College Football Playoff Expansion Sparks Major Bowl Shakeup After Week 12

Oklahoma’s stunning victory over Alabama has dramatically reshaped the postseason landscape. The upset likely secures a fifth bid for the SEC in the expanded College Football Playoff. This single result has sent ripple effects through bowl projections for nearly every conference.

The loss creates a complex puzzle for the selection committee. According to Sports Illustrated, Alabama could still win the SEC championship with two losses. Their final ranking will be heavily debated, especially against one-loss contenders.

SEC Dominance and Playoff Positioning

Alabama’s path to the SEC title game remains clear. They must win the Iron Bowl against Auburn. A victory there sends them to Atlanta to face likely opponent Texas A&M.

The Crimson Tide’s final ranking is a major point of discussion. They are currently in a tough debate with one-loss Mississippi. A conference championship could push them as high as the No. 6 seed. For now, projections place them at No. 7 with a high-profile home game against Notre Dame.

This scenario locks in the Mustangs as the new projected ACC champion. They have a favorable path to the conference title game in Charlotte. Beating Virginia would secure their automatic playoff bid.

Bowl Game Domino Effect and Marquee Matchups

The reshuffled playoff picture creates exciting new bowl pairings. ESPN and TNT are set to benefit from several high-profile first-round games. Oklahoma traveling to play Oregon is one such compelling matchup.

Another intriguing possibility is an all-Texas quadrant. This would feature North Texas facing Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. The bragging rights from such a game would be immense for the winning fan base.

The rest of the bowl schedule also receives a significant refresh. Miami is now projected for the Gator Bowl against Vanderbilt. Clemson and Florida State find new destinations in the Military and Gasparilla bowls respectively.

Traditional powerhouse games are also taking shape. Michigan versus Texas is now likely for the Citrus Bowl. Nebraska and Tennessee are projected to meet in the ReliaQuest Bowl, rekindling historic nostalgia.

The College Football Playoff expansion has ensured a chaotic and thrilling conclusion to the season. The final bowl projections promise high-stakes drama and unforgettable matchups for fans nationwide.

Thought you’d like to know-

How many teams make the College Football Playoff now?

The playoff has expanded to 12 teams. This is the first season with the new format. It allows for more conference champions and at-large bids.

Can Alabama still make the playoff?

Yes, Alabama can still reach the playoff. They need to win their final regular season game and then win the SEC Championship. A conference title would make a strong case for inclusion.

Which conference is projected to get the most bids?

The SEC is currently projected to receive five playoff bids. This is the most of any conference. The Big Ten and Big 12 are also expected to have multiple teams in the field.

What is the biggest change in the bowl projections?

SMU is now projected to win the ACC and get an automatic bid. This is a significant shift. It changes the outlook for several other ACC teams and their bowl destinations.

When are the final playoff rankings released?

The final rankings and full bowl schedule will be released on Selection Sunday. This follows the conference championship games. It determines the entire 12-team playoff bracket.