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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December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Jay MacIntyre (14) is tackled by Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) during the second quarter in the Pac-12 championship at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

In the Pac-12 championship game on Friday night, the Buffaloes kept things close in the first half before crumbling against Washington after halftime. Sefo Liufau reinjured his ankle, forcing Colorado to alternate quarterbacks, and the offense never managed to get going against a tough Huskies defense. Held to just 163 yard of offense, the Buffaloes were run out of Levi’s Stadium in a 41-10 rout that might have cost them more than just the Pac-12 crown.

Such a decisive blowout might just have cost Colorado a shot at playing in the Rose Bowl. Had they lost in a close contest, there is no doubt that the Buffaloes would be headed to Pasadena. But after a 31-point defeat, they might find themselves pipped by a USC team that beat them head-to-head earlier this season. While a New Year’s Six game might have slipped through their fingers, it has still been quite a remarkable season in Boulder.

PROJECTED BOWL DESTINATION: Alamo Bowl (December 29)

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