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My predictions:

1.Alabama (12-1)
Even with how human Alabama looked this season, with a loss to Texas A&M and close calls against Arkansas and LSU, QB Bryce Young has been the best player in the country, likely en route to a Heisman trophy in a few weeks. Alabama’s offensive line was up for the task against a Georgia defense only giving up less than 7 points a game in a 41-24 route. As Michigan moved up to two because of a win over then number two ranked Ohio State, a win over number one ranked Georgia should move them up enough.

2.Michigan (12-1)
The Big Ten Champions ran there way to a successful season, led by backs Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum. Potential top pick in the NFL Draft (DE) Aidan Hutchinson starred for the Wolverine defense and led them to a win over Ohio State with 3 sacks.

3.Georgia (12-1)
The second to last undefeated team in the country was absolutely beaten up by Alabama yet again. One thing many questioned was why QB Stetson Bennett was kept in, in favor of terrific downfield passer JT Daniels. Georgia’s defense gave up 41 points to Alabama, more than they had the entire month of October (30), but should still be confident in it with a potential match up with Michigan who relies mainly on their run game which Georgia absolutely shuts down.

4.Cincinnati (13-0)
The last team into the playoff should be the first “group of 5” team into the playoff with an unbeaten regular season and American Athletic championship to top it off. A potential match up with Alabama or Michigan looms for experienced QB Desmond Ridder and head coach Luke Fickell.

Potential semifinals:

December 31

Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens, FL)
1.Alabama
4.Cincinnati

Cotton Bowl (Arlington, TX)
2.Michigan
3.Georgia

CFP Top 6
1.Georgia 12-0 (8-0) Next Week: 2.Alabama (Atlanta)
2.Michigan 11-1 (8-1) Next Week: 16.Iowa (Indianapolis)
3.Alabama 11-1 (7-1) Next Week: 1.Georgia (Atlanta)
4.Cincinnati 12-0 (8-0) Next Week: 21.Houston
5.Oklahoma State 12-1 (8-1) Next Week: 9.Baylor (Arlington)
6.Notre Dame 11-1 (0-0) Next Week: N/A

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)

Pac-12 Championship
17.Utah vs. 10.Oregon (Las Vegas) (Friday, 8 PM ET, ABC)
Oregon was absolutely humiliated by Utah in Salt Lake City two weeks ago. Can QB Anthony Brown and potential top pick Kayvon Thibodeaux (a DE) win in Las Vegas despite having no chance at a second CFP berth? Utah’s ground attack and defense were not handled well by Oregon’s defense, even as talented as it is. The game should definitely be closer than the first. Projected Score: Utah 34, Oregon 20

Big 12 Championship
5.Oklahoma State vs. 9.Baylor (Arlington) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
Oklahoma State defeated Oklahoma in the Bedlam game for the first time since 2014 and thus rides in with tons of momentum. QB Spencer Sanders has continued to progress over the season as well as a very underrated season. Baylor QB Gerry Bohanon has been the catalyst for Baylor’s success this season as well as its defense keeping the Bears in games. It should be a fun one from Jerry World. Projected Score: Oklahoma State 38, Baylor 28

American Athletic Championship
21.Houston at. 4.Cincinnati (Saturday, 4 PM ET, ABC)
A win for Cincinnati will put them in the College Football Playoff. Houston poses a lot of challenges offensively for Cincinnati so Bearcat QB Desmond Ridder will have to be phenomenal to win this game. Projected Score: Cincinnati 31, Houston 28

SEC Championship
1.Georgia vs. 3.Alabama (Atlanta) (Saturday, 4 PM ET, CBS)
Alabama has struggled the last three weeks with wins over LSU (by 6), Arkansas (by 7), and Auburn (by 2 in 4OT), so everything suggests that the most dominant defensive team in the country will dominate this game and former Nick Saban assistant Kirby Smart finally defeating his mentor. But, history gives Saban and Alabama more than just a slim chance to win. If Georgia’s offense, led by QB Stetson Bennett and RBs James Cook can sustain enough offense, things look good for the ‘Dogs. Likely Heisman finalist and Alabama QB Bryce Young and receiver Jamison Williams will not let this one get out of proportion early. Projected Score: Georgia 35, Alabama 20

ACC Championship
15.Pittsburgh vs. 16.Wake Forest (Charlotte) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, ABC)
The QB battle between Pitt’s Kenny Pickett and Wake’s Sam Hartman will headline the first ACC Championship without Clemson in some time. Expectations of a shootout are definitely realistic as two of the top ACC offenses battle. Projected Score: Pittsburgh 45, Wake Forest 38

Big Ten Championship
16.Iowa vs. 2.Michigan (Indianapolis) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, FOX)
With Wisconsin’s loss to Minnesota, Iowa got the pleasure of winning the Big Ten west. Red-hot Michigan won the Big Ten east by defeating Ohio State. If Iowa cannot handle Michigan’s running game led by Hassan Haskins, expect a Michigan win. Projected Score: Michigan 38, Iowa 21

LSU named Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly its next head coach on Monday night. Kelly is Notre Dame’s all-time wins leader and got a 10-year, $95 million contract. Kelly will have big shoes to fill in Baton Rouge as the previous three coaches won national titles.

A consensus top 5 player in the 2023 class, QB Malachi Nelson committed to USC. Nelson decommitted from Oklahoma following Lincoln Riley’s departure to USC and will likely lead a plethora of Oklahoma flips headed to LA.

The Florida and USC football programs announced new head coaches on the Sunday following Thanksgiving.

This morning, Florida named Louisiana head coach Billy Napier its next head coach. Napier does plan to coach the Ragin Cajuns in the Sun Belt championship versus Appalachian State on Saturday. He had interest from LSU and Virginia Tech during the cycle and has coached at Alabama under Nick Saban and Clemson under Dabo Swinney. He becomes the fourth head coach in Gainesville since 2014.

This afternoon, Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley accepted the USC head coaching position according to multiple reports. He replaces Clay Helton, who posted a 46-24 record in seven seasons at the helm. Riley went 55-10 and 37-7 in the Big 12. It is a huge blow to the Sooners, who will look have a vacancy for the first time since replacing retired legend Bob Stoops. Stoops said last night he would pass up the open LSU job before the news this afternoon.

CFP Top 6
1.Georgia 11-0 (8-0) Next Week: at.Georgia Tech
2.Ohio State 10-1 (8-0) Next Week: at.5.Michigan
3.Alabama 10-1 (6-1) Next Week: at.Auburn
4.Cincinnati 11-0 (7-0) Next Week: at.East Carolina
5.Michigan 10-1 (7-1) Next Week: 3.Ohio State
6.Notre Dame 10-1 (0-0) Next Week: at.Stanford

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
8.Ole Miss at. Mississippi State (Thursday, 7:30 PM ET, ESPN)
The second edition of the Kiffin-Leach battle in the Egg Bowl takes center stage on Thanksgiving night. Ole Miss QB Matt Corral and Mississippi State QB Will Rogers will duel in what should be one of the best games of the year and a shootout. Projected Score: Ole Miss 49, Mississippi State 45

Missouri at. 25.Arkansas (Friday, 3:3o PM ET, CBS)
Arkansas was a touchdown away from overtime against Alabama on Saturday. The combination of QB KJ Jefferson and receiver Treylon Burks was working all day for the hogs. Since safety Jalen Catalon went out for the season due to a broken ankle, the Arkansas secondary has been terrible, as they gave up 561 passing yards to Alabama QB Bryce Young. But, they have another chance to rite the ship against a talented Missouri offense, led by QB Connor Bazelak and tremendous running back Tyler Badie. The key for the Razorback defense is going to be to stop the running back, so then allowing passes down the field will not be as much of an issue. Either way, both teams are bowl bound come December. Projected Score: Arkansas 49, Missouri 31

2.Ohio State at. 5.Michigan (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
In the game that will decide the Big Ten East, Michigan looks to finally beat Ohio State again. It will be tough, as Heisman favorite CJ Stroud has quarterbacked Ohio State as well as any team in the country over the last few weeks including a phenomenal showing against Michigan State last week. The winner of this one will likely play Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship come December 4. Projected Score: Ohio State 59, Michigan 38

3.Alabama at. Auburn (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Alabama has struggled defensively in close calls the last two weeks against LSU and Arkansas but in last week’s game, Alabama QB Bryce Young lit up the Arkansas secondary with 561 yards passing. I expect Alabama to dominate this game. Projected Score: Alabama 45, Auburn 28

10.Oklahoma at. 7.Oklahoma State (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, CBS)
In a crucial Big 12 match up, Bedlam takes center stage. Oklahoma State has not had much success the last few years in this series but definitely comes into the game as clear favorites. If Oklahoma’s offense can get going, however, Oklahoma will again head to Jerry’s World, likely as a bettor’s favorite to win a seventh consecutive Big 12 title. Projected Score: Oklahoma State 38, Oklahoma 35

CFP Top 6
1.Georgia 10-0 (8-0) Next Week: Charleston Southern
2.Alabama 9-1 (6-0) Next Week: 21.Arkansas
3.Oregon 9-1 (6-1) Next Week: at.23.Utah
4.Ohio State 9-1 (7-0) Next Week: 7.Michigan State
5.Cincinnati 10-0 (7-0) Next Week: SMU
6.Michigan 9-1 (6-1) Next Week: at.Maryland

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)
10.Wake Forest at. Clemson (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
Wake Forest will have to go through “Death Valley” to secure a spot in the ACC title game in two weeks. But, Clemson has struggled mightily this season, and if Wake Forest, led by QB Sam Hartman, take down Clemson, giving them their fourth loss of the year, a New Year’s Six Bowl could be on the horizon for the Demon Deacons, who have a single loss to North Carolina. Projected Score: Wake Forest 49, Clemson 31

7.Michigan State at. 4.Ohio State (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
The Big Ten East’s top two teams are set to face in Columbus on Saturday. Ohio State’s combination of running (with back Treyveyon Henderson) and spectacular passing attack (QB CJ Stroud to potential first round receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson; among others) goes up against Michigan State, led by potential Heisman winner (running back) Kenneth Walker. If Ohio State were to win this game, and rival Michigan takes care of business too, a game in the Big House the Saturday after Thanksgiving would decide the Big Ten East. But, if Michigan State wins, things get a lot more complicated. Projected Score: Ohio State 45, Michigan State 35

SMU at. 5.Cincinnati (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN)
Can Cincinnati keep its undefeated run going? Projected Score: Cincinnati 45, SMU 38

21.Arkansas at. 2.Alabama (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Arkansas, coming off of a tough game against LSU, heads into Bryant-Denny Stadium, and looks to beat Alabama for the first time since 2006. At 7-3, the hogs are having the most successful season since coach Bobby Petrino was fired. Alabama needs to win out to clinch a berth in the SEC Championship against Georgia, and I do not believe Arkansas is going to lay down and let them get it. Alabama’s offense has been turnover prone this season and Arkansas has 21 interceptions since former Missouri coach Barry Odom took over the defense. This should be another difficult game for Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson and the talented offense but do not expect a 50-0 drubbing by the Tide, it will definitely be closer. Projected Score: Alabama 45, Arkansas 24

UCLA at. USC (Saturday, 4 PM ET, FOX)
One of the most underrated rivalries in college football takes center stage a week before most rivalries are played. USC QB Kedon Slovis and the Trojans did not play up to expected standards this season why UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson has UCLA already bowl eligible at 6-4. This should be a fun one at SoFi. Projected Score: UCLA 38, USC 28

3.Oregon at. 23.Utah (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
This game is the roadblock Oregon could stumble upon en route to a potential College Football Playoff appearance, which would be their first since 2014-15, its debut season. Two of the top offenses in the league battle in what could be a preview of the Pac-12 title game in two weeks. Projected Score: Oregon 31, Utah 27

CFP Top 6
1.Georgia 9-0 (7-0) Next Week: at.Tennessee
2.Alabama 8-1 (5-0) Next Week: New Mexico State
3.Oregon 8-1 (5-1) Next Week: Washington State
4.Ohio State 8-1 (6-0) Next Week: 19.Purdue
5.Cincinnati 9-0 (6-0) Next Week: at.South Florida
6.Michigan 8-1 (5-1) Next Week: at.Penn State

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)
8.Oklahoma at. 12.Baylor (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
Oklahoma, led by QB Caleb Williams, needs to continue winning games if they are going to be ranked that low (#8!) in the CFP polls in its debut. But, coming off of a loss Baylor has nothing to lose at home when they host the Sooners. Projected Score: Oklahoma 26, Baylor 17

Mississippi State at. 17.Auburn (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
In a wild SEC West, a win for either one of these teams keeps them in the running for a top three finish in the division. The QB match up in this one is going to be very entertaining as efficient (Mississippi State) QB Will Rogers faces improved Auburn signal caller Bo Nix. Mississippi State lost to Arkansas a week ago but will look to reboundsas they face the tigers this Saturday. Projected Score: Auburn 30, Mississippi State 23

6.Michigan at. Penn State (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
Jim Harbaugh led Michigan has to go into Happy Valley and beat a struggling Penn State team on Saturday. But, of course, playing there is no joke. I just can’t see Harbaugh finally getting over the hump after they were mistakenly ranked about instate rival Michigan State after losing to the Spartans two weeks ago. Projected Score: Penn State 23, Michigan 20

1.Georgia at. Tennessee (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Georgia and Tennessee will face off in an interesting battle on Saturday. Tennessee should hang in there for a few quarters but I expect Georgia to end up winning this one. Projected Score: Georgia 38, Tennessee 17

11.Texas A&M at. 15.Ole Miss (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
With talented Ole Miss QB Matt Corrall playing through an injury, Texas A&M’s defense should have yet another victim. If A&M is able to win the time of possession, run the ball with Isaiah Spiller effectively, and Aggie QB Zach Calzada makes timely throws, expect an A&M win. Projected Score: Texas A&M 24, Ole Miss 14

16.NC State at. 12.Wake Forest (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ACCN)
NC State and Wake Forest will battle for the ACC Atlantic. What that means is that the last time Clemson or Florida State won the division was 2008, when Virginia Tech defeated Boston College. Wake Forest’s offense will be hard to stop but NC State’s defense should put up a better fight then most others. Projected Score: Wake Forest 35, NC State 31

CFP Top 6
1.Georgia 8-0 (6-0) Next Week: Missouri
2.Alabama 7-1 (4-0) Next Week: LSU
3.Michigan State 8-0 (5-0) Next Week: at.Purdue
4.Oregon 7-1 (4-1) Next Week:
5.Ohio State 7-1 (5-0) Next Week: at.Nebraska
6.Cincinnati 8-0 (4-0) Next Week: Tulsa

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)

5.Ohio State at. Nebraska (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
Ohio State has to continue winning to stay in not only the Big Ten picture but the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture as they head to face Nebraska and QB Adrian Martinez. Assuming the Buckeyes get a win in Lincoln, battles with Michigan State (Columbus, November 20) and Michigan (Ann Arbor, November 27) loom.

10.Wake Forest at. North Carolina (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
Wake Forest and North Carolina will meet in a game that is the second of two non-conference games scheduled in 2015. Because the ACC maintained an eight game conference schedule following 2010’s realignment, old rivals like North Carolina and Wake Forest would not meet nearly as much, so the two Tar Heel State rivals scheduled a few games that would not count towards their conference records. Undefeated Wake Forest, led by QB Sam Hartman heads into Chapel Hill to face a talented (and underachieving) North Carolina team led by QB Sam Howell. Watch out for a Tar Heel upset as both defenses have lots of trouble stopping the run. When an opposing team can’t stop Mack Brown, he is very successful. Projected Score: North Carolina 52, Wake Forest 49

Tulsa at. 6.Cincinnati (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN2)
ESPN’s College GameDay heads to Cincinnati for the first time ever as the Cincinnati Bearcats cling to their number two ranking in the AP Poll and look to be the first Group of Five team in the CFP. Tulsa has posed Cincy challenge in the past, as the Golden Hurricane were the Bearcats match up in the American title a year ago. Projected Score: Cincinnati 24, Tulsa 20

3.Michigan State at. Purdue (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
After another win over Michigan for Mel Tucker, Sparty has got to be feeling good about their chances to make it to the Big Ten title in Indianapolis and potentially a CFP berth. But, Purdue is a sneaky team and should not be taken lightly. Like I mentioned in my analysis for Ohio State, Michigan State also has two tough battles remaining in the Big Ten East to go the last two weeks of the season. First a trip to Columbus to face Ohio State (which should determine the Big Ten East) and return home to host Penn State. Projected Score: Michigan State 27, Purdue 13

13.Auburn at. 14.Texas A&M (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Since early losses, Auburn (by beating Ole Miss) and Texas A&M (by beating Alabama) have made themselves the clear favorites to finish second and third in the SEC West (Of course Ole Miss and Arkansas still have shots). But, the best game in the best conference on Saturday should be decided on the ground. Auburn running back Tank Bigsby and Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller will be their team’s key to victory in a crucial SEC West battle. Projected Score: Auburn 34, Texas A&M 27

LSU at. 2.Alabama (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
Alabama should continue its dominance against LSU as Ed Orgeron’s tenure in Baton Rouge creeps to an end. Look for Alabama QB Bryce Young to have a great game and continue his underrated Heisman run. Projected Score: Alabama 49, LSU 20

AP Top 6
1.Georgia 7-0 (5-0) Next Game: Florida (Jacksonville)
2.Cincinnati 7-0 (3-0) Next Game: at.Tulane
3.Alabama 7-1 (4-1) Next Game: Off
4.Oklahoma 8-0 (5-0) Next Game: Texas Tech
5.Ohio State 6-1 (4-0) Next Game: 20.Penn State
6.Michigan 7-0 (4-0) Next Game: at.8.Michigan State

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
9.Iowa at. Wisconsin (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
Wisconsin has a lot of momentum following a win over then number 25.Purdue. But Iowa should add another win to continue their one loss season, keeping themselves in the CFP conversation. Projected Score: Iowa 20, Wisconsin 16

6.Michigan at. 8.Michigan State (12 PM ET, FOX)
Who would’ve guessed that at the beginning of the season both squads from Michigan would be unbeaten entering their battle? I definitely wouldn’t have. The battle between Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker and the Spartan offensive line versus the Michigan defensive line led by Aidan Hutchinson will be the battle to watch. Projected Score: Michigan State 26, Michigan 23

1.Georgia vs. Florida (Jacksonville) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
This one should be an easy Georgia win, but you never know what will happen at the World’s Largest Cocktail Party. Projected Score: Georgia 28, Florida 17

20.Penn State at. 5.Ohio State (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
With Ohio State playing the best football it has all season and Penn State coming off a loss to Illinois in the longest game in college football history, one could easily guess who has more momentum going into this game. The way Ohio State QB CJ Stroud is playing is phenomenal and the OSU defense has been playing more inspired football of late. Unfortunately for Penn State I see Ohio State handling this game fairly easily and knocking the Nittany Lions two games out of the Big Ten East race. Projected Score: Ohio State 45, Penn State 27

AP Top 6
1.Georgia 7-0 (5-0) Next Game: Off
2.Cincinnati 6-0 (2-0) Next Game: at.Navy
3.Oklahoma 7-0 (4-0) Next Game: at.Kansas
4.Alabama 6-1 (3-1) Next Game: Tennessee
5.Ohio State 6-1 (4-0) Next Game: at.Indiana
6.Iowa 6-1 (3-1) Next Game: Off

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
Tennessee at. 4.Alabama (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
USC at. 14.Notre Dame (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
5.Ohio State at. Indiana (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)