Bowl Projections 2022: Predictions for Georgia, Michigan and Top Teams

It's no surprise that Georgia and Michigan appear to be heading to the College Football Playoff this season. Both programs reached the CFP at the end of the 2021 campaign, and they were expected to be among the top teams again in 2022.

But TCU and USC? There were far fewer preseason predictions that had either the Horned Frogs or Trojans making it to the College Football Playoff. Yet, both are one win away from doing so.

Heading into conference championship weekend, the CFP picture is straightforward. Georgia, Michigan, TCU and USC hold the top four spots in the rankings, and each can secure a playoff berth with a victory and a conference title. The Bulldogs and Wolverines are likely safe even if they lose on Saturday (and possibly the Horned Frogs, too).

If USC (or potentially TCU) stumbles, then Ohio State is waiting at No. 5 in the CFP rankings hoping it will then receive a berth from the selection committee.

Here are the latest top bowl projections, followed by predictions for how the College Football Playoff field will shake out.

CFP and New Year's Six Projections

AP Photo/Roger Steinman, File

FILE - The College Football Playoff logo is shown on the field at AT&T Stadium before an NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Jan. 1, 2021. The College Football Playoff is set to remain a four-team format through the 2025 season after the administrators who manage the postseason failed to agree on an expansion plan before the current contracts run out. A person involved with the decision told The Associated Press on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, that the CFP management committee, comprised of 10 conference commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director, met by video conference earlier this week. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman, File)

Peach Bowl (CFP semifinal): No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 4 USC

Fiesta Bowl (CFP semifinal): No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 3 TCU

Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Washington

Cotton Bowl: Penn State vs. Tulane

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Kansas State

Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Tennessee

Georgia, Michigan and TCU Stay Undefeated, Head to CFP

AP Photo/John Bazemore

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Georgia and Michigan are both overwhelming favorites to win on Saturday. Neither should have any trouble doing so, either.

The Bulldogs are taking on LSU in the SEC Championship Game after going 12-0 in the regular season, but the Tigers are 9-3 after dropping their regular-season finale at Texas A&M. So, expect Georgia to win this matchup in convincing fashion.

The Wolverines (12-0) are coming off an impressive victory over Ohio State that sent them to the Big Ten Championship Game. Now, they'll face Purdue, which has already lost four games this season. This contest should also be lopsided in favor of Michigan.

TCU has a tougher task than those two teams in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Horned Frogs, which are also 12-0, will take on Kansas State, which won three straight games to finish the regular season at 9-3.

Unlike the SEC and Big Ten matchups, the Big 12 title tilt is a regular-season rematch. On Oct. 22, TCU defeated Kansas State 38-28, overcoming an 18-point second-quarter deficit by reeling off 28 unanswered points.

That was one of several close calls for the Horned Frogs during the regular season, as they played quite a few competitive contests. And yet, they always found a way to win.

TCU will do that again Saturday. The Wildcats may be a solid team, but the Horned Frogs are better and have much more at stake.

TCU will win and join Oklahoma as the only Big 12 programs to have reached the College Football Playoff.

USC to End Pac-12 Playoff Drought

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams celebrates after running in for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

USC has never made it to the College Football Playoff. And only two teams from the Pac-12 have previously reached the CFP: Oregon (2014) and Washington (2016).

However, the conference's drought could soon come to an end.

The Trojans can secure their spot in the College Football Playoff with a win in the Pac-12 Championship Game on Friday night. However, they'll be taking on Utah, which is the only team that defeated USC during the regular season.

It was a thrilling game the last time the two teams met in Salt Lake City on Oct. 15. Utah won 43-42, as junior quarterback Cameron Rising lifted it to victory by running in the go-ahead two-point conversion with 48 seconds to go.

Since then, USC has taken its play to another level. It has won five straight games, including back-to-back victories over UCLA and Notre Dame to end the regular season. So, the Trojans have quite a bit of momentum, while the Utes' most recent loss came two weeks ago at Oregon.

USC sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams has also put together an impressive season that is likely to earn him the Heisman Trophy. He threw for 381 yards and five touchdowns in the previous matchup against Utah, and he should fare well again this time.

This should be another competitive game, but the Trojans have more at stake. Plus, they're looking for revenge.

Expect USC to prevail this time, even if the contest again goes down to the wire, which is a very strong possibility.