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College Football Playoff Top 25 Projections after Championship Weekend

By Zach Bigalke

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
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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Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners safety Ahmad Thomas (13) runs off the field with the Big 12 championship trophy after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners safety Ahmad Thomas (13) runs off the field with the Big 12 championship trophy after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

After opening the year 1-2 with losses to Houston and Ohio State, the Sooners won their ninth straight in a 38-20 Bedlam victory over rival Oklahoma State. The win completed an undefeated season in Big 12 play for Bob Stoops’ team as they claimed the conference title outright. Baker Mayfield threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns, Samaje Perine rushed for 239 and a score, and the OU defense held the Cowboys to half of their scoring average.

They didn’t get all the help they needed from the frontrunners in other conferences, so the College Football Playoff is probably out of reach for the Sooners. But the Big 12 championship provides automatic entry into the Sugar Bowl, essential in a year where the conference is not projected to receive any additional New Year’s Six invitations. Though they won’t be back in the playoff bracket, this might be one of Stoops’ best coaching jobs given the way the year started.

PROJECTED BOWL DESTINATION: Sugar Bowl (January 2)

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