While it’s sad that the college football season is coming to an end, it means that our New Year’s Six Bowl projections are coming closer to reality. Week 12 didn’t shake things up too much, but it did set up some incredible matchups to end the year.
New Year’s Six Bowl Projections
It’s important to note these predictions differ from our College Football Bowl Projections. While our projections do just what the name says — project the bowl game appearances — our predictions are what we think the College Football Playoff Selection Committee will do when seeding the six New Year’s Bowl Games.
Rose Bowl (College Football Playoff) | #1 Georgia vs. #4 Washington
The Washington Huskies managed to hang on in the pouring rain against Oregon State, and their magical season continues for another week. Another quality win boosts the Huskies’ resume, and now they are all but back in the playoffs.
At least, that’s what the committee should do.
Tennessee landed the first punch against the Georgia Bulldogs, but UGA dominated from that point forward this past weekend. Another strong performance keeps them at the top of the rankings, and there’s no reason to believe anyone else will take their spot.
MORE: What are the New Year’s Six Bowls?
Sugar Bowl (College Football Playoff) | #2 Ohio State vs. #3 Michigan
It won’t happen in the playoff, but the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines will settle things on the field next weekend. Ohio State took care of Minnesota thanks to the legs of TreVeyon Henderson, and they’re hoping that they’ve built enough momentum to upset Michigan.
The Wolverines needed all four quarters to put away Maryland, but their undefeated season remained alive. The biggest game of their season comes up next weekend, and it’s their ticket into the College Football Playoff.
Cotton Bowl | Florida State vs. Texas
The Texas Longhorns continue limping towards the Big 12 Championship Game as they struggled to beat Iowa State, 26-16. The Longhorns still have their playoff hopes alive, but something needs to change if they’re going to win the whole thing.
The Florida State Seminoles didn’t lose, but their future is up in the air after this weekend. Jordan Travis sustained a catastrophic injury early in the game, and now the Seminoles have to find a new option at quarterback. It feels like the committee will move the ‘Noles out of the playoff picture, which would be an insult to injury (literally).
Fiesta Bowl | Oregon vs. Alabama
There aren’t many other teams playing better than the Oregon Ducks. Bo Nix and Oregon dominated Arizona State in the first half before coasting in the second. Their playoff hopes are alive, and many believe they’ll win the Pac-12 despite their loss to Washington earlier this season.
The Alabama Crimson Tide are another team playing some of their best ball. A win over Chattanooga isn’t enough to get them in the playoff, but their destiny is in their hands. If they find a way to upset Georgia in the SEC Championship, the playoff is in their future.
Peach Bowl | Missouri vs. Tulane
Harrison Mevis came through in the clutch again to help the Missouri Tigers survive against Florida. Brady Cook continues his magical season, and the Tigers remain in the New Year’s Six picture.
The Tulane Green Wave keep winning, even if it isn’t pretty. The committee shouldn’t punish the Green Wave for winning, but they don’t exactly have a stronghold at the top of the Group of Five.
SMU and UTSA are right on their heels within the AAC, so there’s still plenty of time for Tulane to prove their worth.
Orange Bowl | Louisville vs. Penn State
Miami gave the Louisville Cardinals everything they could handle and then some, but they managed to survive and secure their spot in the ACC Championship Game. Jeff Brohm’s influence continues to benefit his alma mater, and the committee will keep him in the Orange Bowl.
The Penn State Nittany Lions won, but it wasn’t pretty. Even after firing former offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich, the offense struggled to get back on track. It’s not enough to knock them down, but they’ll need to address it going forward.