The lastest college playoff rankings featured a big time shake-up. Mississippi State dropped from first to all the way out of the rankings following back-to-back losses. Florida State is now sitting precariously at fourth despite being undefeated. And the TCU Horned Frogs have leapfrogged all the way to number three.
With a fantastic slate of conference championship games this weekend, the playoff picture is going to be on every one's mind. Four teams will be thinking "just win and stay in," while a host of others will not only have to win and say some prayers as well.
Oregon vs. Arizona (Pac-12)
The Wildcats are the only team to topple the Ducks this year, and Rich Rodriguez's performance in Arizona is one of the most impressive storylines in the sport this season, but this is a different Oregon team than the one they faced. Their offense is gelling at an exceptionally high rate, and Mariota is too talent and too committed to winning a spot in the postseason (and winning himself a Heisman) to let them slip this close to those goals.
Oregon 42, Arizona 28
Florida State vs. Georgia Tech (ACC)
Every week I pick against the Seminoles, and every week they rebound from a poor start to prevail in close games against lesser opponents. Well, nuts, because I'm picking against them again. I don't believe FSU is one of the four best teams in the country, and a loss in the ACC title game might finally expose that.
Georgia Tech 20, Florida State 19
Wisconsin vs. Ohio State (Big Ten)
This game, while still exciting, probably would've been thought to hold larger implications a few weeks ago. Badgers' running back Melvin Gordon has faded as a real contender for the Heisman, and though the Buckeyes ostensibly sit at No. 5 in the rankings, the season-ending loss of JT Barrett means this isn't the same OSU team.
Wisconsin 35, Ohio State 31
Baylor vs Kansas State (Big 12)
This is the dark horse contender for most important game of the day (provided all three of my previous predictions pan out, which is dubious). If Bryce Petty is healthy enough to play against Kansas State, the Bears will win this game going away. That, coupled with the Barrett injury for OSU, and a potential loss by the Seminoles, will allow Baylor to improbably rocket from no. 6 to no. 4, and into the inaugural playoff system. Such an event would make the Big 12, not the vaunted SEC, the only conference with two reps.
Baylor 48, Kansas State 35
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