SEC Teams in the Hunt for the 12-Team Playoff

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With the Southeastern Conference faring well in the AP Top 25, and with the new 12-team College Football Playoff, multiple SEC teams will be in the hunt this postseason.

Under the new format, the four champions from the Power Four conferences will receive an automatic bid, along with the highest-ranked Group of Five conference champions. The committee will then vote on and select the next seven highest-ranked teams to fill out the playoffs.

SEC Teams in the Playoff Hunt

No. 1 Texas (3-0)

The Longhorns have a favorable schedule ahead with only three currently ranked teams left on their schedule. Those being No. 15 Oklahoma (3-0) on Oct. 12, No. 2 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC) on Oct. 19 and No. 25 Texas A&M (2-1, 1-0 SEC) on Nov. 30. Texas has proven so far that it can compete for a spot in the CFP but must maintain its strong start throughout the rest of the season.

No. 2 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC)

The Bulldogs face a challenging schedule, including four matchups against Top 10 teams in No. 4 Alabama (3-0) on Sept. 28, No. 1 Texas (3-0) on Oct. 19, No. 5 Ole Miss (3-0) on Nov. 9 and No. 6 Tennessee (3-0) on Nov. 16. After a close 13-12 win at Kentucky (1-2, 0-2 SEC) on Sept. 14, the Bulldogs will need to play extremely well to stay in the hunt for another SEC championship and CFP berth.

No. 4 Alabama (3-0)

Under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide are coming off an impressive 42-10 win at Wisconsin (2-1). However, they still have a tough schedule moving forward with five games left against current AP Top 25 teams. They are No. 2 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC) on Sept. 28, No. 6 Tennessee (3-0) on Oct. 19, No. 7 Missouri (3-0) on Oct. 26, No. 16 LSU (2-1, 1-0 SEC) on Nov. 11 and No. 15 Oklahoma (3-0) on Nov. 23. After an impressive start to the season, the Crimson Tide will have plenty of tests to determine if they are legitimate title contenders.

No. 5 Ole Miss (3-0)

Ole Miss' high-powered offense has been impressive this season, and their much-improved defense has only allowed 9 points through their first three games. The Rebels will face three more opponents on their schedule in the current AP Top 25: No. 16 LSU (2-1, 1-0 SEC) on Oct. 12, No. 15 Oklahoma (3-0) on Oct. 26 and No. 2 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC) on Nov. 9. Leading the SEC in offensive yards per game and passing yards per game, Ole Miss could put itself in contention for both the SEC championship and a CFP bid if it continues its strong performance.

No. 6 Tennessee (3-0)

The Volunteers have displayed an explosive offense this season, scoring over 50 points in each of their first three games. They will be tested in a few key games this season against No. 15 Oklahoma (3-0) on Sept. 21, No. 4 Alabama (3-0) on Oct. 19 and No. 2 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC) on Nov. 16. If Tennessee can win these key matchups, then they will set itself up for a run in the postseason.

No. 7 Missouri (3-0)

Coming off a hard-fought 27-21 win against No. 24 Boston College (2-1) on Sept. 14, the Tigers will have a more favorable SEC schedule than most. They will face three current AP Top 25 teams in No. 25 Texas A&M (2-1, 1-0 SEC) on Oct. 5, No. 4 Alabama (3-0) on Oct. 26 and No. 15 Oklahoma (3-0) on Nov. 9. With the momentum of winning a game against a ranked opponent heading into conference play, Missouri is in the mix for both the SEC championship and the CFP.

In a new and even more talented SEC, only time will tell who will rise to the top and secure spots in the SEC championship for an automatic bid, and which teams the committee will be selected for the CFP.