We have witnessed the landscape drastically changing every week in college football. Week 12 was filled with thrilling games and enthusiasm; it has now set the base for playoffs but wait while playoffs are around the corner. The SEC race is overshadowing the playoff picture. SEC is known as the powerhouse in college football and this season things are not different; competition is getting intense and serious interferences can be seen. However, do you feel that an SEC program will take the title home this season?

Week 12 had a lot to discuss. On November 19, Josh Pate, football analyst and host of Josh Pate’s College Football Show, sheds light on the chaos around SEC that is now unfolding as the playoff picture is increasingly becoming complicated on his Youtube channel. “Those are six deserving teams based on your own criteria, based on the way you built the structure. Those are six deserving SEC teams. It will not matter to them if they get five of six in. It will not matter if they get four or five in. They will focus on the one that gets left out.”All of us know that since CFP landscapes have changed, the stakes are higher than ever. Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas are among the six teams Pate is talking about. Although the new playoff format will officially be implemented in 2026, it is still influencing various aspects.

If we take a close look at the rankings, Alabama can find them in a difficult spot. Currently, they are standing at rank ten with a 7-2 record. On the other hand, Texas has impressed everyone this season but they are still not among the top two teams. With eight victories in their pocket, they are the No. 3 team in the Week 12 rankings.

The introduction of the 12-team playoff is set to impact everything and we can witness the changes. Pate further highlights how the new changes are going to influence SEC teams and mentions, “They’ll probably have some valid arguments. And if you don’t fulfill their wish, they will immediately start to take action to find their own way of doing things; that is how this works.” He did not hold back and expressed his concerns and added, “I don’t like it. I never wanted to go down this road, but we’re here now, and I think you’re being a little dishonest if you don’t acknowledge that’s probably the way that’s going to go.” 

We are sure head coaches and staff are equally frustrated. However, they cannot complain. Talking about Ole Miss, they are standing at No. 11, just below Alabama, with an 8-2 record. How can we forget head coach Curt Cignetti’s team, Indiana? Despite 10-0, they are at the #No.5 rank. Are they playing games with them? Pate highlighted Pate further highlights the fierce competition, considering Indians’s phenomenal performance so far. “If Indiana gets in over a fifth SEC team. And the reason is, well, Indiana got one fewer loss than the SEC teams, all hell, will break loose.” The current landscape of Indiana has positioned them as a contender and if they perform well against Ohio State after their bye week, their position will solidify. Moving forward, let’s discuss other SEC teams and their chances for playoffs.

College football playoff implications for top SEC teams

Georgia Bulldogs is known as one of the strongest teams in college football but this season they are at #12 rank after week 12. Did you see that coming? But it looks like they might climb the stairs this week. BYU came out of the syllabus this season and they have not disappointed the fans so far but their recent loss has affected their rankings. A victory against Colorado could allow them to solidify their position.

Although the Bulldogs have won against the Volunteers 31-17, it does not look like they will move ahead of Alabama and Mississippi. Kalen DeBoer and Alabama are on the right track with their recent victory, and quarterback Jalen Milroe is back. On the other hand, the Bulldogs are still struggling with their offense but Kirby Smart has one of the strongest defenses in the nation. Considering the landscape now, a group of five teams might earn an opening round bye in the upcoming college football playoff format. Who are you rooting for?