College Football Playoff Rankings Predictions for 11-27-18

Just a quick notice before we get started, next week's Playoff Predictions article will come out Sunday morning instead of Monday due to the release of the final rankings being Sunday at noon ET. Now, here is my predictions for Tuesday's rankings.

1. Alabama (12-0) (-)

The Roll Tide continued their roll, defeating rival Auburn 52-21 to win the Iron Bowl. Tua had a brilliant game, throwing for 324 yards and five touchdowns and keeping pace for the Heisman. The game was routine, scoring at least seven points per quarter and holding Auburn to a max of seven points a quarter. Their eyes are now on the SEC Championship against 4 Georgia. If they win, the top rank is a lock for Alabama and will probably face either Oklahoma or Ohio State. But if they lose it gets interesting. A close loss will probably have them be ranked 4 and play either Notre Dame or Clemson, but a bad loss to Georgia might have them out of the top 4 entirely. It is a big weekend for Alabama and they better prepare, because one mistake may cost them a playoff spot.

2. Clemson (12-0) (-)

Clemson eased their way into championship game weekend with a 56-35 over state rivals South Carolina. It felt that their offense was way too much to handle for SC, scoring 14 points each quarter. QB Trevor Lawrence played great and the run game was clinical. The defense though left more to be desired, allowing South Carolina QB Jake Bentley threw for over 500 yards, which the Tigers cannot afford in the Playoff round(s). They play Pitt for their ACC Championship game, and I would bet that Clemson will stay in the top 3 next week.

3. Notre Dame (12-0) (-)

It was close, stressful, and looked bad at times, but Notre Dame will be playing in the Playoffs. With a narrow 24-17 win over USC Saturday night, the Fighting Irish finished their season undefeated and have no conference championship game this weekend. Losing 10-7 at halftime, many were already prepping for Notre Dame to lose and fall in the rankings. They came out a different team and went on to win the game. In the past, not having a conference championship game hurt teams, but this year it helps Notre Dame because they have no final game to lose. They will probably be in the 2-4 range depending on results, and I cannot wait to see them play a team like Clemson.

4. Georgia (11-1) (+1)

At the moment, there is two SEC teams in the top four, or at least there should be. With their win over Georgia Tech during the weekend, the Bulldogs secured a chance to be the top four come next weekend. As stated earlier, they will face 1 Alabama for their conference title, and I personally believe they have a great chance to do so. Their defense is top notch, and if they can control Tua, I see a Georgia win. With a win, they are almost guaranteed a top four rank and would probably face Notre Dame. With a loss, they are out of contention and would probably still be in a New Year's Six bowl game.

5. Oklahoma (11-1) (+1)

At the moment, let me repeat, at the moment I have the Oklahoma Sooners in the hot-seat for the 4 spot. I believe the main factor will be consistency and their loss. The overall team has been more ready to play than 6 Ohio State in my opinion, and their loss to ranked Texas is loads better than the Buckeyes' to unranked Purdue. They now have a rematch against Texas in the BIG-12 Championship. I don't think the committee would take the win over Texas as a replacement over their loss, but it can't hurt. Sooner fans should root for Alabama to take down Georgia, so there is only the debate about Oklahoma or Ohio State, and not between Oklahoma, Ohio State, or Alabama.

6. Ohio State (11-1) (+4)

Wow, what a football game between the Buckeyes and Wolverines, well at least for the Buckeyes. Ohio State destroyed Michigan 62-39 and clinched their spot in the BIG TEN Championship game. QB Dwayne Haskins played wonderfully, adding to his Heisman chances. Now, their chance have increased, but still need certain results to fall. They need to beat ranked Northwestern first, and then would love it if 5 Oklahoma losses and also 4 Georgia losses. If one of those don't happen, it may be a hard debate for Ohio State to get in.

Ranks 7-10:

7. UCF (11-0) (+2)

Defeated USF easily, no chance for top 4 but can win the American Conference this weekend.

8. Michigan (10-2) (-4)

Looked awful against 6 Ohio State, and now their regular season is over.

9. Florida (9-3) (+2)

Denied Florida State of a bowl game, and benefited from LSU and WSU losing.

10. Penn State (9-3) (+2)

Beat an ok Maryland team, wouldn't be in top 10 if it wasn't for 7 and 8 losing.

Dropped out of top ten: LSU (7) and Washington State (8)