College Football Playoff Top 25 Projections after Championship Weekend

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (9) during the third quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 19, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Kerryon Johnson (21) runs the ball ahead of Alabama A&M Bulldogs defense during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

In September it looked as though Gus Malzahn was on the hot seat as Auburn lost to Clemson and Texas A&M to start the year 1-2. Then the Tigers rattled off six straight wins before closing out the year 1-2 with losses to Georgia and Alabama. The offense relied on their running game to do the heavy lifting, finishing sixth nationally in rushing yards per game. Auburn also boasted a top-five scoring defense, holding nine of their 12 opponents under 20 points.

The College Football Playoff has been impressed with Auburn, rating the Tigers four spots higher in their rankings than the AP Top 25. A spot in the Sugar Bowl is still in play for Auburn, especially after Florida’s performance in the SEC championship game. If they don’t take the SEC’s spot in the New Year’s Six game they’ll be playing two days earlier in Orlando instead of New Orleans.

PROJECTED BOWL DESTINATION: Sugar Bowl (January 2)

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