This was a difficult task for most of the season. During the season, several teams looked like they could make the jump into the top four.

But as we head into conference championship games, projecting the four CFB Playoff teams seems fairly easy. Sure, a lot still could happen. But here are the teams that should make the CFB final four.

THE TOP FOUR

1. Alabama — At this point, Alabama looks like the best team in college football. The Crimson Tide fell to Ole Miss earlier in the season, but now looks  unstoppable. Alabama has convincing wins against a strong schedule. Since the LSU win, the Tide has looked better by the week. Unless Alabama loses to Florida in the SEC Championship Game it should be at the top of the CFB rankings.

2. Clemson — Clemson skated past South Carolina last weekend but didn’t look as dominant as it has throughout the season. There were a couple points throughout the game where the Gamecocks looked capable of pulling the upset. Regardless, Clemson found a way to win. The Tigers won’t likely lose to North Carolina, but it is possible. Dabo Swinney should have his team ready to secure a place in the top four.

3. Oklahoma — The Sooners are the only contenders that have finished the regular season. There aren’t many possible scenarios that would leave the Big 12 champions out of the Playoff.

4. Michigan State — The winner of this weekend’s Michigan State vs. Iowa Big Ten Championship game should claim the fourth spot. Iowa has been good, but the Spartans are hot, beating Ohio State and Penn State in back-to-back weeks.

ON THE CUSP

Iowa — If Iowa wins the Big Ten Championship it’s in with an unbeaten record. But beating Michigan State looks like a tough task for the Hawkeyes.

Ohio State — The Buckeyes need a lot of help. They need Clemson or Alabama to lose in  conference championship games.

North Carolina — The Tar Heels have been great, but need a win over Clemson for any chance. With a victory, North Carolina has a good chance to jump Ohio State and Stanford in the committee rankings.

LONGSHOT

Stanford — No matter how good the Cardinal has looked recently, it still has losses to Northwestern and Oregon. Saturday’s win over Notre Dame will help in the eyes of the committee. But a victory over Southern Cal in the Pac-12 Championship Game won’t be enough.