Predicting the College Football Playoff after Michigan beats Ohio State
Could the third time be the charm? That's right: for the third straight year, Michigan took out arch-rival Ohio State, and this year's edition of The Game was arguably the most important in modern history, pitting two undefeated rivals both in the top-five of the rankings, loaded with not just Big Ten title implications, but with a direct impact on what the College Football Playoff will look like.
That runs in line with the last two seasons, as the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes in dominating fashion, won two straight Big Ten titles, and made two College Football Playoffs. But they're yet to advance to the national championship game. With one of the nation's most talented, balanced teams, could this be the year?
Predicting the College Football Playoff
Rankings as of the finish of Ohio State-Michigan
4. Oregon. We project that the Ducks, which clinched a rematch against Washington in the Pac-12 title game after beating Oregon State, will win in Vegas and move into contention for the final spot in the semifinal rankings with one loss, ahead of Texas, which we predict will win the Big 12 with one loss.
3. Florida State. While the Seminoles are yet to face off against Florida tonight, we predict they will win that matchup and finish undefeated with a victory over Louisville in the ACC Championship Game.
2. Michigan. The Wolverines will be favored against West challenger Iowa in the Big Ten title bout and from there are an obvious pick as the undefeated conference champion to sit at No. 2 in the selection committee's rankings.
1. Georgia. The Bulldogs kick off against rival Georgia Tech as 24-point favorites in primetime on Saturday night. We predict they'll take care of the Yellow Jackets and then win the SEC Championship Game against Alabama.
The Games
Georgia vs. Oregon. A rematch of the 2022 season opener, but we expect something closer than the Bulldogs' 49-3 thrashing against a better, more balanced Oregon team.
Michigan vs. Florida State. The Wolverines' strong defense lines up against a Seminole attack loaded with elite playmakers, but installing a new quarterback on short notice.
National Championship
Georgia vs. Michigan. No team has won three straight national championships since Minnesota in the 1930s, but the Bulldogs have the talent edge and the speed at the skill positions to take another prominent SEC vs. Big Ten matchup and make history.
National champion: Georgia.
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