Bowl Predictions 2014-15: Playoff Projections Prior to 4th Rankings Release

Several College Football Playoff hopefuls struggled, but the biggest loss was by the No. 1 team in the country. Mississippi State may have faltered but still has tough games ahead that can keep it in the running.

By virtue of their strong start to the season, the Bulldogs remain in contention for a playoff spot. Though it likely won't retain the top position when the fourth CFP poll is released, Mississippi State is still in a favorable position.

Others who were hoping to crack the Top Four weren't quite as lucky. Arizona State's surprising loss to Oregon State and Auburn's blowout defeat against Georgia all but seals their fates as outsiders in the playoff.

Scuffling programs like Florida State and TCU still have their hopes alive, but doubt might be creeping into the minds of voters. Ahead of the fourth poll release, here's a look at the projected College Football Playoff matchups and analysis for each team.

Bowl	Date	Matchup	Prediction
Sugar	Jan. 1, 2015	Semifinal	No. 4 Mississippi State vs. No. 1 Oregon
Rose	Jan. 1, 2015	Semifinal	No. 3 Alabama vs. No. 2 Florida State

Breakdown of Projections

Though it didn't seem obvious weeks ago, Alabama is certainly deserving of a playoff spot after defeating Mississippi State.

The Crimson Tide are rolling late in the season and should finally see their name in the Top Four on Tuesday night. Much of that success is thanks in large part to the offense that got off to a 19-3 lead at the half before pulling off the huge win.

Amari Cooper leads that offense and has been an explosive receiver throughout his career, per College GameDay:

Even with the loss for the Bulldogs, they still have a shot at making the field with their remaining schedule.

Vanderbilt is coming up next weekend for Mississippi State, but the Egg Bowl should convince voters that it can contend for a title. Going against an Ole Miss team that was once ranked in the Top Four, a victory might propel the Bulldogs to the playoff.

Quarterback Dak Prescott struggled against Bama early but helped get his team back in the game. However, Jon Solomon of CBS Sports notes that the disappointing play wasn't just evident on Saturday:

Despite those issues, Prescott can right all of those wrongs over the next two weeks and prove himself on the biggest stage possible.

Outside of the SEC, Oregon got the week off and remains in the running for a playoff appearance. TCU wasn't able to put away Kansas until late in the game, as the Jayhawks nearly changed the college football landscape.

The Horned Frogs weren't the only top team that nearly lost, as Florida State narrowly survived against Miami. Jameis Winston got a lucky bounce on one passing touchdown, and the Seminoles outscored the Hurricanes 20-3 in the second half.

Winston continued his up-and-down season, as he surged in the second half, per ESPN Stats & Info:

The sophomore quarterback also had a message for Miami fans after the game, via Bleacher Report:

That message might also apply to haters of the Seminoles after the regular season. If Florida State can survive against Boston College and rival Florida, the Noles might be competing for a title for a second straight season.

Other programs like TCU and Baylor might make a late push to earn a place in the playoff, but these four teams will likely clinch the spots. When the first College Football Playoff gets underway, expect several familiar programs to do battle for the title.

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