Another amazing week in College Football weekend just passed us by and it seems that each week gets even more exciting than the last. I hate that there’s only a few weeks left in the season. The playoff picture continues to shape and there are a few teams that still control their own destiny. Last week we saw Alabama be pushed to the brink, Auburn play it’s way back into the playoff picture with a beating of number 1 Georgia, and Wisconsin continue to just win. Before the committee releases their rankings tonight, I have to give my thoughts first.
The U is Back!
Never have I ever been more happier to type a line than that one. As a dedicated Miami fan for over 15 years, I have waited and waited to see Miami return to the greatness that defined us for years. But now, they are proving themselves. Miami has now won a nation’s best 14 games in a row dating back to last year. Several media types picked Miami to lose to number 3 Notre Dame, and Miami went out and shut that down. This was a massive beating in every facet of the game. Miami was never challenged and destroyed the Irish 41-8. The defense was its usual self, dominant. The turnover chain was brought out 4 times for the 4th game in a row and Miami frustrated both quarterbacks Notre Dame tried to bring on the field. That is a championship winning defense. The offense was consistent and steady all game. They made big plays when needed and converted on 3rd down. Miami might be the best team in the land and for the first time since they joined the ACC, they have clinched a spot in the ACC Championship game against Clemson on December 2nd. As much as I can’t wait to break that game down, I’ll wait until it’s closer.
My Rankings
Alright, so tonight the College Football Playoff Committee will release their 3rd playoff rankings of the year. Now, as I said when the first rankings were released, these will ALWAYS play themselves out but now we can kind of look ahead and get an idea who will be standing in the end. The best way to do this breakdown will likely be breaking it down by conference. The PAC 12 is definitely out, so I’ll focus on the other conferences before picking listing my team rankings.
Who has a chance?
ACC
The ACC title game matchup has already been set. It’s Miami vs Clemson. So with that said each team has a chance to be in the final 4. Clemson’s win against Auburn is looking even better as Auburn has played themselves back into consideration. And Miami’s annihilation of Notre Dame spoke volumes across the country. Each team has a favorable schedule before they matchup, though Clemson does travel to Columbia to take on rival South Carolina. I don’t think Clemson can afford a loss and still make it to the final 4. Miami has to win there last 2 regular season games and they should be a lock for the final four. If they lose in the ACC championship game by single digits, they still deserve a spot. I can not wait for that game!
BIG 10
The Big 10 only has ONE team really in the mix for the championship. Wisconsin is still undefeated and they have a tough schedule starting this week with Michigan. They also play Minnesota before a matchup against likely Ohio State in the BIG 10 title game. This is a team that truly can’t afford a loss at at all. A 12-1 Wisconsin with their strength of schedule will not be in the playoff.
BIG 12
Oklahoma is likely the team here unless they lose in the BIG 12 title game. They do however end the season with a game at a good West Virginia team. If they win out they’re in, which would be a great look for the first year head coach Lincoln Riley, and Heisman favorite Baker Mayfield. No other big 12 team has a shot at the playoff.
SEC
The SEC actually has 3 teams with a chance to make the final 4. Let’s start with Alabama who will likely be ranked number 1 in the committee’s rankings. Alabama just escaped from losing to a tough Mississippi State team. They control their own destiny, like the other 2 teams in the SEC They have to beat Auburn and win the SEC title game for them to be a lock, and some people think even with a loss, that based on the name Alabama, and the coach NIck Saban, that given the right circumstances they could still have a shot. Auburn just smashed Number 1 Georgia last week and jumped right in the mix. If they win out, that would include a win against Alabama, as well as another win against Georgia, they would 100% sure be in. They are peaking at the right time on both sides of the ball. Yes, they have 2 losses, but one is against a top 5 Clemson team, and the other is a game where they blew a lead against a solid LSU team. Georgia, despite losing badly to Auburn last week, can still make the final four, as long as they win out. It should be interesting watching this play out.
My Rankings
1. Miami
2. Clemson
3. Oklahoma
4. Alabama
5. Wisconsin
6. Auburn
7. Georgia
8. Oklahoma State
9. Ohio State
10. Penn State
Week 12 picks
There aren’t as many big games this week as the last couple but there are still a few that I’ll be keeping my eyes on.
Michigan VS Wisconsin
The 1st test down the stretch for Wisconsin is Michigan. Michigan is proven to be a tough defensive team who has an average offense. There is nothing Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh would like better than to ruin Wisconsin’s season. But in the end, I think Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin will be too tough to stop. Wisconsin may lose before the playoff, but it won’t be this game.
Wisconsin 30
Michigan 20
TCU VS Texas Tech
TCU was poised to continue to try and make a push for the playoffs, but losses in 2 of their last 3 games put an end to that. The defense last week was no match for Heisman favorite Baker Mayfield. They face another high powered offense this week in Texas Tech. Luckily for TCU, Tech’s defense isn’t very good so they should be able to score points. In the end, this game will come down to who can get the last few stops in the 4th quarter.
TCU 41
Texas Tech 33
Virginia VS Miami
The worst that can happen to a Miami team who has spent all season trying to to prove themselves is a loss to lowly Virginia. Miami is at home so hopefully the crowd can give them enough energy to find that same passion they had the last 2 weeks. Miami’ defense alone should win this game for them, but hopefully the Canes offenses gains confidence from last week’s win and continues to improve. I love them using Dee Jay Dallas at quarterback last week as well. If Miami is focused, they win this game easy.
Miami 37
Virginia 16
UCLA VS USC
UCLA is extremely disappointing this year. As much as I like Jim More as a person and coach, it might be time for him to go. Maybe the team needs a new voice. Josh Rosen may be the most talented quarterback in the the country, and I feel for him having to play with a bunch of incompetence around him. With that, USC is starting to look good, having won 3 straight games and even though UCLA can score, their defense won’t be able to hold up.
USC 41
UCLA 28
Kansas State VS Oklahoma State
This should be a great game with a good contrast of styles. Kansas State likes to grind it out and play tough defense, whereas Oklahoma State likes to score, score, and score more. Oklahoma State’s defense isn’t great but they should score enough points to hold off Kansas State.
Oklahoma State 33
Kansas State 24
So there you have it. We’ll see in about an hour how much my rankings differ from the committee which I’m sure it will. Either way it’s been a great season and I am excited for the finish! GO CANES!!!
