College Football: Handicapping SEC’s Playoff Chances
By Lee Wardlaw
Oct 24, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) carries for a touchdown against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Malik Foreman (13) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Entering week ten, a quartet of Southeastern Conference teams look to be in the thick of the race to the College Football Playoff, per usual.
And who could those teams be?
The Western Division is stacked again, of course. However, there’s also an Eastern Division team that could sneak in the field if they play their cards right.
You could probably guess our first contender.
It’s the Southland’s most loyally followed college football team, a long-living dynasty under the head of a short man with a tall vision, along with a pretty good recruiting sales pitch. It’s the Alabama Crimson Tide, and after an upset loss to Ole Miss, they’re on another tear through the conference schedule.
They’ve won five straight and they’re bound for the College Football Playoff. Or are they?
One team that provides the Tide a major roadblock to the prize? None other than Les Miles and the LSU Tigers. And Leonard Fournette, in particular.
But let’s not forget who could dash the dreams of both the Elephants and the Tigers? (And the rest of the SEC)
Out of Oxford, Mississippi, it’s Hugh Freeze and the Ole Miss Rebels.
While they did lose to the Memphis Tigers, they still control their own destiny in the conference’s western division. How crazy is that?
And better yet, that other team the Rebs lost to could sneak into the the field. We never would’ve thought it, but the Florida Gators are still in the hunt for a playoff bid in the season’s eighth week.
In the following slides, Southbound and Down breaks down ‘Bama, LSU, Ole Miss, and UF- giving a case for and against their playoff resume. Enjoy.
Next: Alabama
