Not much changed across the College Football Playoff landscape this week, but we're now in position for things to really start changing with two weeks left in the season.
In advance of Tuesday's fifth bracket reveal, here's how each of us see things stacking up.
SCOTT (@FootballScoop)
No. 1:
No. 2:
No.3:
No.4:
Last two out: and
ZACH (@Zach_Barnett)
No. 1: With Auburn this week and the SEC Championship next, Alabama will either solidify its hold on the No. 1 ranking, or fall out of the Playoff picture completely.
No. 2: It's very tough to beat a good team twice in the same season, and it looks like that's what Oregon will have to do with UCLA in an effort to reach the Playoff. But first, a visit to Corvallis to meet Oregon State. Remember last season, when Oregon pulled out a 36-35 final in Eugene? This is no gimme.
No. 3: Another week, another close call. With Florida and Georgia Tech waiting, expect both of those teams to run it 50 times or more at FSU's 43rd-ranked rushing defense.
No. 4:Sure, the Bears won by 21, but don't you have to look at their 49-28 win over Oklahoma State as something of a missed opportunity? With a 14-0 lead five minutes in it looked like Baylor was ready to blow the roof off the Cowboys in the 63-14 range, but they just never pulled away. Oh, and while we're at it, TCU beat that same Oklahoma State team by 33.
Last two out: and
Big games for both of these teams this week with Mississippi State facing Ole Miss in Oxford. Break out the red and blue, Frogs and Buckeyes.
DOUG (@CoachSamz)
No. 1: Oregon manhandled Colorado, as expected, setting up a potential trap game in the Civil War match up with Oregon State. The Ducks benefited the most from Florida State's stumble against Boston College in my mind, and an argument can be made for them in the top 2.
No. 2: This weekend is huge for Alabama. Auburn has struggled the past few weeks, but we all know that means nothing when it comes to the Iron Bowl. A blowout win could catapult them to my #1 spot, a win keeps them at #2, and a loss could be just what Baylor needs to make the top 4. I forsee the Tide struggling more in this one than the SEC title game.
No. 3: Still not impressed with Florida State, but somehow they find a way to win the close games, and that has to count for something, doesn't it?
No. 4: A 51-0 drubbing of an SEC opponent, even if it's a down Commodore squad, is enough to keep Mullen's guys in contention. I really wish they could match up with Alabama again in a best of three match up to really help clear the muddy water a bit.
Last two out: and
Baylor is just waiting on one team to slip up, or have a close call, and they've got a case to be in the playoff.
TCU can say the same.