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 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; USC Trojans defensive back Adoree’ Jackson (2) celebrates his interception on a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Aaron Fuller (12) with defensive back Ajene Harris (27) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Clay Helton’s first season as full-time head coach of USC started with a whimper and ended with a bang, as the Trojans shed a 1-3 start to win eight straight and threaten for the Pac-12 South title. Southern Cal was the only team to knock off both Washington and Colorado, the two teams that ultimately played for the conference title. But they missed out on the trip to Santa Clara when the Buffaloes beat Utah.

After the Pac-12 championship ended in a blowout, USC might get the conference’s nod in the Rose Bowl. For years under Pete Carroll, the Granddaddy of them All was viewed as little more than a consolation prize by Trojans teams hunting for national championships. At this point, though, a trip to Pasadena would mark the first New Year’s Six appearance for Southern Cal since the 2009 Rose Bowl against Penn State.

PROJECTED BOWL DESTINATION: Rose Bowl (January 2)

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