Get ready for an intense showdown in the Big Ten! With the college football season at its halfway point, we're witnessing an exciting race to the top. Two undefeated teams in each of the Power 4 conferences are leaving their mark, and a total of 11 unbeatens across the FBS are keeping the competition fierce.
In the ACC, Big Ten, and SEC, these unconquered teams won't face each other during the regular season. Thanks to the super-sized conferences, determining a true champion has never been more challenging.
As we delve into Week 7, the College Football Playoff race is heating up. Inside tracks are emerging, and certain scenarios are shaping up that conferences will be rooting for, starting with the Big Ten.
The Rise of the Buckeyes and Hoosiers
Indiana is back in the CFP conversation, but this time, it's a different story. After their impressive win against Oregon, the Hoosiers are proving they're here to stay. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza put it best: "It shows the country that the IU football team is a real force. We're not just a one-time wonder."
Combine that with their dominant 53-point victory against Illinois, and Indiana is no longer facing questions about their schedule strength. Their remaining games are looking promising, with a potential tough test against UCLA in two weeks.
But here's where it gets controversial: Indiana's schedule opens up nicely, and they're set to play four out of the five teams in the Big Ten with a 0-3 conference record. Ohio State, the top-ranked team, is in a similar position. Both teams are on a collision course, and a championship game between them seems inevitable.
The November games against Penn State were initially circled as crucial, but now, the outlook is bleak for Penn State. With Ohio State and Indiana on a roll, it's hard to imagine a scenario where they don't meet in the championship game, both with a CFP spot secured.
According to Austin Mock's projections, Ohio State has a 99% chance of making the CFP, while Indiana sits at a respectable 82%.
The Fascinating Big Ten Race
Beyond Ohio State and Indiana, the Big Ten race gets even more intriguing. USC, with a 5-1 record, made a statement by beating Michigan at the Coliseum. Coach Lincoln Riley described it as a dream come true: "The Coliseum was lit up, two iconic programs going head-to-head. The Trojans celebrating a victory, the place was on fire."
USC has a unique second half of the season ahead, with the potential to either make the Playoff or keep other teams out. Their upcoming game against Notre Dame is a crucial test, and a win there could change the dynamics of the conference.
After that, they face Nebraska, who, despite their record, are not to be taken lightly. A high-stakes game between USC and Nebraska could be a thrilling spectacle, reminiscent of a Rolling Stones concert from the '70s.
Nebraska, once expected to play a big game against Penn State, is now sitting at an 8% chance of making the CFP after their win at Maryland. The Big Ten's strength of schedule is taking a hit, and Nebraska's chances are slim.
USC's journey continues with a trip to Oregon before Thanksgiving, their first matchup as Big Ten foes. The Trojans are likely Oregon's toughest opponent left, but Washington might have something to say about that.
The ACC's Developing Story
In the ACC, a similar situation is unfolding, with Georgia Tech and Miami potentially reaching the conference title game unbeaten. For the ACC, which flirted with being a one-bid league last year, this scenario is highly desirable.
The biggest obstacles for Miami, ranked second, are their upcoming games against Louisville, SMU, and Pittsburgh. Georgia Tech's road to Charlotte includes a trip to Duke and a game against the plucky Panthers. Virginia, with a 3-0 ACC record, is also very much alive and could disrupt the Yellow Jackets' path.
This race is far from straightforward, and it would benefit the ACC if Miami can stay strong and one of the other contenders goes on a winning streak, rather than knocking each other off.
The SEC's Unbeaten Teams
Texas A&M and Ole Miss, both 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the SEC, are on a collision course. While they have relatively manageable draws in the conference, there are enough traps to keep things interesting.
The Rebels, who had a close call against Washington State, face Georgia and Oklahoma in the coming weeks. The Aggies, fresh off a win against Florida, still have tough road games ahead at LSU, Missouri, and Texas.
The SEC has an impressive nine teams at 6-0 or 5-1 overall, with Texas joining them at 4-2 after their win against Oklahoma. The top teams are so closely matched that predicting the outcome is nearly impossible.
Five More Things to Know
The Big 12 has two unbeatens, Texas Tech and BYU, but they'll face off on November 8, so the conference won't have two undefeated teams in the conference title game.
Texas Tech's chances of making the CFP are high at 84%, but the parity in the conference could result in a one-bid scenario.
Despite their loss to Indiana, Oregon still has a 78% chance of making the CFP for the second year in a row, according to Mock's projections.
In the American Conference, USF claimed a big win against North Texas, and their next test will be against Memphis in two weeks.
Old Dominion, once considered a fringe Group of 5 Playoff contender, is no longer on the list after their loss to Marshall.
As the season progresses, the College Football Playoff race is shaping up to be an exciting battle. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.
