Bowl Predictions 2015: Early Postseason Projections for Top Playoff Contenders
Ohio State and Michigan State, currently the top two teams in the country, are seemingly on a Nov. 21 collision course in the Big Ten. Beyond that, there's plenty of room for movement among College Football Playoff hopefuls as conference play begins to heat up.
After a hectic start to the season, things have calmed down a bit over the last two weeks to solidify the rankings. Expect that to change in the near future because chaos is always right around the corner when one big upset can change the entire outlook.
With that in mind, let's check out some early-season predictions for where the top teams in the nation right now will end up for bowl season. That's followed by a closer look at some squads outside the Top 10 that are worth keeping an eye on in the weeks ahead.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Bowl Predictions for AP Top 10
| 1 | Ohio State | Orange Bowl (playoffs) |
| 2 | Michigan State | Cotton Bowl (playoffs) |
| 3 | Ole Miss | Cotton Bowl (playoffs) |
| 4 | TCU | Sugar Bowl |
| 5 | Baylor | Orange Bowl (playoffs) |
| 6 | Notre Dame | Fiesta Bowl |
| 7 | UCLA | Alamo Bowl |
| 8 | Georgia | Peach Bowl |
| 9 | LSU | Sugar Bowl |
| 10 | Utah | Rose Bowl |
Other Contenders to Watch
No. 11 Florida State
The Seminoles haven't played like championship contenders yet, but they haven't had to. Their schedule is highly favorable until a three-week stretch starting in late October when they will face Georgia Tech and Clemson on the road. They have until then to round into form.
Florida State had a week off following a mundane 14-0 win over Boston College. While head coach Jimbo Fisher stated he's pleased with the overall direction of the team, he also explained there's still need for more polish on offense, per Safid Deen of the Tallahassee Democrat:
"I'm very happy with where we are at. We're taking care of the football. The decisions we have been made have been good decisions.
We've got to make a few more throws. But also got to run a route better, got to catch better. There's a block or two we've missed when he's had an opportunity to make a big play or two. It wasn't all just effort. It was an accumulation.
"
Between Everett Golson, Dalvin Cook, Travis Rudolph and Jesus Wilson, the pieces are in place for a dynamic offensive attack to emerge. The question is whether the coaching staff can get everything to come together in time for the difficult part of the schedule.
The good news for Florida State is it sits just outside the Top 10 despite no marquee wins. So if the Seminoles do get a couple of statement wins, including one against Clemson in early November, they should move toward the playoff picture pretty rapidly.
No. 13 Alabama
The Crimson Tide are already facing danger this week. By losing to Ole Miss in Week 3, their margin for error is razor thin. It's too early to say getting beat by Georgia on Saturday would completely eliminate them from the playoff picture, but it would certainly put them on the extreme brink.
For Alabama to succeed, the defense needs to perform better in big games. Looking back to its 2011 and 2012 title-winning seasons, only twice did the Tide give up more than 20 points to a ranked opponent. It's happened four times just since the start of last season.
The defensive unit will again be in the spotlight against the Bulldogs. The only silver lining is the fact Georgia's strength—running the football—does play into an area Alabama has consistently performed well, as Joe Schad of ESPN highlighted:
As always, playing in the SEC is both a blessing and a curse. The schedule ensures Alabama has a chance to push back into the playoff picture despite losing a game. But the high number of matchups against ranked foes makes it a tricky tightrope to navigate. Beating Georgia would be a big first step.
No. 17 USC
USC's outlook is quite similar to Alabama's—a team that came into the season with high expectations suffering an early setback, in the Trojans' case a loss to Stanford. Also like the Tide, they have several marquee games to help them regain the lost ground if they round into form.
The most promising sign for the Trojans is the presence of Cody Kessler. He's tossed 15 touchdowns with just one interception through four games. That success in the passing game is a key reason analyst Phil Steele is still picking USC to reach the final four:
"I have heard many analysts breaking down the best team in the Pac-12 and because USC has one loss they are discounting them. I still feel USC is the number one team in the Pac-12. They have to play both Oregon and Notre Dame on the road but this team is capable of handling those obstacles. They have a veteran quarterback in Cody Kessler and some of the most dynamic playmakers available at running back and wide receiver, plus a solid offensive line. They face Notre Dame in October which means the weather should be nice. Despite their loss to Stanford I still think USC makes the playoffs this year.
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Assuming the Trojans take care of Washington next week, they have a crucial three-game stretch coming up that sees them face Notre Dame, Utah and Cal. The defense must step up in a major way to survive that gauntlet after giving up 41 points to Stanford.
The bottom line is there's still reason for optimism when it comes to the Trojans. They have the offensive firepower to make a serious charge if the defense shows even moderate improvement. A month from now, the outlook will be a lot different—for better or worse.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
