College Football Playoff, New Years Six bowl projections: Week 13

We haven’t had five Power Five teams stay undefeated this deep into the season in the CFP era, and only one of them (Michigan or Ohio State) is guaranteed to lose in the next two weeks. So it’s possible we see the first — and only — CFP populated by only undefeated teams. Possible, but not likely.

Florida State is playing with a backup QB after Jordan Travis suffered a gruesome leg injury. Washington probably will have to play Oregon again, and oddsmakers would favor the Ducks in that game. Georgia has to play Alabama in the SEC title game. The winner of Michigan-Ohio State has to play Iow….. — I couldn’t finish typing that last one with a straight face.

The odds say it’s more likely that three or four of these five lose than four of the five remain undefeated. The question is which three or four. Buckle up.

College Football Playoff

Sugar Bowl: No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 4 Texas

On Saturday, Georgia showed a moment of weakness — the long Jaylen Wright TD run — and then suffocated Tennessee while also scoring at will. The Bulldogs have Georgia Tech next before the highly-anticipated showdown with Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.

Texas must  beat Texas Tech on Friday, and then they would head to the Big 12 title game. There — against Oklahoma State, Kansas State or Oklahoma — Texas will need to make fewer mistakes than it did against Iowa State on Saturday, because those teams can capitalize.

Rose Bowl: No. 2. Michigan vs. No. 3 Washington

Michigan faces its toughest test of the season on Saturday in ‘The Game’ against rival Ohio State. A win over the Buckeyes sends the Wolverines to face Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game.

Washington’s win at Oregon State in a downpour might be their most impressive yet. The Huskies could face a rematch with Oregon or take on Arizona in the Pac-12 Championship Game depending on week 13 outcomes.

New Years Six bowls

Orange Bowl: Louisville vs. Ohio State
Peach Bowl: Tulane vs. Oklahoma
Fiesta Bowl: Oregon vs. Penn State
Cotton Bowl: Alabama vs. Florida State