As the playoffs approach, Coach Prime’s influence on the scene is palpable, while Billy Napier faces pressure in Florida. Meanwhile, Indiana has a chance to clear the playoff picture.

Teams like Kansas State, LSU, and Missouri have been eliminated from contention, and Brigham Young’s loss to Kansas suggests the Big 12 may only secure one playoff spot.

Oregon maintains its Big Ten credentials with a tight victory, scoring just 16 points.

With CFP selection day nearing, here are my reflections following Week 12:

Is Colorado Legit Under Deion Sanders?

The Buffaloes are indeed making waves, led by the outstanding Travis Hunter.

Just a reminder: Colorado won only one game the year before hiring Deion Sanders. Even his most devoted fans may not have anticipated that in his second season, Colorado (8-2) would be so close to playoff contention.

Key transfers have propelled the necessary enhancements on both sides of the ball.

While Colorado may not yet resemble the dominance of 2021 Georgia, quarterback Shedeur Sanders enjoys improved protection compared to last season, and the defense is tougher against the run.

Hunter’s diverse skills provide a significant advantage.

Colorado’s 49-24 victory over Utah is noteworthy not because the Utes have lost six consecutive games but because Kyle Whittingham’s team represents the stability and toughness Colorado desperately needed last season.

Whittingham established the Utes through resilience, while Prime’s Buffaloes were once seen as all talk without substantial follow-through. However, Colorado convincingly dismantled what was previously the Big 12’s top defense.

Pairing Shedeur Sanders with capable receivers raises Colorado’s standard, and the team’s improvement, especially at the lines of scrimmage, enables them to outmatch competitive teams.

“We are coming,” stated Deion Sanders after the match, “and we’re far from done.”

This is correct; they still aren’t quite ready for a national championship showdown but are getting close to dominating the Big 12.

How Badly Did Tennessee’s Loss to Georgia Impact Their Playoff Chances?

Tennessee’s 31-17 defeat in Athens certainly dealt a blow. While they didn’t get completely crushed, their performance in such a crowded SEC field raises questions about their capability to secure a playoff spot.

Georgia only established a commanding two-score lead late in the game, but the Volunteers’ struggles on offense and a defense that has been a strength faltered when it mattered most.

If the playoffs began today, Tennessee would likely struggle to find a place and they don’t have the opportunity to secure another major victory.

That’s the downside for Tennessee.

The silver lining? The playoffs don’t start today, and Tennessee wouldn’t require another signature win if they get some assistance over the next weeks.

First, they must secure wins against Texas-El Paso and Vanderbilt. That’s a necessity. Additionally, it would help if Florida manages to upset Mississippi.

Or, if Notre Dame gets outplayed by either Army or Southern California.

Or, if Penn State loses to Minnesota or Maryland.

Or, if Ohio State prevails overwhelmingly against Indiana.

Or, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey decides to reform the playoff format in December to allow more teams from his conference. Just kidding on that last point, but you get the drift.

Tennessee’s postseason prospects took a hit against Georgia, but hope remains.

Is Dabo Swinney’s CFP Argument Worth Considering?

One of the beauties of our society is the freedom to express odd opinions, even if you aren’t entirely sure about them, without facing significant backlash—aside from a little lighthearted ridicule.

Enter Dabo Swinney.

After Clemson eked out a 24-20 win against Pittsburgh, a reporter inquired about the Tigers’ playoff prospects. This presumably referred to seeking an at-large playoff bid, as winning the ACC would secure their spot.

Swinney’s response was a lengthy commentary that amounted.

“We’re 8-2. Winning isn’t easy,” stated Swinney. “We haven’t lost on the road. … We have just one loss in our league.”

Additionally, they suffered a significant defeat against Georgia, which also has two losses.

And that one league loss? It happened at home to a mediocre Louisville team. Clemson really struggled in that game. That outcome, even more than the defeat to Georgia, has pushed Clemson into a tight spot, and their only escape is through the ACC championship. They will need some assistance to make it there.

SMU and Miami currently rank above Clemson in the ACC standings, and while I’m skeptical that the committee will choose two teams from the ACC, there’s definitely no chance they will pick three teams. The fact that a Pitt team with three losses is now considered Clemson’s best win doesn’t help their case.

“We’re still in the battle,” Swinney mentioned. “That’s all you can really ask for.”

If SMU or Miami doesn’t trip up, Clemson will unfortunately have to watch others compete for ACC dominance while regretting their loss to Louisville.