Breaking down College Football Playoff Selection Committee’s penultimate top 6
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee revealed its penultimate rankings, slotting the top six contenders for the four-team CFP field. With a mixed bag of resume building wins and surprise upsets in Week 12, the top six teams shifted to Georgia, Michigan, Alabama, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State and Notre Dame.
Michigan flies into the penultimate CFP conversation with a win over Ohio State and Notre Dame’s chances are in jeopardy without a head coach, but the ultimate decision lays in the hands of the selection committee. With conference championship week ahead, these six teams have now positioned themselves as the favorites. Take a look at what each of the penultimate CFP contender brings to the table heading into conference championship week.
Georgia Bulldogs (12-0)
Georgia continued its dominance with a rivalry win over Georgia Tech. With the offense on the mend from several injuries and star wide receiver George Pickens back on the field, the offense is clicking. The defense continues proving their dominance with another shutout, setting their sights on a shaky Alabama attack this week. Win or lose, it appears the Bulldogs are destined for the CFP, and possibly the No. 1 seed regardless.
Remaining schedule: Alabama (SEC Championship)
Michigan Wolverines (11-1)
After years spent on the hot seat bubble, Jim Harbaugh continues to impress with his old-school team. Impressive work from edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo, coupled with a career day from Hassan Haskins has turned the tides of the Big Ten. Now that Harbaugh has finally cleared the Ohio State hurdle, he must avoid a stumble against Iowa to claim his first CFP spot
Remaining schedule: Iowa (Big Ten Championship)
Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1)
Bryce Young’s heroics might have placed him at the forefront of the Heisman Trophy race but left plenty doubts about the offense. The consistency issues linger with pesky in-state rival Auburn looking to upset Alabama after multiple disappointing losses. Another running back injury leaves Alabama dangerously close to putting wide receivers and linebackers in the backfield for a critical SEC Championship, further complicating matters. The question remains whether two-loss Alabama make the playoff, but the rise of Notre Dame and Oklahoma State complicate matters.
Remaining schedule: Georgia (SEC Championship)
Cincinnati Bearcats (12-0)
Cincinnati has hit the gas pedal, impressing more each week. However, a conference championship test against one-loss Houston appears the final roadblock between the Bearcats and a historic trip to the CFP. With the lack of respect given to American Conference opponents, strength of schedule remains Cincinnati’s biggest enemy as it looks secure a top-four spot, also making the game a must-win.
Remaining schedule: Houston (American Championship)
Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-1)
Oklahoma State’s stout defense provided just enough to knock off Oklahoma in Bedlam. After sending off Lincoln Riley in style, Mike Gundy’s squad appears ready to capitalize on the crazy series of losses with a win over Baylor. Big 12 fans will also have an eye on the SEC, Big Ten and American championships hoping for a slip up somewhere.
Remaining schedule: Baylor (Big 12 Championship)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1)
After falling out of the CFP picture with its loss to Group of Five Cincinnati, Notre Dame has rebounded nicely. Seven straight wins have the Fighting Irish in prime position to capitalize on a two-loss pile up behind them. However, the surprise departure of head coach Brian Kelly and possible move of defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees leave questions on the field and in the coaching staff.
Remaining schedule: N/A