CFP Bracket Predictions: Georgia Holds Strong, Texas A&M Joins the Rankings
Every week after the Saturday games, Matt Hayes shares his predictions for the College Football Playoff’s 12-team bracket. Here’s how he sees it after Week 9:
Predicted College Football Playoff Bracket
1. Georgia: Until a team other than Alabama can figure them out, the Bulldogs seem unbeatable.
2. Oregon: The Ducks are showing off a strong defense, allowing only nine points over the last two games against Purdue and Illinois.
3. Miami: They have a notably easy schedule coming up in November (Duke, at Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, at Syracuse).
4. Brigham Young: The Cougars keep securing victories, and their schedule appears to be getting easier each week.
5. Ohio State: This position will likely reflect the third-best team in college football by season’s end, meaning they would be the top non-champion from the SEC and Big Ten.
6. Texas: Faced with a tough challenge, they managed a gritty win in the fourth quarter. They have a bye week before hosting Florida on November 9.
7. Penn State: Their solid defense is commendable, but can the Lions muster enough offense to defeat Ohio State, regardless of who is under center?
8. Tennessee: Once QB Nico Iamaleava starts hitting those deep passes in the conference, the Volunteers could become serious contenders for the CFP semifinals.
9. Texas A&M: November is here, and the Aggies are sitting alone at the top of the SEC based on their record.
10. Notre Dame: November promises to be relatively easy for them, and if the Irish fail to reach the playoffs, it would be considered a major disappointment.
11. Indiana: They need to start winning crucial away games, beginning with a matchup against Michigan State, a team capable of ruining the Hoosiers’ undefeated campaign.
12. Boise State: A hard-fought victory on Friday at UNLV means the Mountain West Championship game will likely take place at Boise State, unless they face an upset in the month ahead.
First-Round CFP Matchups
(12) Boise State vs. (5) Ohio State
(11) Indiana vs. (6) Texas
(10) Notre Dame vs. (7) Penn State
(9) Texas A&M vs. (8) Tennessee
Quarterfinal Matchups
Sugar Bowl: (1) Georgia vs. Winner of Tennessee/Texas A&M
Rose Bowl: (2) Oregon vs. Winner of Notre Dame/Penn State
Peach Bowl: (3) Miami vs. Winner of Indiana/Texas
Fiesta Bowl: (4) BYU vs. Winner of Ohio State/Boise State