by Shaking it up this week, let’s have a look at who can realistically make the top 4 and get to the playoffs. It’s week 9 out of 14 as we are getting closer to bowl games, playoffs, and rivalry week. Let’s cover some teams with an excellent chance to make it to the postseason. Count on the top 5 teams I name to make it.
1. Georgia
Remaining Schedule: @Florida (Oct 28th), No.16 Missouri (Nov 4th), No.12 Ole Miss (Nov 11th), @No.21 Tennessee (Nov 18th), @Georgia Tech (Nov 25th)
When looking at the remaining schedule for Georgia, it isn’t that easy. Georgia going on the road to The Swamp and Rocky Top is not ideal. This is one of the hardest stretches of games for a top-ranked team. Playing a breakout Missouri team, and an elite offensive Ole Miss team led by Jaxson Dart is worrisome. Georgia will be without their star tight end Brock Bowers as well. The Bulldogs could easily struggle and miss out on the postseason or thrive and secure their spot at the top. Their playoff destiny is in their own hands.
2. Michigan
Remaining Schedule: Purdue (Nov 4th), @No.10 Penn State (Nov 11th), @Maryland (Nov 18th), No.3 Ohio State (Nov 25th)
Michigan can realistically slip up and lose against Penn State and Ohio State. Going to Happy Valley is never easy as Michigan could lose to a good Penn State team. And the biggest game of the year, Ohio State versus Michigan. The good news for Michigan is that they are home in Ann Arbor, they won the last 2 meetings, and Ryan Day hasn’t been able to beat them yet. Michigan can end the Ryan Day tenure as the Ohio State head coach with a 3rd straight win. Whoever wins will most likely win the Big Ten Conference. Michigan should cruise past Maryland and Purdue.
3. Ohio State
Remaining Schedule: @Wisconsin (Oct 28th), @Rutgers (Nov 4th), Michigan State (Nov 11th), Minnesota (Nov 18th), @No.2 Michigan (Nov 25th)
The Buckeyes have taken care of business so far this year beating a good Penn State and Notre Dame team. Looking at the remaining schedule it is a cakewalk until the biggest game of the year. Going to Michigan will dictate their playoff hopes. A loss will cost them the chance to win the Big Ten and potentially a top-four spot. Utah saved the Buckeyes last year by beating USC in the Pac-12 title game which sent them to the playoffs. Ohio State has the hardest game remaining but one of the easiest schedules until the last game.
4. Washington
Remaining Schedule: @Stanford (Oct 28th), @No.24 USC (Nov 4th), No.13 Utah (Nov 11th), @No.11 Oregon State (Nov 18th), Washington State (Nov 25th)
What a remaining schedule. If Washington can win out they will lock in a top-four spot. Playing the potential Heisman winner Caleb Williams and the Lincoln Riley-coached offense is never easy. Utah hasn’t lost at home since 2020 so that isn’t an easy road game. And don’t overlook Washington State. The Cougars were ranked until they lost to Arizona and beat Oregon State earlier this year. Washington has the hardest remaining schedule over Georgia to make the playoffs. Playing three ranked teams, two on the road, and all back to back to back is one crazy stretch of games.
5. Florida State
Remaining Schedule: @Wake Forest (Oct 28th), @Pitt (Nov 4th), Miami (Nov 11th), North Alabama (Nov 18th), @Florida (Nov 25th)
Florida State’s issue is hoping Washington does not end the season with 1 loss or less. Washington has more impressive wins and has a much harder schedule than them. Florida State has impressive wins over LSU, Duke, and Clemson but the rest of their schedule is easy. The Seminoles have the easiest remaining schedule which helps them stay undefeated but doesn’t help their case with big ranked wins. The last game against Florida at The Swamp is the toughest game left for the Seminoles as Jordan Travis should beat the Gators. Florida State has a more impressive resume than Oklahoma but could Washington or another team pass them up?
6. Anonymous
Could Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas, or Alabama sneak into the top 4? Out of all of these teams, I see Oregon. The Ducks have one close loss against a really good Washington team on the road and have an impressive resume. If the Ducks can beat USC, Utah, and Oregon State (all ranked teams) coming up they make a strong case for the top 4 if some of those higher-ranked teams start slipping. Oklahoma, Texas, and Alabama are all long shots as Oregon has the best resume out of all the teams six or higher looking for a chance to make it in. Oklahoma and Texas both have one signature win this season and that’s it. Alabama isn’t as impressive and can’t see them above Oklahoma or Texas, even if they win out.
Anything can happen
