College Football’s New Reality: Get Ready for Imperfect Playoff Contenders
In a season marked by chaos, with five Top 25 teams falling to unranked opponents, it’s time to accept that the College Football Playoff’s 12-team field will feature teams with one, two, or even three losses. If a team can win its conference despite multiple losses, it’s still in the running.
Indiana’s remarkable 6-0 start, its first since 1967, under first-year coach Curt Cignetti, serves as a model for programs seeking turnarounds. The Hoosiers’ well-coached team, built around veteran transfers, looks unfazed and legitimate, with a potent offense led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke and wide receiver Elijah Sarratt.
The Big 12 conference has become the most unpredictable, with five undefeated teams vying for the title and a CFP first-round bye. No program stands out as the clear favorite, making predictions a daunting task. Oklahoma State’s offense, once expected to contend for a playoff spot, has inexplicably collapsed during a three-game losing streak.
As the season unfolds, it’s essential to retrain our brains to accept losses in the era of the 12-team CFP. Two-loss teams, like USC and Michigan, are still in the mix, and maybe even a three-loss team could sneak into the field. The selection committee will prioritize statement wins and teams capable of winning the national title.
In the Big 12, Iowa State and BYU remain undefeated, while Texas Tech, West Virginia, and Arizona State have emerged as dark horses. The conference’s unpredictability has led to surprising struggles for Kansas and Oklahoma State, making it anyone’s game as the season reaches its midpoint.
Looking ahead, a potential classic matchup between one-loss Texas A&M and top-five Texas on the final weekend of the regular season could have significant CFP implications. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, with Texas A&M’s defense looking particularly formidable under Mike Elko. The Aggies’ path to the showdown includes games against LSU, South Carolina, and Auburn, while Texas must navigate Oklahoma and Georgia. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
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