Bowl Predictions 2016: Projections for Top Playoff Contenders Before Week 7
It's still relatively early in the college football season, but the playoff picture is surprisingly clear.
The Big Ten, ACC, SEC and Pac-12 each have undefeated teams ranked in the Top Five which effectively control their own destiny to reach the playoffs.
Of course, if we've learned anything in our years as fans of college football, we should know it's never that easy—a shocking upset is coming sooner or later.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
But until that time comes, here's a look at the current playoff projections based on where the teams stand and the schedules that lay ahead.
| Rose Bowl | Michigan vs. Utah | MICH |
| Cotton Bowl | Boise State vs. Florida State | FSU |
| Orange Bowl | Louisville vs. Tennessee | LOU |
| Sugar Bowl | Texas A&M vs. Baylor | TA&M |
| Peach Bowl/CFP Semifinal | Alabama vs. Clemson | BAMA |
| Fiesta Bowl/CFP Semifinal | Ohio State vs. Washington | OSU |
Notable Teams
Boise State Broncos
The highest-ranked team from the Group of Five conferences earns an invitation to a New Year's Six bowl, which could be a hotly contested battle this season.
Right now, the Houston Cougars are the top-ranked Group of Five school in the AP poll and would likely be in a similar position if the College Football Playoff rankings were already released. However, Houston still has to face Louisville in late November, which will likely be the Cougars' second loss of the year.
Boise State likely won't end up with a win as impressive as Houston's victory over the Oklahoma Sooners, but the Broncos already have multiple wins over Power Five opponents. Boise knocked off Washington State and Oregon State earlier this season.
According to ESPN's FPI, the Broncos have a 33.5 percent chance of running the table, which would virtually guarantee them a spot in a New Year's Six bowl game.
Ohio State Buckeyes
If the Ohio State Buckeyes can get by the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday, they'll take a major step forward in their quest to return to the playoffs.
ESPN's FPI gives Ohio State at least an 80 percent chance of winning every game after this weekend, leading up to its regular-season finale versus Michigan. If both Ohio State and Michigan enter that game undefeated, the winner will become a heavy favorite to represent the Big Ten in the playoffs.
In order for Ohio State to earn that spot, however, the Buckeyes will need to improve upon a sloppy performance last week against Indiana. Quarterback J.T. Barrett has led a high-powered Buckeyes passing attack, but struggled throwing downfield against the Hoosiers, according to CFB Film Room:
Washington Huskies
It was easy to be skeptical of the Washington Huskies early in the season. A nonconference schedule featuring Rutgers, Idaho and Portland State allowed Washington to cruise through September. But the Huskies have more than made up for the easy start thanks to statement wins against Stanford and Oregon over the past two weeks.
To be fair, this year's Oregon squad is far from the championship contender of years past, but a 70-21 victory over the Ducks certainly earns Washington some styles points.
If Washington runs the table, the Huskies should be considered a lock to earn a playoff berth. However, there is little margin for error.
The Pac-12 appears to be down this season, primarily due to the shaky performances from Stanford and Oregon. As a result, Washington may not have another opportunity for a quality win. The Utah Utes are the only team on Washington's schedule currently in the AP Top 25.
Due to Washington's weak strength of schedule, the Huskies likely can't afford any upset losses.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
