College Football Playoff Week 14: Committee Tackles ND-Miami Decision
The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee faces critical decisions as teams vie for top positions in Week 14. The outcomes from several key matchups have stirred discussions about playoff rankings moving into the championship games. Miami, Vanderbilt, and Texas all made strides this weekend, but Texas A&M’s defeat overshadows these efforts.
Top Teams Secure Wins
Most teams in the top 10 maintained their status. Notable performances came from:
- Ohio State (12-0)
- Indiana (12-0)
- Georgia (11-1)
- Texas Tech (11-1)
- Oregon (11-1)
- Ole Miss (11-1)
- Oklahoma (10-2)
- Notre Dame (11-1)
- Alabama (10-2)
According to Austin Mock’s projections for The Athletic, seven teams hold over a 99% chance of making the CFP. This includes Texas A&M, which remains a contender despite its recent loss.
Key Matchups Ahead
The upcoming conference championship games are expected to clarify the playoff picture, particularly in the ACC and the American Conference. Ohio State will take on Indiana for the Big Ten title. This is Indiana’s first appearance in a championship game, while Ohio State looks to secure a top seed.
SEC Rivalry Renewed
Alabama and Georgia prepare for their SEC championship clash. The Crimson Tide currently leads the rivalry but face a formidable opponent in the Bulldogs. A win for Georgia could secure a No. 2 seed, while Alabama aims for a top-four seeding.
Miami vs. Notre Dame: A Playoff Debate
Both Miami and Notre Dame closed their seasons strongly. Miami defeated Pitt 38-7, while Notre Dame overpowered Stanford 49-20. With both teams finishing the season with impressive records, the selection committee must weigh Miami’s head-to-head victory against Notre Dame.
- Miami’s key wins: 38-7 vs. Pitt
- Notre Dame’s key wins: 49-20 vs. Stanford
The statistics from their common opponents show Notre Dame outscored shared rivals 192-49, while Miami scored 160-31. Projections currently show Notre Dame with a 95% chance of making the field and Miami at just 1%.
Conference Championship Scenarios
The ACC faced a dramatic turn when Cal upset SMU, impacting the conference title picture. Duke earned a spot in the title game despite an inconsistent season, showing that conference tiebreakers can play a critical role.
- Virginia (10-2) vs. Duke (7-5) in ACC Championship
- James Madison (11-1) aiming for a potential playoff spot in Sun Belt
As the playoff selections approach, the drama around championship outcomes will ripple through rankings and team fates. The upcoming matchups promise to determine the final playoff contenders in this thrilling college football season.
