College Football Playoff Projections Week 12: Two-Loss Teams In the Mix

Nov 8, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher during the second half of the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Sugar Bowl: No. 1 Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. No. 4 Baylor Bears

An argument could be made for Mississippi State to play Oregon in the Sugar Bowl since Texas borders Louisiana, which makes Baylor pretty close to New Orleans. But it’s not going to be a home field advantage for the Bears.

New Orleans is still four hours closer to Starkville than it is to Waco. Mississippi State’s match-up against Baylor would be an epic showdown between two advanced, high-powered offenses and superstar quarterbacks. It would also be great for the teams to meet in the Sugar Bowl since it has the contract with the SEC and Big 12 to meet on off years anyway.

Rose Bowl: No. 2 Florida State Seminoles vs. No. 3 Oregon Ducks

Knowing that Oregon will likely be in now, this would be a great showdown, with the Pac-12 Champion getting to go back to the Rose Bowl even when it’s in the national championship rotation. Florida State would have to travel out to California, but the fans travel well and would present a strong showing.

The Seminoles and the Ducks would be a great showdown as well, with a classic case of the Jimmy’s and Joe’s going up against the X’s and O’s. X’s and O’s would obviously be Oregon. And it features a match-up between last year’s Heisman winner and this year’s Heisman frontrunner by many experts at this point in the season. Marcus Mariota has been far more efficient than Jameis Winston, but Winston is the more highly touted NFL prospect. This game would be great to showcase the two.

Next: Teams that Still Control their Own Playoff Fate