2017 Couch Power 10 + Bowl Projections, Week 10

This is the second year running that I've needed to use an Iowa field-storming scene as the lead image for the College Football weekend. Indeed, for the 2nd straight year, the Hawkeyes notched a huge home upset that threw a wrench in the playoff race. Last year, it was a last-second win over Michigan that essentially eliminated the Wolverines and put Penn State in the Big Ten driver's seat. This year, it was a 31-point domination of Ohio State that surely ended the Buckeyes' hopes, and conspired with a Michigan State upset of Penn State to effectively end the Big Ten East's hope of representation.

Just as the dust was seeming to settle on the playoff picture, we're back to scrambling through the different permutations of possibilities. The upper half of the Playoff rankings (which, by the way, kudos to the committee for actually getting it pretty much spot on) will likely stay the same, but the tail end of the Top 10 will feature heavy turnover. To the Couch Power 10!

1. Georgia

The Dawgs got their first close-ish game in a while, which may have been unnerving for their fans. The good news is it came against a hot South Carolina side, and the better news is that in a game where their freshman QB was forced to throw more than usual, he looked up to the test. No reason to move this team from the 1 spot, but they'll get quite the test at rivals Auburn this Saturday.

2. Alabama

Bama got the best win of their season last weekend, with a 24-10 win over LSU that never really looked in doubt. That being said, the surprisingly competitive play by the Tigers may have revealed a couple weakness in the Crimson Tide, namely the passing game and rushing defense. Still, there's no question they're the most talented side in the nation, and are poised for a 12-0 season.

3. Notre Dame

Notre Dame just keeps looking more and more impressive. Sure, Wake Forest is a step down from the ranked opponents the Irish had played, but the Demon Deacons are no gimme this year. Yet, despite injuries to both quarterback and running back, Notre Dame cruised to yet another home win. They have little-to-no respite, as they travel to Miami this weekend. Speaking of...

4. Miami

I know. It's quite the jump for a team that has hovered around the 9-10 range the last several weeks. But, first of all, after the last two weeks of craziness, an unbeaten record is even more impressive. What's more impressive was their win over Virginia Tech. In Miami's first contest vs. a ranked opponent, they turned over the Hokies 4 times, and moved the ball at will. A win over Notre Dame this weekend, and Miami controls its own playoff destiny.

5. Clemson

Clemson fans may take offense to not being the highest-rated ACC team, but they really haven't looked their dominant selves in weeks now. NC State moved the ball far too easily on this once-staunch defense. But, it was clutch for them to pull out the road win against a solid team, and they still have the resumé to warrant a Top 5 ranking.

6. Oklahoma

Oklahoma was Top 5, and beat their Top-10 rivals on the road this weekend. So why the slip in the rankings this week? Because elite teams don't give up 52 points and 600 yards, even in a win. What's more, Ohio State's loss and Iowa State's upset at the hands of West Virginia means OU's best win and their loss both look a little less impressive now.

7. Central Florida

Will the Golden Knights sniff the Playoff Top 10 tomorrow? Sadly, probably not. But they're one of 5 unbeaten teams, and have looked the part in every game, beating good teams, demolishing bad teams, and avoiding classic trap-game scenarios. The latter was the case this past weekend, as UCF pulled out a close one over a tricky SMU team on the road.

8. Wisconsin

It's not that the Badgers are doing anything wrong-- after all, they can't help that their opponents aren't better teams. But it doesn't change the fact that a. their best win to date is either an early-season victory over 3-loss Florida Atlantic or a close, ugly win over 3-loss Northwestern, and b. that they're consistently needing a big 4th quarter to close out their overmatched opponents. I truly think Wisconsin's a good team, that, should they win out, would be deserving of a playoff spot. But they need to prove more. They have a nice chance this weekend, hosting Iowa fresh off the Hawkeyes' massive win.

9. TCU

The Horned Frogs' standout win over Oklahoma State looked a little less meaningful this weekend, after the Sooners stormed through Stillwater themselves. It also didn't help TCU that Iowa State capitulated to West Virginia one week after beating them. Still, they took care of business against Texas, and set up a massive opportunity to make a statement this weekend, traveling to Oklahoma.

10. Auburn

In a clustered mess of mediocre 1 and 2-loss teams, this spot goes to Auburn by default. Their 2 losses are close road losses to Clemson and LSU, which are more than forgivable. Don't look now, but the 2-loss Tigers controls their own playoff destiny. And I mean really, don't look now, because it's not going to happen. But if somehow they're able to string together wins over Georgia, Alabama, then Georgia again in the SEC Championship, there's no argument that could keep them out of the playoff.

Just missed: Penn State, Washington, Ohio State, USC, Memphis, Bye weeks

Bonus: New Year's Six Bowl Predictions

Cotton Bowl

Oklahoma vs. Penn State

Fiesta Bowl

TCU vs. Washington

Orange Bowl

Clemson vs. Wisconsin

Peach Bowl

Central Florida vs. Ohio State

ROSE BOWL (Semifinal)

Alabama vs. Notre Dame

SUGAR BOWL (Semifinal)

Georgia vs. Miami