College Football Playoff Projections: Chaos Looms Ahead of Rivalry Weekend

BRISTOL, Conn. — As college football heads into rivalry weekend, the playoff picture is becoming increasingly chaotic following a surprising Week 13. The playoff committee faced tough decisions after teams, including Miami and Pittsburgh, made their cases for a spot.

Miami, the highest-ranked team in the ACC, saw its chances evaporate after a heavy defeat that eliminated it from the conference title game. Now, the focus shifts to Pittsburgh, which may start a doomsday scenario in the ACC, potentially leaving the conference out of the playoff.

Compounding the confusion, Group of Five contenders like North Texas and SMU are also in the mix. If both teams win their respective conferences, they could contend for playoff spots, leaving the ACC champion home.

Miami remains on the verge, needing several critical losses from teams above it, including Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have secured a strong resume and could seize the final playoff seed if they clinch a convincing win in their upcoming game.

The updated playoff projection reveals key matchups for the final 12-team bracket, including traditional bowl games. The stakes are high as teams jockey for position in the prestigious postseason contests.

Ohio State is projected to maintain its top seed after a dominating performance, and Texas A&M looks poised for a significant run in the SEC. Meanwhile, Oregon produced a pivotal win over USC, suggesting it may soon challenge for a top-five spot following its recent success.

With only two weeks remaining in the regular season, the potential for unexpected surprises is ever-present. Historically, rivalry weekend has produced unforeseen outcomes that can shift the playoff landscape dramatically.

As we anticipate the outcome of these upcoming games, the door remains open for both established and emerging contenders. Focus remains on how the committee will navigate the complexities of the rankings heading into the final stretch.