ESPN’s latest projections suggest that Ohio State’s wins over Penn State and Indiana will help them secure a spot in the College Football Playoff and host a first-round game. Despite a shocking loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes are ranked ahead of Tennessee in the projections. ESPN’s Heather Dinich predicts that Ohio State will face Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
The College Football Playoff rankings are set to be officially updated on Tuesday, with the final bracket being revealed on Sunday after conference championship games. Ohio State’s strength of schedule ranks 26th, while Tennessee ranks 28th. The Vols’ best win of the season came against Alabama, while Ohio State’s wins over Penn State and Indiana have been highlighted.
In the updated bracket, Oregon, Texas, SMU, and Boise State are projected to receive byes to the quarterfinal round. The other first-round matchups include Arizona State vs. Penn State, Miami vs. Notre Dame, and Indiana vs. Georgia. Miami and Arizona State are the last two teams in the field, with Alabama, Iowa State, Clemson, Ole Miss, and South Carolina on the outside looking in.
Tennessee has moved up in the polls and could secure a spot in the College Football Playoff if Georgia suffers a significant loss in the SEC Championship game. The Vols are hoping for a first-round home game as one of the teams seeded between Nos. 5 and 8. All eyes are on the SEC title game to see how it will impact Tennessee’s final ranking.
Source
Photo credit www.on3.com