The College Football Playoff Committee released its rankings on Tuesday night. Georiga made the biggest move, overtaking Ohio State to earn the #1 ranking in the country. Georgia is coming off a big weekend that saw them dismantle then #9 Ole Miss 52-27. Although the playoff won’t expand until next season, the competition for the four playoff spots is heating up among teams from five major conferences. Sorry, Cinderella, the Group of Five will be left out as James Madison sits in NCAA Purgatory. The next three weeks will preview what an “expanded” playoff will look like. The challenge now is figuring out who will be left out, and upcoming key games will play a crucial role in providing some clarity as we head into the season’s final stretch.
College Football Playoff “Expansion”: Elimination Games
#1 Georgia vs. #8 Alabama (December 2)
Georgia and Alabama each locked up their spot atop their respective divisions. The two will meet on December 2nd in the SEC Championship game. Unlike in 2017 or 2021, there will likely be no consolation spot for the loser of this matchup. Georgia has the cleanest path to the likely top spot in the ranking. Finishing the season undefeated and riding a 31-game winning streak. An Alabama win over Georiga likely earns them a #1 or #2 seed in the Playoff ranking. Some will point to an early loss to Texas, but this team is different. A win against top-seeded Georgia would make it difficult for the committee to leave them out. Just beware of Jordan-Hare in two weeks. Nick Saban is 4-4 against Auburn as the Tide’s coach.
#2 Ohio State vs. #3 Michigan (November 25th)
Expect plenty of drama when Michigan and Ohio State face off in Ann Arbor. Michigan, aiming for a third consecutive trip to the College Football Playoff, has won the last two games in the series. NCAA investigations and the Connor Stalions controversy have clouded 2023. The Wolverines have turned it into motivation, fostering a sense of unity with a “Michigan vs. Everyone” mentality
