2024 Week 5 12-Team College Football Playoff Prediction

The fifth week of the college football season was exciting and brought some important results heading into the College Football Playoff. While no contestant was eliminated due to last weekend’s events, there were a number of teams that made massive statements.

Of course, the main game of the week, Georgia against Alabama, lived up to this standard. After taking a 28-0 lead, Bama needed a brilliant 75-yard touchdown reception from freshman Ryan Williams in the final minutes to secure a 41-34 victory. As a result, the Crimson Tide overtake the Bulldogs in this week’s playoff prediction.

Meanwhile, Ohio State, Texas, Oregon and Penn State all made their own statements by securing convincing victories over teams they were supposed to beat. Additionally, No. 25 Boise State increased its playoff chances by defeating a previously undefeated Washington State team 45-24.

On the other hand, some contenders made it clear that they lost or escaped against inferior opponents. Ole Miss lost to Kentucky, Utah was completely dominated by Arizona and Miami had a controversial win over Virginia Tech in its last game at home. Additionally, all three games were playoff conference home games

So let’s take a look at how the playoff field would shape up if the playoffs began this week. And as you’ll notice, there are a lot of changes to our forecast.

Alabama’s win over Georgia is the best win any team has ever had this year, putting them at the top of the rankings. Additionally, Clemson’s impressive performances since losing to Georgia in Week 1 make us our new ACC favorites, especially considering the Miami Hurricanes could have easily lost to Virginia Tech had a replay gone differently.

Utah is now no longer our Big 12 favorite after the 13-point home loss to Arizona and is out of the forecast. That could change when QB Cam Rising returns, but so far Iowa State appears to be the best all-around team in the conference.

There is only one matchup of ranked teams next week, Missouri at Texas A&M. Therefore, there may not be that many changes in the forecasts for next week. However, we never know when there will be a surprise. So check back next week to see what the playoff field could look like.