College Football Playoff, New Year’s Six Bowl projections after Week 8

Sugar Bowl

Tennessee v TCU

For the second straight week, we’re projecting Tennessee and TCU for the Sugar Bowl. The Horned Frogs were given a major scare through 3 quarters against Kansas State. The game felt like a hangover from the previous week’s win over Oklahoma State. After trailing by as much as 18, the TCU offense woke up and finished the game on a 28-0 run to get the big win.

The Horned Frogs still have two really difficult road games left, at Texas and Baylor. Win those, and the noise will only get louder about TCU and the CFP.

Last week, I made a judgment call projecting Tennessee, who had just defeated Alabama, keeping them out of the College Football Playoff and putting Bama in. After watching the two play this week, I continue to keep the projections the same.

Sorry, Knoxville.

Tennessee earned the win of the year last week, and returned to action this week, easily dismantling Tennessee-Martin 65-24. The Vols didn’t look to miss a beat and continue to look like one of the absolute best teams in the country.

The following two weeks will define Tennessee’s season. A home date against the potential number one overall pick in QB Will Levis and Kentucky awaits. After that, we’ll see Tennessee battle Georgia in what may be the game of the year.

With a loss, their fate falls into the hands of Georgia. A Georgia win means a Bulldog vs Tide SEC championship. A win by Georgia, and I think both Georgia and Tennessee get into the CFP. A loss to Bama and you’ll likely see Bama and Georgia get in, with Tennessee falling just short and heading to the Sugar Bowl.

For now, we got the Sugar Bowl as Tennessee’s destination.