College Football Bowl Projections: Could Alabama Be the Team to Beat After All?
Alright college football fans, buckle up! Week 12 just added a ton of fuel to the fire for bowl season, especially as we finally start to see the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings shape up. We’ve reached that dangerous point where every game matters, and the stakes are at an all-time high. The latest projections bring plenty of twists and turns that should have fans talking all week long.
Just when you thought this season was starting to settle down, Alabama, yes Alabama, has found themselves back in the mix with a shot at the final four slots. And that’s not even the wildest part. Colorado might just be about to squeeze themselves into bowl-game action too. Yup, Dion Sanders and his squad are making headlines yet again. So, what’s going down, and how is all this happening?
Alabama Back to Being a CFP Favorite
First things first, let’s talk about Alabama. Their entire season has felt like a wild rollercoaster ride, starting with tons of question marks at quarterback and a stunning early season loss to Texas back in Week 2. But since then, Nick Saban’s squad has crept back into serious consideration for the playoff, especially after an enormous win over Kentucky.
The Crimson Tide’s hard-fought battle against Kentucky saw them win big with a final score of 49-21 on the road. Quarterback Jalen Milroe absolutely balled out, pushing his total touchdowns this season to a jaw-dropping 14. Alabama is now sitting comfortably ahead of their final regular-season game against Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Not only has Alabama regained the swagger of old, but they’ve also put themselves in position for more than just a mere appearance in a New Year’s Six bowl. They’ve got their eyes firmly on a top-four CFP spot and, more importantly, a direct ticket to the national championship if things keep breaking their way.
Imagine this: If Alabama can topple No. 1 Georgia in the much-anticipated SEC Championship game, they’d catapult to title contender status overnight. However, Georgia has looked unstoppable this season—more on that later.
Georgia Continues to Dominate
With all this Alabama talk, don’t fool yourself into thinking that Georgia isn’t still the team to beat in college football. After all, they’re ranked No. 1 for a reason. Georgia stomped Ole Miss 52-17, rolling through yet another ranked SEC opponent. They’ve now gone 10-0 on the season, making their case for another national title harder to argue against.
Quarterback Carson Beck has looked unstoppable, leading an offense that’s averaging around 41 points per game. In their recent thrashing of Ole Miss, Beck threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns. Furthermore, it’s not just the offense that’s putting on the show. Georgia’s defense is allowing an average of just 16.9 points per game—a difficult stat for any future opponent to face.
So, are the Bulldogs gearing up for another SEC title? It seems probable, but remember, they’re likely about to face an Alabama team that’s charging full speed ahead. The SEC Championship will decide a lot of these CFP seedings, that’s for sure.
Ohio State and Michigan on a Collision Course
Outside of the SEC, another storyline that’s been building steam all season is the showdown set between Ohio State and Michigan. The two bitter rivals are both undefeated, with Ohio State holding the No. 2 spot in the CFP rankings while Michigan sits tight at No. 3. Their matchup will ultimately serve as a de-facto playoff quarterfinal, with the winner securing a prized spot in the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State, led by Heisman candidate Marvin Harrison Jr., has been sharp this season. The Buckeyes have a defense that’s allowed a measly 9.9 points per game, which they paired perfectly with their explosive offensive firepower.
Michigan’s been equally formidable under Jim Harbaugh, though it’s worth noting his status moving forward remains a bit uncertain as he’s still navigating a sign-stealing scandal that has hung over the program for the majority of the season. Still, the team itself hasn’t wavered, and they’re primed for their biggest game of the year.
Mark your calendars—this one’s going down on November 25, and it’s sure to have a significant impact on the championship picture.
Now for a Fan-Favorite Storyline: Colorado
It’s impossible not to talk about Colorado and the sheer madness Colorado’s season has been. Dion Sanders took the helm this season and brought a huge wave of hype leading into Week 1. The Buffaloes exploded on the scene with an epic upset win over TCU, and suddenly the entire sports world was asking, “Is Colorado for real?”
Well, it’s been a season of ups and downs ever since. Shilo Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Shedeur Sanders have all showcased their immense talent, but Colorado currently sits on a 4-6 record. Yet, even with their season seemingly spiraling downwards, they still hold a chance at reaching bowl eligibility—barely.
Here’s the deal: Colorado must win both of its final two games against Washington State and Utah to become bowl-eligible. That’s no easy feat, considering Utah’s top-25 ranking and strong defense. But crazier things have happened, and if there’s one coach who thrives in the chaos, it’s Deion “Primetime” Sanders. Imagine what the hype might look like if Colorado can somehow sneak into bowl season this year.
Other Key Teams to Watch: Texas, Oregon, and Washington
The College Football Playoff race doesn’t end with the SEC or Big Ten powerhouses, though. Texas, Oregon, and Washington are continuing their hunt for a CFP spot as well.
- Texas: Texas is keeping its playoff dreams alive, sitting just outside the top four at No. 7 in the current rankings. The Longhorns bounced back from their heartbreaking loss against Oklahoma and have since dominated in the Big 12, looking to contend for a conference championship.
- Oregon: No. 6 Oregon has Heisman candidate Bo Nix leading one of the most lethal offenses in the country. Their only loss this season came in a close shootout against now No. 5 Washington. If they can finish strong, they’ve got a legitimate shot at making the playoff.
- Washington: Meanwhile, Washington has been one of the surprise teams of the season. They secured their spot in the CFP’s top 5 after remaining undefeated and pulling off huge wins, especially in their rivalry game against Oregon. Can the Huskies continue the magic and secure a playoff spot?
The Current Bowl Picture
The current college football bowl projections have the top four playoff teams shaping up as:
- Georgia (No.1) vs. Florida State (No. 4) at the Rose Bowl.
- Ohio State (No. 2) vs. Washington (No. 3) at the Sugar Bowl.
But don’t think these matchups are set in stone just yet. As we’ve seen time and time again, one upset can shake things up dramatically. Ohio State and Michigan still have to play their big rivalry game, and Alabama has its eyes locked in on Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. We could see complete chaos before the dust finally settles on Selection Sunday!
The Bedlam of Bowl Season Is Right Around the Corner
Bowl season is an unpredictable beast, and this year won’t be any different. The conference championship games will drastically shift the landscape of the playoff, and we may even see some underdogs work their way into New Year’s Six games if they finish the season hot. One of the most exciting times of the year is almost here, and it’s going to be a wild ride from here on out.
Whether your team’s fighting for a playoff spot or just hoping to make it into the bowl rotation, there’s plenty of drama to unfold in the coming weeks. So get ready, college football fans—the best is yet to come.
Originally Written by: Eddie Timanus
