CFB DeptHITS: Wednesday, November 13
Let's take a look at the most impactful news coming out around college football as we are now in-week 12. Also, a quick look at a simulation of the Playoff with the new rankings and projected bracket.
We make hundreds of tweaks and edits to our 134 live depth charts over at CFBDepth.com — here we bring you the ‘big ones’ to ensure you are up to speed on the most impactful to these squads as we trudge through the final stretch of the 2024 season. Today, we’ll throw in a fun little simulation, using our Model, to project out the results of the College Football Playoff after the latest rankings and bracket were released last night…enjoy!
Tennessee ::: It was believed that QB Nico Iamaleava's status was looking up for week 12 until a report late Tuesday that he is in concussion protocols and his status for the big Georgia showdown is in question.
Utah ::: QB Brandon Rose has been added to the list of players 'out for the season' after an injury suffered in week 11 against BYU. Isaac Wilson will take over the quarterback duties as that room is dwindling now with three down for the count.
Georgia ::: Updates on RB Brandon Robinson who has returned to the team and is practicing pre-week 12. Kirby Smart did not say how far away he is but a return to practice is a good sign. Also, Smart said that WR Anthony Evans is 'hitting good speeds' but are still being careful with working him back in. Likely still doubtful for a return week 12 against Tennessee. Source: @JordanDavisHill
Toledo ::: RB Willie Shaw III had no timetable for a return from injury but was moved to 'questionable' on the MAC Availability report prior to kickoff of week 12. He did not play but it's a good sign that he is progressing towards doing so. He was not needed in the Rockets easy win over Central Michigan.
Central Michigan ::: QB Jadyn Glasser did get the start for the Chippewas over Tyler Jefferson after replacing him a week ago. It did not go well. He went 16/27 through the air for 150 yards with two interceptions. He lost 32 yards on the ground. Interesting that Jefferson never got into the game in a 37-10 loss to Toledo.
Meanwhile, WR Evan Boyd made his return to the field for the Chips on Tuesday evening. He did so in a limited capacity, playing just 15 snaps and catching both targets for 21 yards.
Virginia Tech ::: No QB Kyron Drones, RB Bhayshul Tuten or WR Stephen Gosnell for the Hokies in the open portion of practice on Tuesday of the bye week. The Hokies don't play again until week 13 against Duke, so this should not be too alarming at this point, but worth mentioning and tracking. RB Malachi Thomas was in a boot and using a cane, so that one appears a bit more serious. Source: @AndyBitterVT
Northwestern ::: Northwestern is looking at a day-to-day and likely game-time decision regarding LB Xander Mueller and WR Bryce Kirtz is likely out this week but they are still "hopeful" for a return to the field this season.
West Virginia ::: QB Garrett Greene rejoined the first team at practice this week. He was dressed but available only in emergency for week 11. Signs are pointing towards Greene leading the Mountaineers offense in week 12 against Baylor.
Colorado ::: WR Jimmy Horn Jr. suffered an injury early in the week 11 game and did not return. He is 'day-to-day' going forward according to Coach Prime. The Buffaloes prepare for Utah in week 12 and would like to have all their weapons for that matchup.
Sam Houston ::: QB Hunter Watson hurt his non-throwing shoulder in week ten and is said to be practicing and looking good after the bye week and ahead of week 12 as they prep for Kennesaw State. It appears he will have his full arsenal of weapons as WR Noah Smith is finally healthy and will be "turned loose".
SMU ::: Mustangs injury report includes: WR Jake Bailey and Elijah Roberts are 'game-time decisions' for week 12. LB Kobe Wilson is moved to probable to play and CB AJ Davis is back at practice but still not fully cleared.
Boston College ::: QB Grayson James has been named the starter over Thomas Castellanos going forward for the Eagles. It was said that Castellanos has 'taken a couple of days' to just be away and let that decision sink in.
Clemson ::: Dabo Swinney calls WR Tyler Brown "week-to-week" but also that he "looks great" in practices leading up to week 12. He's likely out this week against Pitt but could return against the Citadel or in the finale against South Carolina. Another option is getting him a redshirt, having played in four games this season.
|||||| COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SIMULATION
We decided to use our (CFBDm) Model to simulate the projected bracket for our first 12-team Playoff, and here are the results:
|||||| ROUND ONE
Notre Dame 23
at Tennessee 32
Boise State 24
at Ohio State 32
Ole Miss 20
at Penn State 30
Alabama 23
at Indiana 24
|||||| ROUND TWO
(8) Tennessee 31
(1) Oregon 32
(5) Ohio State 28
(4) Miami 29
(6) Penn State 28
(3) BYU 17
(7) Indiana 27
(2) Texas 32
|||||| SEMI-FINALS
(1) Oregon 35
(4) Miami 30
(6) Penn State 27
(2) Texas 29
|||||| NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
(1) Oregon 30
(2) Texas 34
If the Playoff started today, our Model would project the top two seeds moving on to meet up in the National Championship game with the Longhorns taking it down and hoisting the trophy.
That’s our show for today. Thanks for following along and supporting our work by subscribing and sharing.
