College Football Playoff and Bowl Projections After Week 13: Alabama Holds Power

Week 13 of college football brought significant on-field drama but left the College Football Playoff race largely unchanged, with the top 14 teams maintaining their positions as all avoided losses or were idle. The focus now shifts to the SEC's impact on playoff rankings, with Alabama's performance against teams like Texas A&M and Georgia potentially altering the playoff picture. If Alabama wins the SEC Championship, it could host a first-round game, affecting the positions of teams like Oregon and Mississippi.

Oklahoma's game against LSU is pivotal for at-large teams hoping to enter the playoff field. Teams like Vanderbilt, Miami, Utah, and BYU are rooting for an LSU victory to enhance their chances. If Oklahoma wins, a debate could arise over its playoff credentials compared to a strong-finishing Notre Dame team.

The bowl season landscape is also becoming clearer, with 72 teams already bowl-eligible for 82 spots. Projections indicate the possibility of one 6–6 team missing out. Notable bowl matchups