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The CFB playoff included four of the five power conferences this year.
Only the Pac-12, led by two-loss Stanford, wasn’t represented.
Let’s take a glance at next season:
SEC: We might as well start with the conference that we know the best. The SEC proved once again that its the best conference in the NCAA. Sure, the ACC and other conferences are on the rise, but Alabama has helped cement the SEC at the top of a sustained period of time. Next season will be interesting. It doesn’t appear the Crimson Tide will be slowing down anytime soon with Nick Saban at the helm. But teams such as Tennessee and Ole Miss look to be a few wins away from making the CFB playoff as well. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to see two SEC teams represented.
Percentage chance to miss the CFB playoff: 5%
ACC: Monday night was a great chance to see Clemson. The Tigers hung with Alabama the entire game. If the two squads played again, Clemson could easily walk away the winner. Deshaun Watson is special and will be back under center in 2016. Wayne Gallman will return in the backfield. Clemson could very well be the favorite to win it all next year. Beyond the Tigers, North Carolina could make a push. Florida State seems to be in a transition period, but the Seminoles own the No.4 recruiting class in the nation. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
Percentage chance to miss the CFB playoff: 5%
Big Ten: The conference that had a pile of pretty good teams this season. But it lacked the one dominant squad. Michigan State’s weaknesses were evident in the semifinal against Alabama. Ohio State didn’t click at the right time, but will remain dangerous. Michigan looks to be a program on the rise. Jim Harbaugh knows how to win and the Wolverines could be a major threat in 2016. Iowa, Northwestern, Penn State and Wisconsin could have decent seasons, but its hard to see them making the CFB Playoff. It would likely be Ohio State or Michigan State.
Percentage chance to miss the CFB playoff: 15%
Big 12: The Big 12 can pose a major threat. in 2015, Oklahoma, TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma State were all ranked in the top four throughout the course of the year. Baylor stands out as a team that can really break through. Each year, Art Briles lands better recruits. It looks like Baker Mayfield will be back with the Sooners in 2016. He threw for 3,700 yards, 36 touchdowns with just seven interceptions this season. Oklahoma State won’t be a contender until it finds a defense. TCU won’t be the same with out Trevone Boykin, but always seems to be in the mix. It’s likely that one of these squads will be in the 2016 CFB Playoff.
Percentage chance to miss the CFB playoff: 5%
Pac 12: Just like this season, the Pac 12 may be the odd man out in 2016. Stanford has the best shot, but it had pretty decent roster in 2015 and couldn’t get it done. UCLA seems to be trending in the right direction with Josh Rosen at QB. Oregon has the weapons, but isn’t nearly as dominant as it was under Chip Kelly. USC has a new coach. It isn’t likely that the Trojans will instantly return to dominance. The Pac-12 lacks a powerhouse. It may be left out again.
Percentage chance to miss the CFB playoff: 50%
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
