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College Football Playoff 2016: Week 9 New Year’s Six Projections

By Zach Bigalke

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) attempts to tackle Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) attempts to tackle Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals cornerback Jaire Alexander (10) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass as Virginia Cavaliers running back Albert Reid (2) chases in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. The Cardinals won 32-25. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals cornerback Jaire Alexander (10) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass as Virginia Cavaliers running back Albert Reid (2) chases in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. The Cardinals won 32-25. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Orange Bowl: Louisville (ACC) v. Wisconsin (Big Ten)

Louisville should earn its first New Year’s Six appearance since transitioning from the Big East to the ACC. The Cardinals have surged in Bobby Petrino’s second stint as head coach, thanks largely to the Heisman-leading exploits of Lamar Jackson. Louisville’s high-powered offense scored 50 points per game to lead the country in that category, while its defense has evolved into a top-35 unit. While losing to Clemson has put them behind in the ACC Atlantic, Louisville is on track for the Orange Bowl.

With SEC teams filling out other slots on the calendar, the Big Ten is likely to earn a third spot in the New Year’s Six this year after a strong 2016 showing. While Penn State could still theoretically play its way into this game, the more likely candidate is Wisconsin. The Badgers have lost only to Ohio State and Michigan so far, and feature one of the five best defenses in the nation. With a signature win over a rising LSU team, Paul Chryst’s team should return to a major bowl for the first time in four years.

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