College Football Playoff Rankings Prediction: CBS Sports projects penultimate CFP Top 25
Ahead of the penultimate College Football Playoff Top 25 Rankings being released, Jerry Palm of CBS Sports is taking a crack at it.
Following The Game — where Michigan bested Ohio State in one of the most anticipated games in recent memory — the rankings have been updated. Additionally, there were fireworks throughout the country, including an Iron Bowl to remember involving what could only become known as “The Milthrow.”
Here’s where CBS Sports has each team ahead of the big night. The final Tuesday College Football Playoff rankings reveal of the season. Let’s ride.
1) Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia vanquished their rival Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Week 13. The Bulldogs have remained atop the College Football Playoff rankings for almost the entire season, and are entering conference championship weekend on top.
It won’t be an easy showdown in the SEC title game, as Georgia drew Alabama as an opponent. Still, the Bulldogs are favored to get the victory, and move on to the dance once again, looking for their third straight title.
2) Michigan Wolverines
Once again, Michigan bested Ohio State in The Game. It was a heated battle, with a ton of drama, pomp and circumstance, but the Wolverines were able to hold off the Buckeyes in Ann Arbor.
It’s elementary at this point, as Michigan will face Iowa in the Big Ten title game. Is there a chance the Wolverines slip up? I mean, there’s always a chance — find someone outside of Iowa who believes in the possibility though.
3) Washington Huskies
Following Ohio State’s loss, Washington is up to No. 3 in the CBS rankings. The Huskies handled their business in the Apple Cup, even if it came down to the final moments against Washington State.
Now, Washington will have a win-and-you’re-in game against Oregon in the Pac-12 title game. It’s a showdown that befits the final game for the conference as we know it, and it should be a phenomenal contest.
4) Florida State Seminoles
It wasn’t pretty without Jordan Travis leading the way, but Florida State survived the Florida Gators in Week 13. The SEC program wanted nothing more than to ruin the Seminoles perfect season, but Florida State accomplished something that seemed foreign not that long ago.
Will the committee put Florida State in based on merit, or will their offensive struggles keep them out? A dangerous precedent could be set if they don’t. CBS Sports believes it’ll end in glory for the Seminoles though.
5) Ohio State Buckeyes
Last season, Ohio State snuck into the College Football Playoff, even after losing The Game. There won’t be a similar result this season, unless ultimate chaos breaks loose over championship weekend.
The Buckeyes have beaten just about everyone else over the last three seasons, but Michigan has been their bugaboo. That’s what you’re defined by as a Buckeye though. That’ll be their goal over the next 365.
6) Oregon Ducks
Oregon has a shot to avenge their loss to Washington in the Pac-12 title game. They’re favored entering the showdown, and arguably playing the best football of anyone in the country.
If the Ducks win, it’s going to be tough to see them out of the College Football Playoff. All of their goals are in front of them as they take the trip to Las Vegas on Friday.
7) Texas Longhorns
Texas is going to need some help to get to the College Football Playoff, but they’re in the conversation, and that’s exactly what the Longhorns have been pining for. They’ve officially turned over a new leaf, as they look to cap off their final season in the Big 12 with a championship.
It’s been awhile since Texas could hoist that trophy. There’d be no better way to end their journey than that, and then they’ll do some scoreboard watching over the rest of Saturday night.
8) Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama is perhaps the most interesting team entering championship weekend. If they win over Georgia, the Crimson Tide will throw the selection committee for a loop, wondering where the program should rank on Sunday.
Nevertheless, Alabama looked dead in the water at times early in the season, and they’ve rejuvenated their campaign over the last two months. It’s a testament to Nick Saban’s ability, and how good the Crimson Tide can be, even when they’re not at their best.
9) Missouri Tigers
What a season for Missouri. They’re not going to the College Football Playoff, but the Tigers took the biggest leap of perhaps any team in the SEC over the last couple of months.
They’re now primed for success, both immediately and into the future. Better days remain ahead for Missouri, who could perhaps be a sleeper pick next season.
10) Penn State Nittany Lions
The same problem has plagued Penn State over the last couple of seasons, Michigan and Ohio State. Many thought this could be the year the Nittany Lions break through their glass ceiling, but it wasn’t to be.
Nevertheless, Penn State will be in a prominent bowl game, and look to end their season with a win. The Nittany Lions will be spending all offseason thinking about how they can win the Big Ten in 2024 though.
CBS Sports penultimate CFP Top 25 projections — 11-25:
11) Ole Miss
12) Oklahoma
13) LSU
14) Louisville
15) Arizona
16) Iowa
17) Notre Dame
18) Oregon State
19) Oklahoma State
20) Tennessee
21) NC State
22) Tulane
23) Clemson
24) Liberty
25) Utah
CBS Sports came up with some fascinating rankings for their penultimate College Football Playoff Top 25 projections. At this time next week, we’ll know how close they came to being true. Buckle up, it’s going to be a heck of a ride over conference championship weekend.