SI PLAYOFF PREDICTION NOV. 24

From now through the Dec. 8 issue SI's college football insider will assess which teams should make the final four.

SUGAR BOWL

1 ALABAMA

The Tide controlled all but about six minutes of their 25--20 win over Mississippi State. Bama can be beaten, as proved by Ole Miss, but it's still the hardest team to put away.

4 BAYLOR

TCU's struggle in a 34--30 victory at Kansas should make the committee finally realize that the spot should go to the head-to-head winner between the Bears and the Horned Frogs.

ROSE BOWL

2 OREGON

As long as senior center Hroniss Grasu—who has been the glue of a line ravaged by injuries—is back from a left leg injury by the Pac-12 title game, the Ducks should be good to go.

3 FLORIDA STATE

QB Jameis Winston has been superb in four second-half comebacks. Against most teams the 'Noles can pull off such rallies—but not against the Tide or the Ducks.

Last week: Florida State, Mississippi State, Oregon, Alabama

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POUYA DIANAT FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (ALABAMA)

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GREG NELSON FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (BAYLOR)

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GEORGE FREY/GETTY IMAGES (OREGON)

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WILFREDO LEE/AP (FLORIDA STATE)