2024 Week 5 12-team College Football Playoff Prediction
Week five of the college football season delivered some important results as it pertains to the College Football Playoff. While no contenders were eliminated because of what happened this past weekend, there were a number of teams that made massive statements.
Of course, the sport's marquee game from week five, Alabama hosting Georgia, lived up to the billing. After jumping out to a 28-0 lead, the Tide needed a spectacular 75-yard touchdown reception from freshman Ryan Williams in the final minutes to secure a 41-34 win. As a result, the Crimson Tide leapfrogs the Bulldogs in this week's playoff projection.
Meanwhile, Ohio State, Texas, Oregon, and Penn State all made their own statements by securing convincing wins. Also, No. 25 Boise State bolstered its playoff chances by beating a previously unbeaten Washington State team 45-24.
On the other hand, some contenders made statements by losing or escaping against inferior opponents. Ole Miss fell at home to Kentucky, Utah was thoroughly dominated by Arizona in Salt Lake City, and Miami had a controversial last-play win over Virginia Tech at home.
So let's look at how the playoff field might shake out if the playoff were to begin this week. And as you'll notice, there are a lot of changes to our projection.
Rank | Team | Bid | Previous Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alabama | SEC Champ | 6 |
2 | Ohio State | Big Ten Champ | 2 |
3 | Clemson | ACC Champ | N/A |
4 | Iowa State | Big 12 Champ | N/A |
5 | Texas | At-Large | 5 |
6 | Tennessee | At-Large | 7 |
7 | Georgia | At-Large | 1 |
8 | Penn State | At-Large | 9 |
9 | Oregon | At-Large | 11 |
10 | Miami | At-Large | 3 |
11 | Missouri | At-Large | 10 |
12 | Boise State | MWC Champ | 12 |
Ultimately, Alabama's win over Georgia is the best win any team has had this year so they sit atop the rankings. What's more, Clemson's impressive run since losing to Georgia in week one has them as our new ACC favorite, especially considering that the Miami Hurricanes could have easily lost to unranked Virginia Tech if one replay had gone a different way.
Meanwhile, Utah is no longer our Big 12 favorite after their 13-point home loss to Arizona. That could change when they get starting QB Cam Rising back but until now, Iowa State looks like the best all-around team in the conference.
This coming week, there is only one matchup of ranked teams, Missouri at Texas A&M. Thus, there might not be as many shakeups in next week's projections. However, we never know when there will be an upset so check in next week to see what the playoff field might look like.
feed