College Football Playoff Predictions: Who Qualifies?

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Tre Mason (21) escapes Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey (13) and P.J. Williams (26) and scores a touchdown during the second half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The race is intensifying for the college football playoffs each week.  Which programs are the likeliest to reach the final four?

Florida State

Jameis Winston and the Florida State Seminoles somehow survived again, and now their schedule figures to only get easier the rest of the way.  Notre Dame was the last ranked team of any consequence on their schedule.  There are some potential trap games of course but it’s not likely they’ll stumble down the stretch with three of the five remaining games at home.

Mississippi State

No team probably has had to navigate a more brutal schedule than the Mississippi State Bulldogs.  Not only have they done it, but done it convincingly.  Three weeks in a row they beat top 10 opponents, all SEC and scored at least 34 points in each game.  Dak Prescott has their offense humming and they also have more defense than people realize as well.  They’re hot and battle-tested.  The schedule isn’t letting up with Alabama and Ole Miss still to come, but they can handle it.

Auburn

A rematch with Florida State may actually be in the cards for Auburn after all.  Their loss to Mississippi State was tough but it by no means killed their chances.  The fall of Baylor and Notre Dame really gave them a boost and head coach Gus Malzahn needs to seize the opening.  It will mean beating some really tough teams down the stretch including of course the Crimson Tide in another highly-anticipated Iron Bowl.  Are the Tigers up to it?  Well the pressure is off now, so their chances just got better.

Michigan State

Their only loss of the season came against Oregon, and many believe they should’ve won that game if not for a painful late collapse.  Since them Michigan State has showed little mercy for their opponents, crushing everybody in their path.  Based on the remainder of their schedule, their last big hurdle is a November 8th rematch of the Big Ten championship against Ohio State.  They will be at home and quarterback Connor Cook is on fire.  As long as the defense doesn’t falter the Spartans can and should win that game, making them the fourth and final participant in the college football playoffs.