College Football Playoff, New Year’s Six Bowl Projections Week 13

These projections are NOT if the season ended today, they are projected ahead to the end of the season

GoodYear Cotton Bowl Classic

December 30th, 7:15 PM ET, ESPN
Arlington, TX
At-Large vs. At-Large
Bowl Projection: Wisconsin vs Cincinnati

Would a 5-1 Wisconsin make the New Year’s Six? Maybe not, but I’m not sure who I am snubbing here. The Cotton Bowl feels like a solid landing spot for Cincinnati, which may finish the season ranked 5th as the first team out.

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

January 1st, 12:30 PM ET, ESPN
Atlanta, GA
At-Large vs. At-Large
Bowl Projection: Oklahoma vs Georgia

These are the two highest ranked two-loss teams in the country, and thus each will have a good shot at a New Year’s Six bowl if they win out, which I expect both to do.

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

January 2nd, 4 PM ET, ESPN
Glendale, AZ
At-Large vs. At-Large
Bowl Projection: BYU vs. USC

USC solidified their position as the Pac-12 favorite after Orgeon lost on Friday. The Trojans will likely take on BYU here, a team that is all but certain to finish unbeaten, with just a game against SDSU remaining.

Capital One Orange Bowl

January 2nd, 8 PM ET, ESPN
Miami Gardens, FL
ACC vs. Big Ten or SEC
Bowl Projection: Clemson vs. Florida

This is the only NY6 game this year with tie-ins, as an ACC team must face a team from the Big Ten or SEC. The loser of the ACC Title game will likely slot in here, as will the loser of the SEC Title game, barring either making the playoff.

Rose Bowl (Semifinal)

January 1st, 5 PM ET, ESPN
Pasadena, CA
CFP vs. CFP
Bowl Projection: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

Both of these teams will be significant favorites in each of their remaining regular-season games before facing tough competition in their respective title games. I do, however, expect each to get through unscathed.

Allstate Sugar Bowl (Semifinal)

January 1st, 8:45 PM ET, ESPN
New Orleans, LA
CFP vs. CFP
Projection: Alabama vs. Texas A&M

Things are looking up for Texas A&M. Get through Auburn this week, hope Alabama, Notre Dame, and Ohio State win their conferences, and you are the logical choice for the #4 spot.

College Football Playoff National Championship

January 11th, 8 PM ET, ESPN
Miami Gardens, FL
Projection: Ohio State vs. Alabama
Pick: Alabama