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SEC Bowl Projections after Week 7: LSU shakes things up, Alabama falls out of CFP
By Ethan Stone
Published:
LSU is one of the most intriguing teams in college football right now when it comes to projecting the CFP field. Here’s why.
Week 7 treated us to some elite football, but not necessarily any surprising football as far as results are concerned. I thought LSU would beat Ole Miss, I thought Penn State would beat USC and I thought Oregon would beat Ohio State. But I did NOT think Alabama would look as bad as it did against South Carolina, even in a win.
Tell me genuinely, do you believe Alabama is a College Football Playoff-caliber team right now? What I see is a team that just lost to Vanderbilt – one that very well could have lost to South Carolina – heading int0 the toughest stretch of its season against 3 ranked teams. All of which are fighting for a few precious CFP spots, mind you.
One of those teams is a rival that, despite its own struggles, has Neyland Stadium as its ally this coming Saturday. Another of those teams is LSU.
The Tigers took Alabama’s place in the CFP because of the pair’s upcoming matchup on November 9. I just don’t see a universe where this Alabama team walks into Death Valley with all the pressure in the world and beats Garrett Nusssmeier and Co. That’s definitely one to circle.
Another to circle? October 26, when the Tigers travel to College Station to face Texas A&M. Assuming no wild upsets (which is far from a given, I grant) the winner of that game is in great shape to secure a spot in the Field of 12.
Not too much has changed from last week aside from a few opponent switches as far as the rest of the SEC is concerned. Vanderbilt should be safe for 6 wins, as should Arkansas. Keep an eye on Kentucky, which has a very important game against Florida upcoming on its path to 6 wins following last week’s loss to the Commodores.
Next week’s slate is a doozy. Until then, college football.
College Football Playoff
Sugar Bowl: Ohio State vs. 8/9 winner
Rose Bowl: Texas vs. 7/10 winner
Peach Bowl: Miami vs. 5/12 winner
Fiesta Bowl: Iowa State vs. 6/11 winner
First Round
From Eugene, Oregon: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 Boise State
From State College, Pennsylvania: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 LSU
From Clemson, South Carolina: No. 7 Clemson vs. No. 10 BYU
From Athens, Georgia: No. 8 Georgia vs. No. 9 Texas A&M
The Rest
Citrus Bowl: Alabama vs. USC
Reliaquest Bowl: Tennessee vs. Michigan
Music City Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Nebraska
Las Vegas Bowl: Mizzou vs. Washington
Texas Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Colorado
Gator Bowl: Kentucky vs. Iowa
Liberty Bowl: Arkansas vs. TCU
Birmingham Bowl: Vanderbilt vs. Duke
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
