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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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Nov 19, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) rushes for a one yard touchdown to become the ACC's all time rushing touchdown leader and all time leader in total touchdowns against the Duke Blue Devils during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) rushes for a one yard touchdown to become the ACC’s all time rushing touchdown leader and all time leader in total touchdowns against the Duke Blue Devils during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

As the only team to knock off Clemson so far this season, Pittsburgh has a certain gravitas to their record despite the four losses. They were also one of just two teams to knock off Penn State in the regular season. But the Panthers also dropped four games — including close losses to Oklahoma State, North Carolina, and Virginia Tech. Their only truly inexplicable loss was their 23-point loss at Miami the weekend before taking down Clemson.

Led by inspirational leader James Conner, who put up 1000 yards less than a year after being diagnosed with cancer, Pitt clawed its way in as the last team in the College Football Playoff Top 25 in the penultimate release last Tuesday, and they’re sure to remain in the rankings when they come out again on Sunday. While they won’t play in a New Year’s Six bowl, the Panthers could be on pace for a rematch of the original BCS Buster game.

PROJECTED BOWL DESTINATION: Sun Bowl (December 30)

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