Who Are the Final CFP Four and In What Order
Mates,
Having an overnight to think about it, time to make our predictions. In any normal year a #1 team that gets smoked in their own home state by 17 points doesn't just go to #4, they'd be out of the picture. So good bye UGA unless the SEC lovefest is unbreakable. We all want Michigan as #1, playing Cincy or even ND, but will it happen? A good point was made that even if UGA does make it and 'Bama plays them again in the semi's, that's better than a boring re-do of the SEC title game in the finals. Michigan being #1 with 'Bama and UGA at 2 and 3 accomplishes that and would still set up the likely match of Michigan v. SEC for all the marbles - a ratings blowout.
Anyway, good morning on this bright shiny Michigan Sunday. Pick the 4 and the order, and Go Blue!
XM
December 5th, 2021 at 9:51 AM ^
Hey tai, if you think OkSt would have been fourth then in you’re should be rankings wouldn’t it be Michigan, Bama, Cincy, Georgia?
December 5th, 2021 at 8:58 AM ^
I actually think there’s a chance we get the #1 and it ends up like this:
1. Michigan
2. Alabama
3. Cincinnati
4. Georgia
My thinking is, they realize they’re jobbing us by not giving us Cinci in the first round but they’ll say an undefeated, conference champion should be ahead of Georgia. Plus we’d get to pick which site we wanted, so they get to avoid an SEC semifinal and appear they are giving us something.
Now my question is, in this scenario, are you wanting us in Dallas or Miami? I’ve always wanted to see a game in Jerry World so that is selfishly my vote.
Go Blue!
December 5th, 2021 at 9:03 AM ^
If UM plays GA, we want the game in Dallas. Longer trip for GA fans to get to Dallas than it would be for GA fans to reach Miami.
#GoBlue
December 5th, 2021 at 9:19 AM ^
Besides, with the game in Arlington, it's only 45 minutes from my hovel.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:15 AM ^
I 100% agree with you.
Being a conference champ should mean something and Alabama did nothing to jump Michigan, as Michigan solidified its position with the only blowout win of the weekend. So, keep the three conference champs in their same relative positions from last week and drop UGA to #4.
- Michigan
- Alabama
- Cincinnati
- Georgia
December 5th, 2021 at 9:30 AM ^
Went to Jerry World for the Bama game. Nice building, terrible result. Actually got into the owner’s box through work. It was way over by that point, but we got to see Ingram wasted out of his mind.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:04 AM ^
I think we've secured the "Go beat Georgia" seed.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:04 AM ^
Michigan #1 in our hearts, #2 in the CFB playoff rankings, book it.
1. Alabama
2. Michigan
3. Georgia
4. Cincy
LOL. Notre Dame
December 5th, 2021 at 9:05 AM ^
In any normal year a #1 team that gets smoked in their own home state by 17 points doesn't just go to #4, they'd be out of the picture.
That is simply wrong. In any normal year, Georgia would remain in the top 4 based on this loss. If you push Georgia to 5th, who is 4th? Surely not Notre Dame, which has one less win, lost to Cincinnati at home, and didn’t have to face a conference championship game. All of the other candidates for #4 have even bigger flaws on their resume than the Irish do.
So no, it is not due to “SEC love” that Georgia will easily make the top four. In fact, I might rank them higher than Cincinnati. Aside from their win over Notre Dame, the Bearcats have played a bunch of relative nobodies.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:16 AM ^
Notre Dame beat the same amount of FBS teams as Georgia with a better SOS. It's not as far fetched as you're making it out to be
December 5th, 2021 at 9:25 AM ^
Correct. Georgia had decent wins but they got routed by a team that needed last second luck to win games. They do not belong in the top 4. They were rated incorrectly. Baylor and UTAH played better. I hate to make a case for ND though. They should join a conference.
December 5th, 2021 at 10:14 AM ^
Terrible how SEC teams schedule body bag opponents in November... Michigan's G5 opponents NIU (MAC champs) and WMU (7-5). Georgia? They played Charleston Southern (an FCS team) in November!
December 5th, 2021 at 10:43 AM ^
Georgia shouldn't get a redo. It's not in the spirit of sports to give one team multiple chances and leave other teams out.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:05 AM ^
- Michigan
- Cincy
- Bama
- Georgia
Georgia was exposed and Bama was a bit shaky through the regular season. They also have alot of hurt players and one of their top receivers is now out.
Michigan looks like a complete team this year and Cincy is undefeated. They are #1 and #2.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:13 AM ^
I think the playoff committee generally believes that Cincinnati is not a top 4 team, but feel compelled to keep them in. If Alabama gets Cincinnati, it would be a reward for being #3.
I truly think they give Cincinnati to who they think is #1. If they think Alabama and Michigan are close, then they likely avoid the SEC rematch and give Cincinnati to Alabama.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:10 AM ^
I thought it was obvious…
1. Bama
2. UM
3. UGA
4. Cinci
The SEC love fest is ridiculous but it will continue. Crazy how the narrative now is that BAMA is this superior team when they should have lost last week.
December 5th, 2021 at 10:49 AM ^
Generally I'm on the same train as you, however this year, due to increased complaints, the playoff committee is B1G heavy in ways it has previously been SEC weighted, and while it has good ACC presence, that doesn't necessarily hurt the B1G for once.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:10 AM ^
I had been saying Michigan would get Georgia.
However, maybe, just maybe....the playoff committee would fear a low TV ratings if there were a final of an SEC rematch. So they go with the Michigan vs Ohio angle and give us Cincinnati, which also guarantees a unique final.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:11 AM ^
Why all focus in avoiding all-SEC rematch semi? Should be focusing on avoiding that for final. And also based on where they “should be” ranked, it is:
1 Michigan
2 Alabama
3 Georgia
4 Cincy
it probably will be, though:
1 Alabama
2 Michigan
3 Georgia
4 Cincy
Although there’s a chance it could be:
1 Alabama
2 Michigan
3 Cincy
4 Georgia
if they realize all-SEC final is worst case for long-term health & interest in CFP, and CFB period.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:14 AM ^
Committee has shown love for Michigan but can’t see them putting us above Bama … matters not if we think we’re the number 1 team then we beat whatever opponents are put before us …. GO BLUE !!!!
December 5th, 2021 at 9:16 AM ^
The committee had Michigan jumping Alabama last week. What has changed that should have Alabama jumping Michigan?
December 5th, 2021 at 9:15 AM ^
WHAT IT SHOULD BE:
MICHIGAN
BAMA
CINCY
GEORGIA
WHAT IT WILL BE:
BAMA
MICHIGAN
GEORGIA
CINCY
December 5th, 2021 at 9:37 AM ^
So it makes no difference-you play the same team in either scenario.
Ultimately, my only preference is to not play Alabama in the first round-and I am very sure that is the way it will be. Michigan and Alabama will be seeded #s 1 and 2...in whatever order.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:15 AM ^
Realistically the committee has nobody to pick if not Georgia. The next few teams are Ok state, ND, OSU and Baylor. Would you pick anyone of them over Georgia?
And assuming the committee does not want a rematch of SEC champ game, the most likely ranking is
1. Alabama
2. Michigan
3. Georgia
4. Cinci
or
1. Michigan
2. Alabama
3. Cinci
4. Georgia
December 5th, 2021 at 9:42 AM ^
I agree...and the best team from that group is Ohio State-and I would prefer that not happen. Otherwise, Georgia is the best pick from that group...a lot of teams have lost to Alabama over the last decade+.
December 5th, 2021 at 10:47 AM ^
ND has better wins and an equal loss as Georgia. Baylor won their division. Both are more deserving. Georgia shouldn't get a redo with other teams looking in. It hurts the sport.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:18 AM ^
It will be Bama #1 Michigan #2 Georgia #3 and Cincy #4
Should be Michigan #1 Bama #2 Georgia #3 and Cincy #4
December 5th, 2021 at 9:20 AM ^
Georgia shouldn't be in because they lost the conference.
Baylor should be in.
But the SEC worshiping committee will make us play through the two #1 teams this season to win the Championship. Bama will get the cupcake and roll Cincinnati by 70 points.
December 5th, 2021 at 11:30 AM ^
This is a good point you make. The conference champs, despite even being ranked 5-7ish should get a nod to the dance. This is why #1 seeds in college basketball rarely actually win the final four, it’s usually a 2-3 seeded team because basketball has a playoff system that doesn’t exclude deserving teams and doesn’t favor one conference over others
December 5th, 2021 at 11:56 AM ^
Umm, number one seeds win the tournament quite a lot actually
December 5th, 2021 at 9:21 AM ^
My best guess is that Michigan gets to play Georgia-no matter what and will have to traverse an SEC gauntlet. If Michigan is #1 then Georgia will be #4...if Michigan is #2 then Georgia is #3-it is just what they are going to do.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:23 AM ^
I think it will be:
1. Michigan
2. Bama
3. Cincy
4. Georgia
Michigan and Cincy did all of what anyone could ask from them. Played well yesterday and dominated on the field.
I tend to agree with Gus yesterday…putting Georgia in any slot with Michigan shows massive bias! Why should Michigan be punished for Georgia not showing up and playing like a team that already earned a spot. Plus wouldn’t ESPN execs want Michigan in the title game for any reason to get the highest ratings possible?
December 5th, 2021 at 9:28 AM ^
I'm tired of seeing Georgia lose to Bama and get in to the playoffs... It shouldn't happen. Georgia doesn't deserve it...
December 5th, 2021 at 10:43 AM ^
Especially this year. Zero wins vs a top 20 opponent, not unbeaten and not conference champions, and not a close loss. Hasn't that been our argument for keeping non P5 teams out of the playoffs in the past?
December 5th, 2021 at 9:34 AM ^
In order of the balls it would take to rank the teams in the following ways:
- 1) Michigan 2) Cinci 3) Alabama. 4) ND
- 1) Michigan 2) Alabama 3) Cinci. 4) ND
- 1) Michigan 2) Alabama 3) UGa. 4) Cinci
- 1) Michigan 2) Alabama 3) Cinci. 4) UGa
- 1) Alabama 2) Michigan 3) Cinci. 4) UGa
- 1) Alabama 2) Michigan 3) UGa. 4) Cinci
It'll be the last one, bc that committee will have ZERO balls
December 5th, 2021 at 9:36 AM ^
To hell with Notre Dame and all, but I think it would be hilarious if they were the 4 seed right after BK left.
I think it will be:
1. Michigan
2. Bama
3. Cincy
4. UGA
December 5th, 2021 at 9:41 AM ^
They want big ratings on new year's eve so UM will play Georgia in the prime time game
1. Bama
2. UM
3. UGA
4. Cincy
December 5th, 2021 at 9:45 AM ^
Michigan is the biggest draw no matter what-let us play Cincy. The ratings for Alabama vs Cincy would be in the toilet.
December 5th, 2021 at 12:08 PM ^
Especially after the first quarter.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:48 AM ^
Rankings should be about well ranking the teams…not setting up matchups. If they had any guts it would be Michigan - Cincy and SEC rematch in other game. Nobody wants to see a finals that is a rematch.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:48 AM ^
The final top 25 will be announced at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 5.
The top four teams will participate in the semifinals on Friday, Dec. 31. The national championship game will be played Monday, Jan. 10, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
If I could vote: UofM, Alabama, Cinci, Georgia
I don’t think it’ll matter aside from selecting site, though, and Michigan travels well anywhere. There may be slightly more GA fans if the game is in Florida, but nothing significant.
Can’t wait to watch the reveal, and GO BLUE!!!
December 5th, 2021 at 9:50 AM ^
I think Michigan draws Georgia no matter what to avoid the rematch between Georgia and Alabama. Either it's as 2 v 3 or 1 v 4. Georgia doesn't deserve to drop out, clearly a very good team that lost to a top 5 opponent who are loaded despite having a disappointing season by Alabama standards.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:50 AM ^
This what it should be based on the each 4 teams performance all season.
1. Uof〽️
2. Bama
3. UGA
4. Cinci
This is what the committee will do unfortunately because they don’t want two SEC teams to play each other in the fist round.
1. Bama
2. Uof〽️
3. UGA
4. Cinci
〽️Go Blue〽️
December 5th, 2021 at 9:53 AM ^
1-Michigan: defeated #2 OSU, destroyered Iowa, B1G Champs, better resume than Bama.
2-Alabama: Beat Georgia but looked mortal much of the year.
3-Georgia: I disagree that Georgia should drop out. They were the only undefeated Power 5 team in the regular season and lost to the #3 team in their conference championship. There is no way, IMO, that you put in ND when they didn't have to play anyone.
4-Cincinatti: first group of 5 team to make it and are rewarded with the lowest seed.
I highly doubt this would happen and I think it is bullshit that the committee will probably actively avoid an SEC rematch.
December 5th, 2021 at 11:44 AM ^
In a normal year, sure, Georgia beating Clemson and ending with 1 loss in the SEC championship gets them in. This year Clemson had 2 worse losses than to Georgia. Georgia was #1 on metrics and the assumption that when/if they did play a top 10 team, that they would dismantle them. While the committee doesn't want playing a conference championship to hurt, I'd take Oklahoma state or Baylor over GA given that both have 2 quality wins over top 20 opponents to GA's zero. There are 48 other teams out there who ran a harder gauntlet. I bet most of the top 10 would have one loss (or fewer) with Georgia's schedule.
December 5th, 2021 at 9:57 AM ^
I don't have much to contribute to the topic but I just want to say that David Pollack is acting like the biggest whiny bitch today on the CFP rankings countdown show. Dude can't handle that Georgia got their faces caved in by Bama.
December 5th, 2021 at 10:03 AM ^
So David Pollack remains consistent?
December 5th, 2021 at 10:13 AM ^
Hey-o!!
December 5th, 2021 at 9:57 AM ^
Alabama 12-1 Conference Champ
Michigan 12-1 Conference Champs
Cincinnati 13-0 Conference Champs
Georgia 12-1
December 5th, 2021 at 9:58 AM ^
The only plausible chance for us avoiding Georgia is this
1. Alabama
2. Michigan
3. Cincinnati
4. Georgia
I highly doubt this will happen but this ranking would actually make sense and be very justifiable for the committee.