College Football Playoff Week 13 Insights: Dan Lanning Criticizes SEC

As the college football season inches closer to its finale, the College Football Playoff (CFP) race is heating up. Fans are glued to not just their teams, but also the outcomes of every critical game.

Week 13 left plenty of questions hanging. Rivalry weekend now looms, promising chaos and drama.

This post takes a look at the latest twists in the CFP chase. Let’s break down the big games, team performances, and those unpredictable scenarios that could turn the playoff picture upside down.

Week 13 Highlights and Key Takeaways

Week 13 was wild—no other way to put it. Pivotal games sent shockwaves through the CFP landscape.

No. 13 Miami snagged a crucial win over Virginia Tech. Their playoff hopes, though, still depend on how other teams finish.

No. 7 Oregon took down No. 15 USC, giving their playoff chances a real boost. The committee’s still got questions about their resume, but that win didn’t hurt.

Oregon’s Playoff Push

Oregon’s 42-27 victory over USC was more than just another win. It felt like a statement—these guys want in.

Head coach Dan Lanning didn’t hold back, pointing out how tough the Big Ten is and hinting at other conferences’ softer schedules. Oregon’s got about an 84 percent shot at the playoff right now, assuming they keep winning.

• Oregon’s Key Wins: Three straight November victories against teams with winning records.
• Challenges Ahead: They need to stay sharp and healthy, especially with injuries piling up.

SEC Teams and the SoCon Saturday Tradition

The SEC kept up its SoCon Saturday routine, pitting top teams against FCS opponents. This year, No. 3 Texas A&M, No. 4 Georgia, and No. 10 Alabama all cruised to easy wins.

People are still debating whether these matchups are fair or just fluffing up win totals. It’s a yearly argument, honestly.

SEC Playoff Prospects

The SEC still looks set to send multiple teams to the CFP, even with the criticism. No. 8 Oklahoma’s defense and special teams have kept them right in the conversation.

Alabama’s recent showings haven’t hurt their case, either. Some projections even suggest the SEC could land up to five teams in the playoff—though that feels like a stretch.

• Oklahoma’s Strengths: A lockdown defense and the best kicker in the country, Tate Sandell.
• Alabama’s Chances: About a 58 percent shot at the playoff, just edging out BYU.

The ACC and Its Playoff Contenders

The ACC’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Several teams are still alive, but they need a lot to go their way in these last few weeks.

No. 19 Virginia and SMU are leading the pack. Both have a real shot if they win out, but nothing’s guaranteed.

Miami’s Playoff Path

Miami’s win over Virginia Tech keeps their dream alive. Still, they need SMU or Virginia to stumble if they’re going to make the ACC title game.

That overtime loss to SMU earlier? Could come back to haunt them if they miss the playoff.

• Key ACC Games: Virginia vs. Virginia Tech and SMU vs. Cal.
• Miami’s Chances: It all depends on other teams losing, plus how they play against Pitt.

Other Notable Teams and Scenarios

There are still a handful of teams with a shot at the CFP, depending on how things shake out. No. 24 Tulane and North Texas are fighting for the American Conference title, and there’s a chance both could meet in the championship game with a playoff spot at stake.

James Madison is also lurking, if they can take the Sun Belt.

Vanderbilt’s Long Shot

Vanderbilt blew out Kentucky, keeping their faint playoff hopes alive. Next up is No. 20 Tennessee, and they basically need a win plus a miracle elsewhere.