Projected College Football Playoff rankings: 1 spot left for 3 teams in contention

After Michigan lost to Ohio State, there is one spot open in the College Football Playoff for three teams still in contention.

There is one playoff bid left for three teams still in contention.

Rivalry week is one of the best weeks in college football. Even if teams have struggled throughout the year, they can end on a high note by beating their succeeding rival. This week always provides intrigue and very often gives us upsets. Sometimes they don’t mean much in the grand scheme, but other times, they can impact the College Football Playoff. That happened earlier on Saturday.

Coming into their matchup, Ohio State had escaped with their lives every week, while Michigan had played great football on their “revenge tour”. Michigan had looked like the better team all year, but as they say, throw out the records when rivals meet.

Ohio State played their best game of the season, really in all three phases of the game. Their offense managed to get explosive plays by mostly running crossing routes and letting their receivers create after the catch. The defense shut down Michigan’s run game and pressured quarterback Shea Patterson all day. The special teams even got involved, blocking a punt for a score. The 62-39 win was a major statement and was the most points Michigan had ever allowed.

Elsewhere in college football, the Pac 12 will not be sending a team to the playoff after Washington beat Washington State in the Apple Cup. The snow proved too much for the Cougars, and the Huskies thrived with 170 yards from Myles Gaskin.

The Michigan loss shakes up the rankings. Who takes the fourth spot? Let’s take a look.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Maybe the Crimson Tide are purposely playing teams close after one half to make sure the world watches them dominate in the second half. That was the case again this week. It looked like Auburn would give Alabama a run for their money in the Iron Bowl, keeping things close at 17-14 at the half.

The Crimson Tide opened things up early in the third, with touchdown passes from Tua Tagovailoa to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and running back Josh Jacobs. Tua’s six total touchdowns on the night put him on track to potentially claim the Heisman trophy. The defense cranked things up in the second half, putting tons of pressure on Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Quinnen Williams and Mack Wilson lived in the backfield all half long.

Their emphatic 52-21 win shows once again why they have the top spot. Next week will be a big one, meeting the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC championship game. If Alabama were to lose, there’s a good chance they would still be in.

2. Clemson Tigers

Another week for the Tigers meant another opponent getting rolled. In-state rival South Carolina made it interesting for the first half, only going to the break down a touchdown. Clemson opened things up in the second half thanks to another dominant performance on offense. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 393 yards and a score, while the running game produced six touchdowns. Travis Etienne led the way on the ground with 150 yards and two of those six scores.

However, this game shows that Clemson has some weaknesses. South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley, who has had a pedestrian season, threw for 510 yards and five touchdowns. The secondary let Deebo Samuel dominate them for 210 yards and three scores. They will need to find ways to mask the secondary going forward because elite teams in the playoff will take advantage.

The Tigers will meet Pittsburgh in the ACC Championship Game. They are likely in even if the unthinkable happens and they lose.

3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Irish finished their season with a trip to rival USC, and things looked very dicey early on. USC built a 10-0 lead in the first half, with the defense suffocating the run and pressuring quarterback Ian Book. The Irish did find the end zone before the half and got out to a 14-10 early in the second half with a quick two-play touchdown drive.

The defense locked down the Trojans in the second half, allowing just one more score in garbage time with the game pretty much in hand. A 51-yard touchdown pass from Ian Book to Troy Jones Jr. sealed the deal late in the fourth quarter.

At 12-0 with no conference title game means the Irish have punched their ticket to the playoff. It was a rocky ride with some not-so-good performances, but they survived the storms and head to the playoff undefeated.

4. Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs are back in the playoff, even if it’s for the short-term. They have played excellent football down the stretch and it was no different today against rival Georgia Tech and their triple option.

Georgia got out to a fast start, with Jake Fromm leading the way. He tossed four touchdowns on the afternoon and didn’t have to do much after building a big lead. He has made strides this season at the quarterback position, despite a couple hiccups. The rushing attack was solid as well, with sophomore D’Andre Swift leading the way with 105 yards. Elijah Holyfield added 79 as well.

The defense kept the triple option Yellow Jackets in check, only allowing 128 yards on the ground on 42 carries. In fact, one of Georgia Tech’s touchdowns came via a kick return.

Georgia gets this spot for now, but a loss to Alabama next week would most likely ruin the Bulldogs playoff hopes. A win would put them in.

Just Missed: Oklahoma, Ohio State

This is where it gets interesting. Oklahoma occupies the fifth spot and could get in with a win over Texas next weekend and a Georgia loss to Alabama. Ohio State made a huge statement and will move up to the sixth spot, but they will likely need Alabama and Texas to win in order to sneak into the playoff. Should Georgia win next weekend, it seems unlikely that either will go.