College Football Playoff Stock Watch: Can BYU and Tennessee Escape the Bubble?
College Football Playoff Stock Watch: Can BYU and Tennessee Escape the Bubble?
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College Football Playoff Stock Watch: BYU and Tennessee
BYU's Current Status
BYU is currently ranked No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings, having moved up three spots from No. 9 in the previous week. This improvement is largely due to their undefeated season and notable victories against top-25 opponents, including wins over SMU and Kansas State. The selection committee has recognized BYU's consistent performance and strong body of work, which has kept them in a favorable position for a playoff berth.
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Tennessee's Current Status
Tennessee, on the other hand, is currently ranked No. 7 in the rankings. Despite an 8-1 record, the Volunteers have faced challenges, particularly after a loss to Georgia. This loss has put Tennessee on the bubble, and their playoff hopes are now contingent on various factors, including the outcomes of other teams' games and their own performance in the remaining games of the season.
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Playoff Prospects and Challenges
BYU: BYU's chances of making the playoff are relatively strong, given their undefeated record and significant wins. They are also heavy favorites to win the Big 12 title game, which would further bolster their playoff credentials.
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Tennessee: Tennessee's playoff hopes are more precarious. They need to win their remaining games convincingly and hope for favorable outcomes in other matchups that could affect their ranking. The selection committee has noted that Tennessee's offense has struggled in the latter part of the season, which could impact their ranking if they do not improve significantly in their upcoming games.
Key Factors Moving Forward
BYU: Maintaining their unbeaten record and securing a win in the Big 12 title game will be crucial for BYU's playoff chances.
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Tennessee: Tennessee will need to win their remaining games and hope for losses by teams ranked above them. They also need to address their offensive consistency issues to strengthen their case for a playoff berth.
In summary, while BYU is in a relatively strong position to make the College Football Playoff, Tennessee is on the bubble and faces a more challenging path to secure a playoff spot.