College Football Playoff Standings: Week 15 Rankings and Bowl Projections
One more week.
Less than that, actually
That's where we are in the 2014 college football season. By this time next week, we will know which teams will be heading to which bowls and which ones are playoff bound. And there's as much uncertainty as there's ever been.
Only two teams are searching for bowl eligibility in Week 15: Oklahoma State and Temple.
Here's how the two major Top 25 polls looked after Week 14. The following slides contain bowl projections heading into Week 15. Click on the links below to view the latest College Football Playoff, Associated Press and USA Today Top 25 polls.
New Orleans Bowl
1 of 39
Dec. 20, New Orleans: Mountain West vs. Sun Belt
Predicted Matchup: Texas A&M (SEC) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
There's an overload of SEC teams in the postseason, so Texas A&M takes a bowl slot away from a Mountain West team. Louisiana-Lafayette has won seven of its last eight games, but the young, talented A&M defense should cause havoc.
There's also too much offense for A&M with wide receivers like Louisiana native Speedy Noil.
Matchup Type: Blowout
Projected Winner: Texas A&M
New Mexico Bowl
2 of 39
Dec. 20, Albuquerque, New Mexico: Mountain West vs. Conference USA
Predicted Matchup: Fresno State vs. Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech has had a special season under head coach Skip Holtz and will play for the Conference USA championship against Marshall. Both offenses are capable of scoring a lot of points, but strangely enough, LaTech defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, fired from Texas two games into last season, could be the guy who leads the Bulldogs to a win.
Matchup Type: Blowout
Predicted Winner: Louisiana Tech
Las Vegas Bowl
3 of 39
Dec. 20, Las Vegas: Pac-12 vs. Mountain West
Predicted Matchup: UCLA vs. Colorado State
UCLA is coming off of a disappointing season-ending loss to Stanford. Colorado State may lose its coach, Jim McElwain, to Florida. In other words, this could be the disappointment bowl. The potential for a lot of points is there, and the Bruins defensive front should rebound after getting embarrassed by the Cardinal.
Matchup Type: Shootout
Predicted Winner: UCLA
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Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
4 of 39
Dec. 20, Boise, Idaho: MAC vs. Mountain West
Predicted Matchup: Central Michigan vs. Utah State
Utah State had the best defense in the Mountain West until Boise State running back Jay Ajayi ran all over the Aggies in Week 14. Still, Utah State is No. 2 in the conference in points allowed (20.8) and No. 1 in yards per rush (3.28).
Central Michigan running back Thomas Rawls could have some success on the ground if Ajayi's performance was any indication, but Utah State should still have enough defense to win.
Matchup Type: Never in doubt
Predicted Winner: Utah State
Camellia Bowl
5 of 39
Dec. 20, Montgomery, Alabama: MAC vs. Sun Belt
Predicted Matchup: Bowling Green vs. Arkansas State
Dino Babers' first year as Bowling Green's head coach could have gone poorly because of the season-ending hip injury to quarterback Matt Johnson. However, the Falcons are still 7-5 and managed to win the MAC East title.
Arkansas State also has a potent but fairly balanced offense. The potential for this game to get into a shootout is high.
Matchup Type: Shootout
Predicted Winner: Arkansas State
Miami Beach Bowl
6 of 39
Dec. 22, Miami: BYU vs. American Athletic
Predicted Matchup: BYU vs. Memphis
Memphis doesn't have the most powerful offense, but the Tigers do have the second-best defense in points allowed per game in the American Athletic Conference (17.1). What head coach Justin Fuente has been able to do with this program is incredible, flipping the team's record from 3-9 to 9-3 in one year.
This has the potential to be a low-scoring, grind-it-out game, but the advantage goes to the Tigers' stiffing defense.
Matchup Type: Nail-biter
Predicted Winner: Memphis
Boca Raton Bowl
7 of 39
Dec. 23, Boca Raton, Florida: Conference USA vs. MAC
Predicted Matchup: Western Kentucky vs. Western Michigan
Ah yes, the Western Bowl. If you like points and wacky early bowl games, this one looks like it's for you. Both offenses like to pass the ball, but Western Kentucky's defense also happens to be one of the worst in the country.
If this gets into a shootout, and there's little reason to think that it won't, Western Michigan has shown it can make necessary defensive stops (23.8 points per game allowed).
Matchup Type: Shootout
Predicted Winner: Western Michigan
Poinsettia Bowl
8 of 39
Dec. 23, San Diego: Navy vs. Mountain West
Predicted Matchup: Navy vs. San Diego State
Obviously, Navy can rack up yards on the ground, but San Diego State is capable of going toe-to-toe with the Midshipmen on the ground.
Conversely, the difference is going to be which defense can stop the run. San Diego State does a better job of that than Navy (3.77 yards per rush vs. 4.95 yards per rush).
Matchup Type: Nail-biter
Predicted Winner: San Diego State
Bahamas Bowl
9 of 39
Dec. 24, Nassau, Bahamas: Conference USA vs. MAC
Predicted Matchup: Middle Tennessee vs. Toledo
Toledo is an exciting team in that it racks up a lot of rushing yards (247 per game) and points (34 per game) but also gives up a lot of points. In many ways, Middle Tennessee is the same way—the Blue Raiders score a lot and get scored on just as much.
With both teams scoring in the 30s and allowing points in the 30s, this has shootout written all over it.
Matchup Type: Shootout
Predicted Winner: Toledo
Hawai'i Bowl
10 of 39
Dec. 24, Honolulu: Conference USA vs. Mountain West
Predicted Matchup: UTEP vs. Nevada
This game would feature a contrast of styles on offense. UTEP is primarily a running team, while Nevada is more balanced and willing to air it out.
Wolf Pack quarterback Cody Fajardo is a one-man show and should take over.
Matchup Type: Never in doubt
Predicted Winner: Nevada
Heart of Dallas Bowl
11 of 39
Dec. 26, Dallas: Big Ten vs. Conference USA
Predicted Matchup: Rutgers vs. Marshall
Marshall's hopes for an undefeated season and major bowl berth went down the drain last Friday in a crushing overtime loss to Western Kentucky.
So congratulations, Rutgers. You get an angry Thundering Herd.
The Western Kentucky game was the first time this season Marshall has had to deal with a shootout, and mistakes proved to be costly. Rutgers doesn't have the offense for that. Marshall wins big.
Matchup Type: Never in doubt
Predicted Winner: Marshall
Quick Lane Bowl
12 of 39
Dec. 26, Detroit: Big Ten vs. ACC
Predicted Matchup: Illinois vs. Virginia Tech
These are strange times. Illinois is on a mini-surge, if you would be so bold as to call it that, and Virginia Tech is barely bowl eligible.
In any case, things could get interesting on a fast track indoors. Virginia Tech has arguably the best player on the field in cornerback Kendall Fuller. And while the Hokies offense has been rough to watch, the defense has been solid.
Matchup Type: Never in doubt
Predicted Winner: Virginia Tech
Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl
13 of 39
Dec. 26, St. Petersburg, Florida: American Athletic vs. ACC
Predicted Matchup: Central Florida vs. North Carolina
North Carolina has, statistically speaking, one of the worst defenses in the country and gives up just a touch under 39 points per game. That's not as big of a deal as long as the Tar Heels can score, but a 35-7 loss to North Carolina State shows what happens when UNC hits a snag.
UCF, on the other hand, has one of the best scoring defenses in the country, though it should be noted there haven't been many potent offenses on the other side of the field. The Tar Heels could score, but UCF makes just enough stops to win.
Matchup Type: Shootout
Predicted Winner: UCF
Military Bowl
14 of 39
Dec. 27, Annapolis, Maryland: American Athletic vs. ACC
Predicted Matchup: East Carolina vs. Pittsburgh
The Military Bowl would want to avoid a regular-season rematch between East Carolina and either North Carolina or Virginia Tech. That puts Pitt here.
It's a contrast of styles. East Carolina likes to spread it out, and the quarterback-wide receiver combo of Shane Carden and Justin Hardy is potent. The Panthers like to feed the ball to running back James Conner in a physical offense. Interestingly, though, Pitt wide receiver Tyler Boyd could be the difference-maker on offense.
Matchup Type: Nail-biter
Predicted Winner: Pitt
Sun Bowl
15 of 39
Dec. 27, El Paso, Texas: ACC vs. Pac-12
Predicted Matchup: North Carolina State vs. Arizona State
North Carolina State has been good enough against the pass, allowing 6.7 yards per attempt. However, trying to defend Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong has been nearly impossible. Basically, Strong's health is the only thing that has been able to get in his way.
The Wolfpack have a dynamic playmaker at quarterback with Jacoby Brissett, but will he be enough?
Matchup Type: Blowout
Predicted Winner: Arizona State
Independence Bowl
16 of 39
Dec. 27, Shreveport, Louisiana: ACC vs. SEC
Predicted Matchup: Miami vs. Florida
Miami had not one, but two Florida State hangovers. The Hurricanes have lost their past three games, with the latter two against Virginia and Pitt by comfortable margins.
Miami clearly has the advantage at quarterback with Brad Kaaya, who was just named ACC Rookie of the Year. Florida has been a reflection of its now-fired coach, Will Muschamp: tough, rarely out of the game, but also capable of heartbreak.
The Gators should be able to run the ball well, but it's the defense that has to clamp down on Miami's big-play ability.
Matchup Type: Nail-biter
Predicted Winner: Miami
Pinstripe Bowl
17 of 39
Dec. 27, Bronx, New York: ACC vs. Big Ten
Predicted Matchup: Boston College vs. Penn State
This one has all the makings of a defensive struggle in the dead of winter. Penn State has a top 10 scoring defense, allowing 17.7 points per game. All Boston College does is run the ball; only Georgia Tech has fewer pass attempts in the ACC.
Factor in what could be a minus-10 wind chill and blustery conditions, and we could be lucky if the over breaks 20 points.
Matchup Type: Low-scoring
Predicted Winner: Boston College
Holiday Bowl
18 of 39
Dec. 27, San Diego: Big Ten vs. Pac-12
Predicted Matchup: Nebraska vs. Utah
Bo Pelini is out as the head coach of Nebraska. That's a wild card for the bowl game, because it's never clear how the team is going to respond.
Utah hasn't been been as stingy on defense in the month of November, though playing Oregon and Arizona probably has a lot to do with that. With a healthy Ameer Abdullah for Nebraska, the Utes could be in for a tough day if the offense doesn't get cranking.
The Huskers play inspired and come away with a win.
Matchup Type: Never in doubt
Predicted Winner: Nebraska
Liberty Bowl
19 of 39
Dec. 29, Memphis, Tennessee: Big 12 vs. SEC
Predicted Matchup: West Virginia vs. Arkansas
West Virginia's offense seems to have been given new life with Skyler Howard at quarterback, though it's unclear yet if he or Clint Trickett will play in the bowl game. The real concern is wide receiver Kevin White, who has been far more quiet in the month of November.
Then there's Arkansas' running game, which is punishing. The Mountaineers will try to load up the box and bring as many bodies as possible to stop Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams. Good luck.
Matchup Type: Shootout
Predicted Winner: Arkansas
Russell Athletic Bowl
20 of 39
Dec. 29, Orlando, Florida: Big 12 vs. ACC
Predicted Matchup: Kansas State vs. Duke
Kansas was just what the doctor ordered for Kansas State's rushing woes. Though the quarterback-receiver combo of Jake Waters and Tyler Lockett/Curry Sexton has been potent, the Wildcats are much better when they can run the ball.
That happens to be Duke's weakness on defense. If Waters gets going in the running game, K-State can do what it does best: slow the game down and take control.
Matchup Type: Never in doubt
Predicted Winner: Kansas State
Texas Bowl
21 of 39
Dec. 29, Houston: Big 12 vs. SEC
Predicted Matchup: Texas vs. LSU
Like smashmouth football? That's what you're going to get if Texas and LSU meet in the Texas Bowl. Both offenses have their quarterback issues and are best when grinding away and playing field position. It comes down to which defense can stop the run and force the opposing quarterback to make a play.
Texas is definitely headed in the right direction under first-year coach Charlie Strong, but the Longhorns still feel like they're a couple of years away. LSU is young, but you have to like what the Tigers bring up front.
Matchup Type: Low-scoring
Predicted Winner: LSU
Music City Bowl
22 of 39
Dec. 30, Nashville, Tennessee: SEC vs. ACC/Big Ten
Predicted Matchup: Tennessee vs. Louisville
Who will be Louisville's quarterback, Reggie Bonnafon or Kyle Bolin, remains to be seen. Bonnafon sustained a knee injury in the season-ending game against Kentucky, but an email release from Louisville said Bonnafon could return to the team's bowl game.
Tennessee has also been banged up on offense down the stretch. Fully healthy, the Vols offense can be dangerous; it's the offensive line that has been keeping it back.
Matchup Type: Nail-biter
Predicted Winner: Tennessee
Belk Bowl
23 of 39
Dec. 30, Charlotte, North Carolina: ACC vs. SEC
Predicted Matchup: Notre Dame vs. Georgia
Notre Dame's defense has been plagued by injuries, and the offense has been hurt by Everett Golson's inconsistent play and ball security issues. Georgia's stable of running backs should have a big day.
Both teams are talented enough to score points, but Notre Dame is among the worst teams in the country in turnover margin (-4).
Matchup Type: Never in doubt
Predicted Winner: Georgia
Foster Farms Bowl
24 of 39
Dec. 30, Santa Clara, California: Big Ten vs. Pac-12
Predicted Matchup: Iowa vs. Stanford
Stanford's defense has been the reason the Cardinal are even bowl eligible. Giving up just 16 points a game, Stanford is the No. 1 group in the Pac-12. It's the offense that has been a liability, though quarterback Kevin Hogan had perhaps the best game of his career against UCLA in Week 15.
The question is whether Hogan can replicate that kind of game. If not, the Hawkeyes could have an advantage in a low-scoring affair.
Matchup Type: Low-scoring
Predicted Winner: Iowa
Peach Bowl
25 of 39
Dec. 31, Atlanta: TBD vs. TBD
Predicted Matchup: Mississippi State vs. Wisconsin
Mississippi State's defense gives up a lot of yards per game (411, to be exact) but the Bulldogs are also the best team in the SEC in red-zone defense. In other words, you need a lot of big plays to beat them.
Luckily for Wisconsin, it has a regular highlight reel with running back Melvin Gordon. No FBS team has been able to contain him this year. No matter what, he'll get his touches and his yards. Can Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott and Co. keep up?
Matchup Type: Nail-biter
Predicted Winner: Wisconsin
Fiesta Bowl
26 of 39
Dec. 31, Glendale, Arizona: TBD vs. TBD
Predicted Matchup: Arizona vs. Boise State
There are some underrated players who would face off against one another in this Fiesta Bowl. Boise State running back Jay Ajayi is one of the rushers no one talks about, and Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright III could be the best in college football.
This one has the potential for a lot of points and offense. Rich Rodriguez's team is up to the challenge.
Matchup Type: Shootout
Predicted Winner: Arizona
Orange Bowl
27 of 39
Dec. 31, Miami: ACC vs. SEC/Big Ten/Notre Dame
Predicted Matchup: Georgia Tech vs. Michigan State
Georgia Tech's triple-option yields, obviously, one of the best rushing attacks in the country, but quarterback Justin Thomas has also had success in the passing game (1,460 yards, 16 touchdowns, four interceptions).
With time to prepare, though, you have to like Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi's group. That, and Spartans running back Jeremy Langford should feast on a defense that gives up five yards a carry. Michigan State has too much offensive potential.
Matchup Type: Never in doubt
Predicted Winner: Michigan State
Outback Bowl
28 of 39
Jan. 1, Tampa, Florida: Big Ten vs. SEC
Predicted Matchup: Minnesota vs. Ole Miss
Ole Miss looked like it was about to face-plant in the final month of the season, but a major win over Mississippi State has pumped some life back into the Rebels. That, and head coach Hugh Freeze has signed a new contract with the program.
The basic question to Ole Miss' chances against Minnesota is whether it can stop Gophers running back David Cobb? Or at least limit him enough so that he's not a difference-maker.
Matchup Type: Low-scoring
Predicted Winner: Ole Miss
Cotton Bowl
29 of 39
Jan. 1, Arlington, Texas: TBD vs. TBD
Predicted Matchup: Baylor vs. Ohio State
Like points? You'll probably like the Cotton Bowl, with two offenses that, combined, average 47 points per game.
However, both offenses have key players out due to injury. Baylor is banged up along the offensive line and Ohio State will be without quarterback J.T. Barrett, who sustained a season-ending ankle injury against Michigan. Both teams' defensive lines are athletic, but I'll take the team that has its starting quarterback.
Matchup Type: Shootout
Predicted Winner: Baylor
Citrus Bowl
30 of 39
Jan. 1, Orlando, Florida: Big Ten vs. SEC
Predicted Matchup: Clemson vs. Missouri
When Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson is healthy, he's a dangerous weapon who makes the Tigers offense go. The problem is that Watson hasn't been healthy, and it was recently discovered he's been playing with an ACL tear.
Missouri used to be an offensive juggernaut in the Big 12, but it has relied far more on an athletic, pass-rushing defense in the SEC. Similarly, Clemson's defensive front is of the nightmare variety, so Mizzou quarterback Maty Mauk could constantly be on the move.
Matchup Type: Nail-biter
Predicted Winner: Missouri
Rose Bowl
31 of 39
Jan. 1, Pasadena, California: CFP No. 2 vs. CFP No. 3
Predicted Matchup: Oregon vs. Florida State
Whether Florida State is No. 2 or No. 3, the Seminoles could still be bound for Pasadena—assuming Georgia Tech doesn't hand them a crippling loss in the ACC championship. As Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports notes, the committee may not be sold on the Seminoles, but it's impossible to see them completely drop out of the Top Four as an undefeated team.
On that note, the growing theme is that Florida State is due for a loss because of all the slow starts. Quarterback Jameis Winston was especially bad against Florida, with four interceptions.
The time to prepare for Oregon makes this one close, and Florida State should come out better prepared. That means a cleaner game by Winston and an aggressive game plan for the defense. If it's close late, there's one team that knows how to finish.
It's been a back-and-forth feeling, but Florida State wins a tight one.
Matchup Type: Nail-biter
Predicted Winner: Florida State
Sugar Bowl
32 of 39
Jan. 1, New Orleans: CFP No. 1 vs. CFP No. 4
Predicted Matchup: Alabama vs. TCU
Picking Alabama as the No. 1 seed seems like a foregone conclusion. (Famous last words, Tide fans. I'm sorry.) It's No. 4 that's up for grabs. This week's playoff standings came with a surprise, as TCU rose all the way up to No. 3—ahead of undefeated Florida State.
"We feel they're an improving team. We watch these games, we evaluate these teams, we feel TCU is a better team [than Florida State] at this time," committee chair Jeff Long said Tuesday, via Stewart Mandel of Fox Sports.
It's hard to see TCU staying there, but will the Frogs still get in the playoff? Dropping two spots without losing is a lot.
TCU is capable of moving the ball on Alabama, but at the end of the day, the Tide are just too good up front along their O-line. With a strong running game, Alabama pulls away late.
Matchup Type: Shootout
Predicted Winner: Alabama
Armed Forces Bowl
33 of 39
Jan. 2, Fort Worth, Texas: American Athletic vs. Army
Predicted Matchup: Houston vs. Rice
Houston ranks 10th in the country, allowing 17.8 points per game. Rice's offense is decent, averaging about 29 points a game, but it has been blown out a handful of times, against Notre Dame, Marshall and Louisiana Tech.
This doesn't have the feel of the shootout it would normally be, so let's go with Houston's defense, which has 30 takeaways on the year, as the difference-maker.
Matchup Type: Never in doubt
Predicted Winner: Houston
TaxSlayer Bowl
34 of 39
Jan. 2, Jacksonville, Florida: SEC vs. ACC/Big Ten
Predicted Matchup: Auburn vs. Maryland
Maryland's rush defense is one of the worst in the Big Ten at 4.49 yards per carry allowed. The bad news for the Terps is that Auburn is first in the SEC in rushing offense.
There's too much talent on Auburn's offense. With quarterback Nick Marshall and running back Cameron Artis-Payne carrying the rock for the Tigers, this smells like a blowout.
Matchup Type: Blowout
Predicted Winner: Auburn
Alamo Bowl
35 of 39
Jan. 2, San Antonio: Big 12 vs. Pac-12
Predicted Matchup: Oklahoma vs. USC
This one could be fun, lots of fun.
USC's offense, with receivers Nelson Agholor and Juju Smith and running back Buck Allen, is a nightmare to defend. Oklahoma has an athletic defense with pass-rushers every which way, including Geneo Grissom and Eric Striker.
The key will be if Sooners quarterback Trevor Knight plays or not. Knight has been held out for the past couple of weeks because of an apparent neck injury and could be shut down for the year. Either way, running back Samaje Perine will be the star of the show.
Matchup Type: Shootout
Predicted Winner: USC
Cactus Bowl
36 of 39
Jan. 2, Tempe, Arizona: Big 12 vs. Pac-12
Predicted Matchup: Air Force (Mountain West) vs. Washington
This seems like a bad matchup for Air Force more than anything else. Washington's defensive front seven is ridiculous and gets in the backfield as well as any team in the country.
There's a chance Air Force can exploit Washington's pass defense for some big plays, but it may not be enough. As long as the Huskies can muster some consistent offense, they should roll.
Matchup Type: Blowout
Predicted Winner: Washington
Birmingham Bowl
37 of 39
Jan. 3, Birmingham, Alabama: SEC vs. American Athletic
Predicted Matchup: South Carolina vs. Cincinnati
This could be a fun January bowl game without any national implications. Both offenses can rack up points and like to air it out. Conversely, both defenses are capable of giving up a lot of chunk yardage.
South Carolina Steve Spurrier still has some tricks up his sleeve from a play-calling standpoint. Wide receiver Pharoh Cooper should get involved in creative ways and become the difference.
Matchup Type: Shootout
Predicted Winner: South Carolina
GoDaddy Bowl
38 of 39
Jan. 4, Mobile, Alabama: MAC vs. Sun Belt
Predicted Matchup: Northern Illinois vs. South Alabama
This should be a ground-and-pound game with plenty of defense. Northern Illinois specifically ranks 18th in the country in rushing yards per game (246). Can the Jaguars of South Alabama muster enough offense to keep up?
It could be close, but in a tight game, take the Huskies to close it out.
Matchup Type: Nail-biter
Predicted Winner: Northern Illinois
College Football Playoff Championship
39 of 39
Jan. 12, Arlington, Texas: Rose Bowl winner vs. Sugar Bowl winner
Predicted Matchup: Alabama vs. Florida State
This would be the clash of college football titans the masses would love. Or hate. Either one.
This could be a compelling game in the trenches between a pair of big, physical lines. Alabama has done a better job running the ball, but Seminoles fab freshman Dalvin Cook is a spark and game-changer.
Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey might be the best player on the field next to quarterback Jameis Winston and Alabama receiver Amari Cooper. This kind of talent should pave the way for a classic.
Matchup Type: Nail-biter
Predicted Winner: Alabama
Ben Kercheval is a lead writer for college football. All stats courtesy of CFBStats.com.
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