College Football Playoff Picture Clears, But Questions Linger-Especially in the SEC
We’ve officially hit the home stretch of the college football season. Bowl games are underway, the College Football Playoff is off and running, and while much has gone according to script, the SEC is finding itself in unfamiliar territory-on the defensive.
Let’s rewind for a moment. The selection committee’s final CFP bracket stirred plenty of debate, especially after Notre Dame was left out.
The Irish, unhappy with the snub, opted out of bowl season altogether. Their absence opened the door for a few eyebrow-raising inclusions: Miami (who had already beaten Notre Dame), a three-loss Alabama, and Group of Five reps Tulane and James Madison.
That lineup sparked a split reaction from Iowa fans in a recent poll. Just 43% felt the committee got it right, while 57% weren’t buying it-particularly with the automatic bids for G5 champions still in play.
And the early results? They haven’t exactly silenced the critics.
G5 Teams Get a Harsh Welcome
Tulane and James Madison both got a taste of what happens when Cinderella shows up to the wrong dance. Tulane ran into Ole Miss for the second time this season-and for the second time, it wasn’t close.
The Rebels rolled 41-10, almost matching their 45-10 win from Week 4. It’s fair to ask: how does a team with that on the résumé get matched up with the same opponent again in a postseason setting?
James Madison didn’t fare much better. Oregon came out swinging, and by the time the Ducks were done, JMU was left wondering what hit them.
Oregon didn’t just win-they dominated, physically and mentally. The second half felt like Oregon was toying with them, letting them up only to knock them down again.
Miami Shuts Down the SEC’s Narrative
While the G5 teams struggled, Miami made a statement. The Hurricanes eliminated Texas A&M 10-3 in a defensive slugfest, handing the Aggies their lowest point total of the season. It was a tough look for the SEC, especially for a team that had built its résumé on conference wins that now feel a little hollow.
Bama Survives, But Not Without Drama
Then there was Alabama. The Tide found themselves down 17-0 early to Oklahoma, and for a moment, it looked like the Sooners were ready to slam the door.
But then came the collapse-miscues, questionable decisions, and missed opportunities. Alabama capitalized, storming back for a 34-24 win.
The Tide survived, but it wasn’t pretty, and it certainly didn’t inspire confidence.
What’s Next: The Playoff Matchups
Here’s how the next round shakes out:
- Cotton Bowl (New Year’s Eve): Ohio State vs. Miami
- Orange Bowl (New Year’s Day): Texas Tech vs. Oregon
- Rose Bowl (New Year’s Day): Indiana vs. Alabama
- Sugar Bowl (New Year’s Day): Georgia vs. Ole Miss
It’s a compelling mix of traditional powerhouses, rising programs, and a few teams with chips on their shoulders.
Iowa’s Turn: ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Vanderbilt
Before those marquee matchups kick off, Iowa will close out its season in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Vanderbilt. That game is set for 11 a.m. CT on New Year’s Eve.
The Hawkeyes opened as 4.5-point underdogs, but that line has since moved to 5.5. The over/under has dipped slightly to 47.5 total points.
But if you’re looking for confidence, look no further than Iowa’s own fanbase. In this week’s Reacts poll, a whopping 77% of respondents are picking the Hawkeyes to win outright.
For those into the betting side of things, Iowa sits at +168 on FanDuel.
Key Absences and Who’s Playing
The Hawkeyes are expected to be at full strength heading into the bowl. That’s not the case for Vanderbilt, who will be without star tight end Eli Stowers.
The consensus All-American led the team in receptions (62) and receiving yards (769), and was third in touchdown catches with four. His absence leaves a noticeable hole in the Commodores’ passing game.
Still, Vanderbilt will have their leader under center. Quarterback Diego Pavia, who finished second in Heisman voting, is expected to start. He’s been the engine of that offense all season, and his presence alone keeps Vandy dangerous.
Final Stretch, Final Statements
With just over a week left before kickoff, Iowa has a chance to end the season on a high note. A win would cap off a campaign that’s had its share of ups and downs, but one that could finish with a signature bowl victory.
Meanwhile, the broader college football landscape continues to evolve. The playoff format may be expanding, but the debates aren’t going anywhere-especially when teams like Tulane and JMU get boat-raced, and the SEC’s middle tier stumbles out of the gate.
The postseason is delivering its usual dose of drama. And as the calendar turns to the final week of December, the stakes only get higher.