)

Michigan’s 4-game winning streak against the Buckeyes ended. Their roster wasn’t capable enough to compete with them. However, they still played well. There’s potential on their roster and they hope to come back stronger next season.

18) ARIZONA (9-3)

The ‘Cats sent the Sun Devils packing and finish their bounce back season at 9-3. They were the quietest 9-3 that bounced back from a 4-8 record last season. Even without Tetairoa McMillan, Noah Fifita played as well as he did. He likely returns for one more opportunity at a playoff bid.

17) VIRGINIA (10-2)

Virginia came out of nowhere and tore through their schedule and the ACC. I thought this was it, but they proved me wrong thus far. The reason for their success: quarterback Chandler Morris. When he’s active on the field, the team has winning opportunities. They have a tall task to keep the ACC relevant for the playoffs, and that task is defeating Duke.

16) USC (9-3)

The Trojans came up short of a playoff opportunity, but they had a better overall season and competed well in the Big Ten. Jayden Maiava got his second chance with USC after falling out with UNLV. He improved under Lincoln Riley and had the skills position to boost his overall confidence.

15) UTAH (10-2)

The Utes survived November and completed their season on a much higher note. All they needed was a quarterback, and Devon Dampier was the answer. Unfortunately, they don’t make the postseason, but Utah fans should be happy that they finished the regular season on a positive note.

14) VANDERBILT (10-2)

Vanderbilt closed out their season on a strong, historical note. Despite coming up short an onside kick against Texas, they closed out their season averaging 40-plus points (similar average from their 1st 5 games). Diego Pavia could literally bring home the Heisman to a small school like Vandy.

13) TEXAS (9-3)

I guess the “Eyes of Texas are Upon Us”, and God help me I hate saying that as a Sooner fan. They took care of 3 Top 10 teams this season (Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M). That and the brand could create a heavy argument about their chances getting in. Resume speaks volumes, but the Florida loss could anchor them out. Guess we’ll find out, won’t we?

12) MIAMI (10-2)

The Hurricanes may have picked the wrong time to be in the ACC. Now, they must pray that things go well in their favor this weekend so they can make the postseason. Otherwise, this will be their 2nd straight disappointing season.

11) BYU (11-1)

Despite not having Jake Retzlaff, the team met their expectations and are a win away from the CFP. Now, they’re up against Texas Tech for the 2nd time as expected. With a healthy LJ Martin, they’ll need all the arsenal to equalize Tech for the playoffs.

10) NOTRE DAME (10-2)

Notre Dame was smart to understand that it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. And finish they did. They ripped off 10-straight wins, defeated teams like USC and Pittsburgh to get there. However, now they stare down Miami trailing them, creating a potential debate that’ll affect the outcome of the CFP decision on Sunday.

9) ALABAMA (10-2)

By a stroke of luck and survival in their toughest November in a long time, Alabama makes it to the SEC title game for a rematch with Georgia. They’re 4-0 in this matchup in SEC title play, but this one might be the most challenging in Alabama’s season and lifetime.

8) OKLAHOMA (10-2)

It was such an ugly ass game against LSU, I wasn’t sure if they would make the CFP field. They accomplished it. Most importantly, they overcame the 2nd toughest schedule in the nation and defeated their gauntlet November schedule at Tennessee and Alabama, and at home against Missouri and LSU. Not many teams can say they get that and can overcome it to qualify.

7) TEXAS A&M (11-1)

A&M ran the table, squeaked by a few teams, and adapted to every situation…until they ran into their hated in-state rival, Texas. The wheels finally came off, and everyone was put in check against Arch Manning and Texas’s defense. They’re out of the SEC title bid, but their worst-case scenario is getting a home playoff game, and that’s great!

6) OLE MISS (11-1)

Well…I don’t know what to say. Ole Miss closed out their November schedule well and got the CFP spot. Unfortunately, Lane Kiffin won’t be around to lead them and questions loom large. Can this program respond well without him? Do they have that West Virginia mindset when Rich Rodriguez left? We’ll see because this team’s way too talented.

5) OREGON (11-1)

Oregon finished off Washington to survive the rest of their November schedule. They may not be in the Big Ten championship, but it doesn’t bother them. They need rest and they’re talented enough to prepare for the challenge ahead.

4) TEXAS TECH (11-1)

Texas Tech looked like the best Big 12 team. Heck, they looked like one of the best teams in the nation. Offense, defense, and even special teams were built for the postseason. Tech is definitely paying off with the players they picked up. If they can be like Texas Tech’s softball team, they could make a deep run, but it all depends on their quarterback stability.

3) GEORGIA (11-1)

The Dawgs make the SEC title game thanks to Texas defeating A&M. Now, they’re back in the for the 5th straight time (most in SEC history), and 8th time in the last 9 seasons. Unfortunately, they’re 0-4 all-time against Bama in the SEC title game.

2) INDIANA (12-0)

Curt Cignetti’s program set the Hoosiers to new heights they’ve never seen before. First 12-0 season, first undefeated season, record-setting performances by Fernando Mendoza, Elijah Sarratt, and the defense overall. Now…the conference championship game before the CFP with a potential bye. What more could they ask for?

1) OHIO STATE (12-0)

The Buckeyes were all business for all 12 games. They were a bit phased at first. But then, they bled Michigan out slowly in the cold and left them chilled out. Now, they make their illustrious return to the Big Ten title game after missing out the last 5 seasons.