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What an incredible week of college football!
The Big Ten’s rankings may have shifted thanks to Oregon’s massive win over Ohio State, but I’m going to go ahead and make a few people angry right off the bat: I don’t think the Ducks will be able to do it again at the end of the year in the Big Ten Championship game. That’s not a knock on the Ducks though – I’m just playing the numbers.
Penn State survived what could have been a disaster against USC, too. They still sit at No. 6 the latest projections because of their remaining schedule. Ohio State will be a tough one to win, even in State College – We have to roll with the Buckeyes in that one due to OSU’s defensive advantage.
Indiana has a chance to put its claim on the final spot in the CFP. The undefeated Hoosiers have to beat Michigan, but their weak schedule might come back to haunt them even then. Personally, I don’t see the committee picking 11-1 Indiana with potentially zero top 25 wins over 10-2 LSU with 2 top 15 wins. And that’s assuming the Hoosiers can get it done. The only way they’re firmly safe is by getting some help or finishing the regular season undefeated.
Outside of the Hoosiers, I don’t see a path for anyone unless Illinois or Nebraska pull off some massive upsets in the back half of the year.
Let’s move on to the remainder of the bowl slate, where there are not too many changes. Most notably, Wisconsin’s win over Rutgers puts the Badgers in excellent shape to win 6 games this year. They can beat Northwestern and one of Nebraska/Minnesota (likely the latter).
Michigan State is included in these projections, but the path to 6 wins is going to be tough. Minnesota’s path to 6 wins is also covered in weeds and may require a win over Rutgers.
Until next week, college football.
College Football Playoff
Sugar Bowl: Ohio State vs. 8/9 winner
Rose Bowl: Texas vs. 7/10 winner
Peach Bowl: Miami vs. 5/12 winner
Fiesta Bowl: Iowa State vs. 6/11 winner
First Round
From Eugene, Oregon: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 Boise State
From State College, Pennsylvania: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 LSU
From Clemson, South Carolina: No. 7 Clemson vs. No. 10 BYU
From Athens, Georgia: No. 8 Georgia vs. No. 9 Texas A&M
The Rest
Alamo Bowl: Indiana vs. Kansas State
Citrus Bowl: USC vs. Alabama
Reliaquest Bowl: Michigan vs. Tennessee
Mayo Bowl: Illinois vs. Virginia Tech
Music City Bowl: Nebraska vs. Ole Miss
Gator Bowl: Iowa vs. Kentucky
Pinstripe Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Louisville
Gasparilla Bowl: Rutgers vs. North Carolina
Guaranteed Rate Bowl: Minnesota vs. West Viginia
Detroit Bowl: Michigan State vs. Eastern Michigan
Ethan Stone was an editor for his student newspaper at the University of Tennessee and is now a News Manager for Saturday Tradition.