Utah's Playoff Chances Without Big 12 Championship

Utah's position in the College Football Playoff landscape has become a focal point this season, as the Utes currently sit at number 13 in the first CFP rankings, a notable jump from their AP ranking. With a record of seven wins and two losses, Utah is vying for a potential spot in the playoffs despite the challenges of not qualifying for the Big 12 championship game.

The Utes' two losses came against formidable opponents, BYU and Texas Tech, both currently ranked in the top eight. This season, BYU holds the number seven spot, while Texas Tech is at number eight, making Utah's path to the playoffs even more complex.

According to Deseret News, Utah's remaining schedule includes games against Baylor, Kansas State, and Kansas, all of which they are favored to win with a probability exceeding seventy-nine percent. If they can win out, questions arise about their potential playoff candidacy, especially in a year where the playoff format has expanded to twelve teams.

The Utes' impressive margin of victory, averaging over thirty-six points per game in wins, has caught the attention of analysts. ESPN's Football Power Index gives Utah a twenty-seven-point-nine percent chance of making the playoffs, ranking third among Big 12 teams, trailing behind BYU and Texas Tech.

The Utes' performance against ranked teams has also been scrutinized. They notably defeated number seventeen Cincinnati decisively, which has boosted their standing. The report highlights that while the Big 12 championship winner is guaranteed a playoff spot, the door remains ajar for Utah to potentially secure an at-large bid.

However, some experts express skepticism regarding Utah's resume, suggesting it may not be strong enough to warrant a playoff selection unless they secure a series of dominant wins. The current rankings could shift significantly based on the outcomes of the upcoming games, particularly the clash between BYU and Texas Tech.

As the Utes navigate the final stretch of the season, their playoff hopes remain precarious yet possible, hinging on their performance and the results of their rivals. The implications of these rankings and the potential for multiple Big 12 teams to be included in the playoff conversation are noteworthy, as the dynamics of conference strength continue to evolve in this expanded playoff era.

The landscape of the College Football Playoff is ever-changing, and for Utah, the coming weeks will be critical in determining their fate.