The latest bowl projections have shaken up the landscape of college football, particularly for Ohio State and SMU. After a surprising loss to Michigan, Ohio State has dropped to the No. 8 seed in the College Football Playoff, while SMU has earned a coveted first-round bye. This development sets the stage for an exciting postseason.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio State’s loss to Michigan impacts their playoff positioning.
- SMU finishes the season strong, securing a first-round bye.
- The upcoming championship games will further influence bowl matchups.
Ohio State’s Unexpected Fall
Ohio State entered the weekend as the No. 2 seed but suffered a shocking 13-10 defeat against Michigan, a team with a 7-5 record. This loss not only cost them a chance to compete for the Big Ten title but also affected their standing in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings.
Despite the loss, analysts believe Ohio State will not drop significantly in the rankings. The Buckeyes are projected to remain ahead of Tennessee, thanks to their two top-10 victories, including a notable win on the road.
SMU’s Strong Finish
In contrast, SMU has completed an undefeated conference season, highlighted by a decisive 38-6 victory over Cal. This performance has earned them a first-round bye in the playoffs, allowing them to rest and prepare for their upcoming matchup.
Upcoming Championship Games
The outcomes of the championship games will play a crucial role in finalizing the playoff picture. Here are some key matchups to watch:
| Date | Game | Location | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 1 | Rose Bowl | Pasadena, California | (1) Oregon vs. (8/9) Winner |
| Jan. 1 | Sugar Bowl | New Orleans | (2) Georgia vs. (7/10) Winner |
| Jan. 1 | Fiesta Bowl | Glendale, Arizona | (4) Boise State vs. (5/12) Winner |
| Dec. 31 | Peach Bowl | Atlanta | (3) SMU vs. (6/11) Winner |
The Road Ahead
As the regular season concludes, the focus shifts to the championship games, which will determine the final playoff seeds. Analysts expect adjustments to the current projections based on these outcomes. Notably, Ohio State’s position could be influenced by their performance in the upcoming game against Tennessee.
Conclusion
With the bowl season approaching, fans are eager to see how the playoff picture will unfold. Ohio State’s unexpected drop and SMU’s strong finish have set the stage for an exciting postseason. As teams prepare for their championship games, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the college football season.
