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College Football Playoff and NY6 bowl projections for Week 13

By Michael Thompson

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans hugs Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans after defeating the UCLA Bruins in the game at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2022 in Pasadena, California. The USC Trojans defeated the UCLA Bruins with a score of 48 to 45. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans hugs Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans after defeating the UCLA Bruins in the game at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2022 in Pasadena, California. The USC Trojans defeated the UCLA Bruins with a score of 48 to 45. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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WACO, TX -NOVEMBER 12: Will Howard #18 of the Kansas State Wildcats celebrates with fans following the teams 31-3 win over the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
WACO, TX -NOVEMBER 12: Will Howard #18 of the Kansas State Wildcats celebrates with fans following the teams 31-3 win over the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Kansas State

Previous: LSU vs. TCU

LSU took care of business against UAB 41-10 and rise up to the No. 5 spot in the playoff rankings. This week, they’ll head to College Station to take on what’s left of Texas A&M. With an expected win, we’ll see LSU get their shot at Georgia in the SEC championship, with a playoff berth likely on the line.

With a win, I can’t see the playoff committee keeping LSU, the SEC champs out. You’d likely see a scenario where Georgia and LSU, in some order, are sitting at No. 3 and No. 4. This would bring massive joy to the SEC, while a team like USC and the Pac-12 would be furious.

In this scenario, we’re projecting LSU to lose to Georgia, but still end up getting the Sugar Bowl bid.

For the first time, we’re welcoming the Kansas State Wildcats to the NY6, as they look to make their first-ever trip to the Sugar Bowl.

The Wildcats, led by the most underrated coach in football, Chris Klieman, and the most underrated running back in Deuce Vaughn, are essentially a win over rival Kansas away from an automatic bid to their first major bowl since 2013.

If Kansas State were to get revenge for an early season loss to TCU, then it would get the automatic bid to the Sugar Bowl, likely sending TCU to the Cotton Bowl. A loss and TCU gets the playoff nod, while LSU would take their vacant spot in the Sugar Bowl. Either way, Wildcat fans are going to be partying on Bourbon Street.

When you take a step back to September, we’re looking at a pretty shocking Sugar Bowl. Fast forward, these are two really strong teams. Deuce Vaughn and Quentin Johnston dueling for two rising programs with two great coaches should make for a fun matchup.

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