Hold onto your helmets, college football fans! While the official College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings are still a few weeks away, the old-school BCS (Bowl Championship Series) rankings are making a comeback, thanks to the X account, BCS Know How. They've dropped their Top 25 after Week 7, giving us a fascinating glimpse into what a 12-team CFP bracket could look like. But here's where it gets interesting...
If the postseason started today, here's how the BCS sees the playoff unfolding:
The Top Seeds:
- Ohio State Buckeyes: Dominating performances have quickly propelled Ohio State to the top spot. With key rivals like Penn State and Michigan seemingly out of the picture, the Buckeyes have a clear path to the Big Ten Championship game.
- Indiana Hoosiers: Could Indiana meet Ohio State in Indianapolis? Their unexpected victory at Autzen Stadium has put them in a strong position. Coach Curt Cignetti is certainly backing up his bold statements.
- Miami Hurricanes: The BCS sees Miami as the clear favorite in the ACC. They're coming off a bye week and are set to host Louisville in what could be an underrated Friday night matchup.
- Texas A&M Aggies: Texas A&M is in a prime position, just a win away from the SEC Championship and CFP. Their current performance is arguably unmatched in college football.
Playoff Matchups (Based on BCS Rankings):
- Ole Miss Rebels vs. Memphis Tigers: A classic matchup, with over 60 previous games between the two. This would be a historic moment for both teams in the CFP.
- Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: A throwback to the SEC's founding, this would be their first meeting since 1984. Georgia Tech is the ACC's lone at-large bid according to these rankings.
- Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. LSU Tigers: Welcoming LSU to Jones AT&T Stadium would create an unforgettable atmosphere. Both teams still have crucial games ahead.
- Georgia Bulldogs vs. Oregon Ducks: A rematch of a recent season opener, this CFP matchup would have a different feel. Oregon is looking to return to its winning ways.
The Full BCS Top 25:
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Indiana Hoosiers
- Miami Hurricanes
- Texas A&M Aggies
- Ole Miss Rebels
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Oregon Ducks
- LSU Tigers
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
- Tennessee Volunteers
- BYU Cougars
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Oklahoma Sooners
- Missouri Tigers
- Texas Longhorns
- USC Trojans
- Vanderbilt Commodores
- Utah Utes
- Memphis Tigers
- USF Bulls
- Virginia Cavaliers
- Illinois Fighting Illini
- Washington Huskies
But here's a thought-provoking question: How much weight should we give to these older ranking systems in the modern era of college football? Is it valuable to see the game through different lenses, or is it just a nostalgic exercise? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!