Front Porch FootballAll Possible CFP Contenders
by Harris Oates
Alabama 12-0
Next Game: vs. UGA in SEC Championship
Playoff Probability: 99.6%
How they make it: From start to finish, Alabama has been the most complete team. Their top-rated offense will carry them through the to the playoffs, regardless of how they finish against Georgia. It is not a question of whether Alabama makes the playoffs, it is a question of whether they are the 1 seed or the 4 seed.
Image from Sports Illustrated.
Clemson 12-0
Next Game: vs. Pittsburgh in ACC Championship
Playoff Probability: 94.3%
How they make it: Clemson’s talented defense will help them to shut down Pittsburgh and their star running back Qadree Ollison. Wilkins has turned into a star on both sides of the ball, and has started to make a case for himself as a Heisman candidate. Even if they lose to Pittsburgh, they should make the playoffs regardless. Unless Clemson gets stomped and UGA and Oklahoma somehow both make their cases worthy enough to sneak in, I see Clemson as a lock.
Notre Dame 12-0
Next Game: N/A
Playoff Probability: 99%
How they make it: Notre Dame may not be a top 4 team in the country, but they sure have done everything in their power to get into the playoffs. With a perfect regular season record and a history and fan base as deep as anyone, there is no way the committee leaves Notre Dame out. If Notre Dame gets stomped in the playoffs, look for rules to be discussed only allowing teams with a conference championship to be allowed to get into the playoffs.
Image from USA Today.
Georgia 11-1
Next Game: December 1 vs. Alabama in the SEC Championship
Playoff Probability: 62%
How they make it: Georgia has posted the second-best record in the best conference in football. They have star power and prospects on offense, defense and special teams. They won the SEC East and will face Alabama in the championship. The committee also seems to love rematch and rivalry games. If UGA can upset Alabama they are in, or if they can keep it close with help from Oklahoma and Ohio State losing, they will make the playoffs.
Ohio State 11-1
Next Game: vs. Northwestern in the Big 10 Championship
Playoff Probability: 49%
How they make it: As awesome as Ohio State looked against Michigan’s defense, the Buckeyes will need a little help to get into the playoff. They will need to have a great game, and also need Georgia to lose against Alabama. If Ohio State can destroy Northwestern (like they should), I would find it hard to believe that they wouldn’t end up as the top ranked 1 loss team.
Oklahoma 11-1
Next Game: vs. Texas in Big 12 Championship
Playoff Probability: 44%
How they make it: Oklahoma will need more than a little bit of help, as they are the first team out and does not control their own destiny. Oklahoma will need Georgia to lose convincingly in the SEC Championship (which is not unlikely) and must look better against Texas than Ohio State does against Northwestern. The Sooners defense will be their Achilles heel when their name comes up in the selection process, but on the plus side, a Kyler vs. Tua dual would be awesome.
Image from AP Photos.
UCF 11-0
Next Game: vs. Memphis in the American Championship
Playoff Probability: <1%
How they make it: Losing McKenzie Milton might just have been the last nail in the coffin for the Golden Knights, nonetheless UCF strung together another awesome season. I think a team who goes multiple seasons undefeated deserves a shot at the CFP, but unfortunately, they just lost their best player. Unless Georgia, Oklahoma and Ohio State all lose big, UCF will find themselves out of the playoffs. At this point, the chances of the Browns making a super bowl run might be as high as UCF making the playoffs.
