Simple, straight-forward question....Make your prediction now for how it's going to shake out and we can revisit in a few weeks to see who hit the nail on the head...

1.) Alabama

2.) Clemson

3.) Ohio State

4.) Louisville

 

I'm going to get romantic and assume that they'll put the 4 best teams in.

I think these three teams will win out and get a spot:

 

Alabama

Clemson

Ohio State

 

The fourth spot is up for grabs. I think that the committee is going to need to put the eventual B1G champion in there as the No. 4 to justify inviting Ohio State as a non-champ. Wisconsin beats Penn State in the title game and they get the No. 4.

1. Alabama

2. Clemson

3. Washington

4. Penn State/Wisconsin winner.

 

I don't see the committee entertaining anyone that didn't win the conference title unless it's unavoidable. If Washington falters, I imagine Ohio State gets in in their place.

I think the committee would consider Louisville as a non champion winner if they win out, they'll have the Heisman winner unless something goes terribly wrong.

 

I think they'd do the same if Penn State is beat by Wisconsin in the B10 title game, for the winner of OSU/UM.

Alabama

Clemson (even though they are probably 6 or 7 in regards to rankings)

Big 10 Winner

Washington

 

This is all contingent on the committee going with conference winners. If they disregard conference winners and go with the best 4 then...

 

Alabama

Ohio St

Louisville

Washington

The committee has yet to allow a non-conference champ into the playoff. I don't see that changing unless disaster strikes in the next couple weeks.

The committee has yet to allow a non-conference champ into the playoff. I don't see that changing unless disaster strikes in the next couple weeks.

Thats true, but has there been a team with a legitimate case for being a non conference champ yet?

The committee has yet to allow a non-conference champ into the playoff. I don't see that changing unless disaster strikes in the next couple weeks.

 

That's only two data points and the final results of the season cleaned up nicely for the committee.

 

That first year was practically gift wrapped with only the conference champions having one loss. Everyone else had at least two. They just decided to not fight that Big XII question and hand it to the other four.

 

This season could stil end up nice and neat for them. Still three Saturdays to sort it all out.

1. Alabama

2. Ohio State

3. Washington

4. Louisville

 

Just read the thread, @woodsrider , I like how you think.

I can't get on the Washington train. I tried, watched them play twice. Maybe I should look closer. Just not buying Washington in the top 4. Probably me, since it's obvious I'm in the minority.

I can't get on the Washington train. I tried, watched them play twice. Maybe I should look closer. Just not buying Washington in the top 4. Probably me, since it's obvious I'm in the minority.

I happen to think they win out, which I know is (at best) a 50/50 proposition. I think Clemson loses to FSU in the ACC title game.

I happen to think they win out, which I know is (at best) a 50/50 proposition. I think Clemson loses to FSU in the ACC title game.

Clemson doesn't play FSU in the title game. It will be either UNC or VT.

Clemson doesn't play FSU in the title game. It will be either UNC or VT.

Then they lose that. I think they are fractured at this point, while I think the U-Dub loss will have the opposite effect on them.

I like Washington they have a great coach, and are a easily still a top 10 team, but I'm not sure they would be able to hang close against Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Louisville, Clemson, or even Oklahoma with the way they are playing.