Bowl Predictions 2015: Postseason Projections for Top Playoff Contenders
The college football season isn't even halfway over, but of course it's never too early to look ahead to the College Football Playoff.
At season's end, the selection committee will pick the four teams headed to the playoff in addition to four other bowl game matchups.
Per the rules set by the committee, teams will be chosen with an emphasis placed on "winning conference championships, strength of schedule and head-to-head competition."
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In addition to comparing teams from the Power Five conferences, the highest-ranked team from the Group of Five conferences will also be placed in one of the six bowls.
| Rose Bowl | Michigan State vs. Utah | Michigan State wins, 24-17 |
| Fiesta Bowl | Houston vs. Texas A&M | Texas A&M wins, 45-35 |
| Sugar Bowl | TCU vs. LSU | LSU wins, 31-24 |
| Peach Bowl | Notre Dame vs. Michigan | Notre Dame wins, 21-17 |
| Cotton Bowl/CFP Semifinal | Ohio State vs. Clemson | Ohio State wins, 41-35 |
| Orange Bowl/CFP Semifinal | Alabama vs. Baylor | Alabama wins, 35-31 |
Notable Teams
Clemson Tigers
Dating back to the first BCS National Championship Game in 1998, Florida State is the only school from the ACC to play for a title (Miami and Virginia Tech joined the ACC after their title game appearances). But Clemson may have a shot to break through this season
The Tigers' victory over Notre Dame gives them a much-needed signature nonconference victory on their resume.
Looking ahead to the remainder of Clemson's schedule, Florida State still stands in its way. However, Clemson will host the Seminoles this season, where the Tigers have won five of the last six matchups.
Ohio State
It's been a disappointing start to the season for Ohio State, but the fact remains the Buckeyes have the most talented roster in college football. As long as Urban Meyer's squad remains undefeated, it's a lock for the playoff and a serious threat to win it all once again.
"There are 11 Ohio State players in my top 100. That's a record in my five years at Bleacher Report.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) October 6, 2015"
The Buckeyes have yet to lose a regular-season Big Ten contest since Meyer came to town, and with their schedule, it's unlikely to happen at least until their final two games, when they face Michigan State and Michigan in consecutive weeks.
Ezekiel Elliott, who rushed for 273 yards against Indiana a week ago, appears to be heating up, which is bad news for the rest of the Big Ten. As long as Elliott is healthy, it will be tough to pick against the Buckeyes.
Baylor
The playoff committee sent a strong message to the Big 12 by leaving Baylor and TCU out of the playoff a season ago. Without a conference championship game to boost their resume, the Bears may need to run the table to get into the mix this season.
Baylor has three games against ranked opponents awaiting this season, with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and TCU in consecutive weeks in November.
While the overall resume and strength of schedule may not match up with other programs, three impressive late-season victories would likely give Baylor the momentum it needs heading into the final playoff committee discussions in early December.
Alabama
The Crimson Tide do not control their own destiny due to their loss to Ole Miss. But after the Rebels laid an egg against Florida and Alabama rolled Georgia, it certainly feels as though the Tide are in a good position to return to the playoff.
"Note to self: The next time everyone is writing off Nick Saban, don't.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) October 4, 2015"
Ole Miss still plays Texas A&M, LSU and Mississippi State, and with a loss in any of those games, Alabama regains the ability to control its destiny.
It's worth mentioning that undefeated LSU is also a viable threat to Alabama, but since that matchup will take place in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide remain the safe bet to take the SEC.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
