We are now officially halfway through the 2018-2019 college football regular season and it has already lived up to the hype. We have around 23 teams that still have a chance at making the playoff. These range from the Power-5 to Non-Power-5 teams. We are going to dive in today and look into what must happen for these teams to make it and their chances of doing so. Let’s get into it:
SEC
Alabama Crimson Tide:
Remaining Schedule:
vs. Missouri, at Tennessee, at #13 LSU, vs. #24 Mississippi State, vs. Citadel, vs. #21 Auburn
What Must Happen?
For Alabama to make the College Football Playoff they must win-out the rest of their schedule, plain and simple. I don’t think anyone else who comes out of this side could beat Georgia and there are too many other great teams that I would put in over a one-loss Alabama (of course amusing that they win out). However, this is looking to be a very easy task for Alabama who has a manageable schedule ahead. The only game that stands out against the other is their eventual trip to Baton Rouge in November. Other than that the Crimson Tide look to be in a good spot for a playoff run.
What’s the Chance?
This looks to almost be 100% for the Tide. They are averaging 56 points a game, compared to them only letting up 16 on average to opponents. Look for a great game in SEC Championship against Georgia. (9.5/10)
LSU Tigers:
Remaining Schedule:
vs. #2 Georgia, vs. #24 Mississippi State, vs. #1 Alabama, at Arkansas, vs. Rice, at #22 Texas A&M
What Must Happen?
The Tigers only have one potential game to give up if they want a spot in the playoff: the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. The Tigers must make it past Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M to secure their bid to the SEC Championship Game. This would secure their spot as the best team in the country and a front runner for the playoff. If the beat Georgia in the regular season, this could lead to an advantage on them in a potential title game matchup.
What’s the Chance?
Don’t count on it. The Tigers have had a terrible amount of trouble scoring on defenses, regardless of their status. This team has to travel to Athens to take on a great team and then have to host the powerhouse that is Alabama. I don’t see this going well for the Tigers. (2/10)
Georgia Bulldogs:
Remaining Schedule:
at #13 LSU, vs. #14 Florida, at #18 Kentucky, vs. #21 Auburn, vs. UMass, vs. Georgia Tech
What Must Happen?
The Bulldogs need to play consistently throughout the rest of their scheduled games and win out. If the Bulldogs do pick up a loss it needs to be in that SEC Championship Game against Alabama. The Bulldogs cannot afford to go into the championship game with a single loss with a chance to pick up a second against the winner of the West. So long story short, if you are Georgia, win out and keep it close in the SEC Championship or win it.
What’s the Chance?
It is very likely that Georgia could slip in if they lose to Alabama because of their very strong strength of schedule. The Bulldogs must hope to win out or that other top teams loss a game. (7.5/10)
Kentucky Wildcats:
Remaining Schedule:
vs. Vanderbilt, at Missouri, vs. #2 Georgia, at Tennessee, vs. Middle Tennessee State, at Louisville
What Must Happen?
This answer is relatively short for the Wildcats and the answer is that they must win out the rest of their schedule through the SEC Championship game against the West’s victor. This would most likely mean the Wildcats would have to beat Alabama is a SEC title matchup. Also, the Wildcats must upset Georgia at home to sweeten their case to the committee.
What’s the Chance?
Georgia at home is a tough one for any team. Both defenses only allow around 13 points on defense, but offense is where Georgia tips the scale. The Georgia offense averages 43 points a game, while Kentucky only averages 29. This is where you Kentucky will fail to do what is needed to win: score. (3/10)
Florida Gators:
Remaining Schedule:
at Vanderbilt, vs. #2 Georgia, vs. Missouri, vs. South Carolina, vs. Idaho, at FSU
What Must Happen?
For the Gators to go to the Playoff, they must remain unbeaten through their remaining slate of games. They face off with Georgia home at the Swamp in late October. The Gators must pull of the upset against the strong Bulldog team. Also, the other games that end off the Gator’s regular season are relatively easy with teams like Idaho and Florida State. And finally, the Gators must win the SEC Championship Game, but if they lose it better be by few.
What’s the Chance?
Florida is looking stronger and stronger by the week. If they continue this trend, they may be able to keep it close with Georgia and maybe even win. The only thing that makes me doubt a Gator’s playoff run is the matchup that would come against Alabama, if Florida win the East. They have a maintainable stretch, but Alabama would shut it down if it played out that way. (3/10)
PAC-12
Washington Huskies:
Remaining Schedule:
at #17 Oregon, vs. #19 Colorado, at California, vs. Stanford, vs. Oregon State, at Washington State
What Must Happen?
First and foremost, the Huskies must finish out the season strong. No more showings will be allowed like we saw against UCLA. Washington must remain undefeated and beat in-division contenders in Stanford and Oregon. Also, a win against Colorado would be a good point of power if they are able to beat them twice (regular season and conference championship). Lastly, the Huskies must hope that LSU keeps rolling on and the Tigers can finish without amounting more than 3 losses. If they do all of this, no reason why they would be denied.
What’s the Chance?
I liked this team going into the season and even to right now. They have a good, solid team that can prove to win games. However, this is the PAC-12 and we all know what happens in this conference to teams hoping to make the playoff: UPSET. This is the reason why Big 12 and PAC-12 Champs are often left out because of their amounted number of losses to in-conference teams. I see Washington playing out the season well, but they’ll take on a loss from one the talented teams left on their schedule. (4/10)
Washington State Cougars:
Remaining Schedule:
vs. #17 Oregon, at Stanford, vs. California, at #19 Colorado, vs. Arizona, vs. #7 Washington
What Must Happen?
Since the Cougars already have one loss on their resume, the only option they really have is to win out. The Cougars have a tough block of games awaiting them for the second half of the season. However, if they win out and can win the conference championship, they will have built a very strong case on why they should be let into the playoff. Their only loss, against USC, is close enough that it could be very much overlooked.
What’s the Chance?
I love Washington State as an underdog every year. I always root for them to find a way to make it to the top and prove everyone wrong. Unfortunately, they never seem to pull it off, ever. The Cougars remaining games are against some of the most versatile offenses in the nation and I don’t think they will keep up. (0.5/10)
Oregon Ducks:
Remaining Schedule:
vs. #7 Washington, at Washington State, at Arizona, vs. UCLA, at Utah, vs. Arizona State, at Oregon State
What Must Happen?
Beat in-conference foe Washington, win out, and off to the playoff you go. This is a simple road for the Ducks and they look like they could very well do it. Their loss to Stanford was a very hard one on behalf of Oregon, but Stanford is no Samford. Colorado will prove to be a hard matchup in the PAC-12 Championship if Oregon makes it. If they prove to be triumphant against an pressing Buffaloe team, then I’d let Oregon in.
What’s the Chance?
I look at the last part of the Oregon schedule and something is screaming “UPSET” at me. The teams that Oregon will have to hang with at the end of the season are teams that usually like to bring the pity party with them as well. I like this Duck team, but I just see a slip up soon. (2/10)
Colorado Buffaloes:
Remaining Schedule:
at USC, at #7 Washington, vs. Oregon State, at Arizona, vs. Washington State, vs. Utah, at California
What Must Happen?
If the Buffaloes want to make the CFP, they must win out in their division games, which are against relatively manageable opponents. Also, it would be in the Buffaloes best interest to beat Washington now, so that they can keep a clean slate until the PAC-12 Championship game. And for me to actually push this team into the Playoff, they must win the rest of their games by a large margin to make up for their lack of strength of schedule.
What’s the Chance?
The Buffaloes are seeming to struggle with games they shouldn’t struggle with early on. And they haven’t faced a tough matchup, yet. If they can do great against Washington and pull off the win, then I will give them an edge to secure the conference title. However, I am not counting on it. (2/10)
FBS Independents
Notre Dame Fighting Irish:
Remaining Schedule:
vs. Pittsburgh, vs. Navy, at Northwestern, vs. Florida State, vs. Syracuse, at USC
What Must Happen?
Notre Dame has already amounted a great deal of wins against tougher opponents such as: Stanford, Virginia Tech, and Michigan. All those teams looked like any other FBS team compared to the Irish. The Irish must take this play style into each game on their final stretch. Just win out and the Irish should be just fine.
What’s the Chance?
The Irish have looked incredible with Ian Book in the gun and have blown through teams. The Irish struggled on early in the season, but have corrected their errors since then. I now think this is the year the Irish can penetrate the bubble and get into the CFP. The Irish just need to keep clean on the road against USC and Northwestern because these teams aren’t winning their conference, so they’ll be out for blood. However, the Irish have a bigger goal, so I see no trouble. (7.5/10)
Big Ten:
Ohio State Buckeyes:
Remaining Schedule:
vs. Minnesota, at Purdue, vs. Nebraska, at Michigan State, at Maryland, vs. #12 Michigan
What Must Happen?
Bring the game to Michigan State and Michigan. Yes, if the Buckeyes can beat their rivals big, then they will easily jump into the Big Ten Championship. The rest of the teams on their regular season slate are manageable. And once the Buckeyes are in the Big Ten Championship they must handle Wisconsin with force like they did last year. After all this, Ohio State has a great resume to give to the committee to be let into the CFP.
What’s the Chance?
The Buckeyes have been looking great this year against their opponents. They stood with their in-division rival in Penn State. If Ohio State shows to be clean against the “That team up North”, then I have no doubt they can roll over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship. (8/10)
Michigan Wolverines:
Remaining Schedule:
vs. #15 Wisconsin, at Michigan State, vs. #8 Penn State, at Rutgers, vs. Indiana, vs. #3 Ohio State
What Must Happen?
To make the CFP, the Wolverines must climb the mighty mountain of Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Penn State. If Michigan can do this with their combined wins over other conference teams, then they will slip into the Big Ten Championship. Then Michigan will, most likely, have a rematch with Wisconsin once again. If Michigan can win the rest of their games, I might even place them at a #1 or #2 seed.
What’s the Chance?
This team looks promising every year, but fails to gives us the best of what they have in their inventory. Jim Harbaugh hasn’t looked great against rivals either in the past years, which is alarming to this program. In order for Michigan to make the playoff, they must beat rivals and Wisconsin on top of that (maybe twice). This is very daunting and doesn’t look very likely. (1/10)
Penn State Nittany Lions:
Remaining Schedule:
vs. Michigan State, at Indiana, vs. Iowa, at #12 Michigan, vs. #15 Wisconsin, at Rutgers, vs. Maryland
What Must Happen?
With winning out, Penn State needs to control their Michigan-Wisconsin bubble and then hope Ohio State loses twice. If this happens, then Penn State can play in the Big Ten Championship against Wisconsin or Iowa. If they can hold their own until selection day, then the Nittany Lions will make their first CFP appearance.
What’s the Chance?
For Ohio State to drop two to let Penn State play in the Big Ten Championship is really rare. Also, to bully Michigan and Wisconsin will be hard, but luckily they get those games at home. I more so see Penn State as a bubble team more than anything. (3/10)
Wisconsin Badgers:
Remaining Schedule:
at #12 Michigan, vs. Illinois, at Northwestern, vs. Rutgers, at #8 Penn State, at Purdue, vs. Minnesota
What Must Happen?
Wisconsin has been a team that has faced adversity in the past. Luckily for them, if they win out, they don’t have to play any of these teams twice. The Badgers need to go on the road and beat Michigan and Penn State. Both are very hard road games, but nothing is impossible for the Badgers. Once they win these game they must take on Ohio State in the Big Ten Conference Championship. If Wisconsin can erase last year’s mishap against the Buckeyes, then I think the committee can forget about the early loss against BYU.
What’s the Chance?
Wisconsin has struggled with big time games in the past and they might potentially have 3 to finish the season. The road games against Michigan and Penn State are going to prove to be hard tests, but they won’t win them both. I like Wisconsin, but not in the CFP. (1/10)
Iowa Hawkeyes:
Remaining Schedule:
at Indiana, vs. Maryland, at #8 Penn State, at Purdue, vs. Northwestern, at Illinois, vs. Nebraska
What Must Happen?
The Hawkeyes must win out in their conference games with also beating Penn State to keep a clean conference slate. If they can win out, then they might end up in the Big Ten Championship Game. I say this because Wisconsin takes on Michigan and Penn State on the road; Wisconsin can’t afford to lose either game. And if the Hawkeyes then go on to beat Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship they will have a good chance to slip into the CFP.
What’s the Chance?
You can’t be Iowa and continue to lose to Wisconsin. This not only makes it really hard to win your division, but puts you behind in mindset. Iowa is good and can pull off upsets and they have a shot at Penn State. However, this isn’t looking favorable for Iowa. Maybe another year. (0.5/10)
Big 12
West Virginia Mountaineers:
Remaining Schedule:
at Iowa State, vs. Baylor, at #9 Texas, vs. TCU, at Oklahoma State, vs. #11 Oklahoma
What Must Happen?
The Mountaineers must win against the other front runners in the conference with Texas and Oklahoma. These two games will be great to watch because what is on the line for them all. If the Mountaineers can secure there spot in the Big 12 Championship Game, they will have a great shot for a win and the CFP. The Mountaineers have a chance to remain undefeated all the way to Selection Sunday.
What’s the Chance?
West Virginia has shown that they can win big games with Will Grier leading the way. They must show that they can keep the smaller games on deck in order to win out. I like the position that West Virginia sits in and I can easily see them in the Playoff later on. (6/10)
Texas Longhorns:
Remaining Schedule:
vs. Baylor, at Oklahoma State, vs. #6 West Virginia, at Texas Tech, vs. Iowa State, at Kansas
What Must Happen?
Avoid the upsets and tackle West Virginia. The Longhorns showed they can battle with the big boys last Saturday and became a front runner for the Big 12 Title. Texas must keep on target and keep it clean to make the CFP. I can see them playing in the Big 12 Championship, where they must pull off a great win.
What’s the Chance?
I am still on the fence about this team. We all know upsets like to find their way into the Big 12 and their playoff hopes. I enjoy seeing new blood in the CFP talks, but I don’t see Texas hanging with West Virginia and there tenacious offense this season. (4/10)
Oklahoma Sooners:
Remaining Schedule:
at TCU, vs. Kansas State, at Texas Tech, vs. Oklahoma State, vs. Kansas, at #6 West Virginia
What Must Happen?
Oklahoma needs to not get discouraged and remember they still have a chance at winning the Big 12 Championship and maybe making the CFP. They have a manageable stretch from TCU to Kansas. The Sooners then must not let a repeat of Texas happen when they travel to Morgantown to take on the Mountaineers. If the Sooners win out, the CFP will have to strongly consider the Sooners.
What’s the Chance?
Oklahoma has looked shaky in some games this year and it finally piled over and showed during the Texas game. The Sooners are going to play with a chip on their shoulder and will put teams away. I don’t think they can beat West Virginia, but they can cause some havoc. (2/10)
ACC
Clemson Tigers:
Remaining Schedule:
vs. #20 NC State, at Florida State, vs. Louisville, at Boston College, vs. Duke, vs. South Carolina
What Must Happen?
The Tigers must utilize having to play lesser teams the rest of their schedule. The only games that will push back will be: NC State, Duke, and South Carolina. Clemson also needs to avoid the upset that happens almost every year. They got to focus on what is the target: the CFP. If the Tigers can win out and beat either Virginia Tech or Miami in the ACC Championship Game, then they will make the CFP.
What’s the Chance?
The Tigers look almost as dangerous as they did last year, and maybe even more. I like their new found run game and I don’t think we will see another trip up for the Tigers; the Syracuse game was the upset to happen, but was stuffed. Look for Clemson to dominate the rest of their schedule. (8.5/10)
NC State Wolfpack:
Remaining Schedule:
at #4 Clemson, at Syracuse, vs. Florida State, vs. Wake Forest, at Louisville, at UNC, vs. East Carolina
What Must Happen?
The Wolfpack need to knock off Clemson. This will be a very hard task at hand, but I feel that “on any given Saturday” an upset can happen. And if the Wolfpack can win out after, all the way to the ACC Championship game, then there is a good chance they win it. They would have a decent resume for the committee to look at too.
What’s the Chance?
Look at the scores of NC State’s games. They haven’t really put any team away, regardless of record or status. This is troubling when thinking that they can compete with the higher up teams in the FBS. It’ll be a long time, until NC State goes to the Playoff. (0.5/10)
Miami Hurricanes:
Remaining Schedule:
at Virginia, at Boston College, vs. Duke, at Georgia Tech, at Virginia Tech, vs. Pittsburgh
What Must Happen?
For the Hurricanes too make the CFP they must first deal with all the conference play that will be needed to get to the ACC Championship. They take on some tough games at Virginia Tech and hosting Duke. If Miami wins out the rest of their schedule, they then will make the ACC Championship. If Miami then beats Clemson, the resume will be there for go to CFP, they would just have to hope the loss to LSU is forgotten.
What’s the Chance?
Miami is now beginning to look back to what we saw last year: all hype, no play. If Miami hadn’t been able to pull off the comeback on FSU last week, then they wouldn’t even be in this article right now. They also have to travel to Blacksburg to take on a tough Virginia Tech team that should be ranked. I’m not being fooled again. (1/10)
American Conference
UCF Knights:
Remaining Schedule:
at Memphis, at East Carolina, vs. Temple, vs. Navy, vs. #25 Cincinnati, at #23 USF
What Must Happen?
Win out and hope for the best. UCF has a strong chance to win out this fairly easy American game slate. UCF has the ability to put teams away fast and it shows every week. The Knights just have to hope they don’t get skipped over against, like last year.
What’s the Chance?
Strength of Schedule. This cannot be stressed enough when these fans come to talk. To say you have beaten in-conference teams that have beaten nobodies is not enough. UCF lacks statement wins over good programs to heighten their resume. The only argument to be made is that they were undefeated last year as well. I don’t want to watch Alabama blow them out. (1/10)
Photo Credits: https://www.sporttechie.com/college-football-playoffs-top-sports-tech-priority-is-optimizing-fan-experience-on-championship-game-day-and-throughout-the-year/
