Illinois football College Football Playoff rankings projection after win over Rutgers

Illinois football CFP rankings - Teams to keep an eye on

• No. 23 Missouri - Remaining schedule (Arkansas)

I think Illinois fans can keep an eye on Missouri. They are ranked No. 23 in the country and just trounced Mississippi State, but next week is a big one. The Tigers have Arkansas, which can be a tough team at times. I think we need Missouri to fall to Arkansas to pass them.

• No. 18 South Carolina – Remaining schedule (Clemson)

South Carolina pounded Wofford this weekend, and they are the No. 18 team in the country. The Gamecocks do have three losses, so another loss would enable Illinois to jump them. Next week, South Carolina has a ranked Clemson program. Keep an eye on this game.

• No. 7 Alabama – L 24-3 Oklahoma, Remaining schedule (Auburn)

It is going to be interesting to see if the CFP committee keeps Alabama out, but they should leave them home this December. Alabama lost to a five-win Oklahoma team on Saturday. They now have three losses this season, and a hot Auburn team next week. I believe the Crimson Tide will drop to No. 16-ish this week. A loss to Auburn would allow Illinois to jump Alabama.

Projected Illinois football spot in the College Football Playoff rankings

So, Illinois is No. 25 right now. I have us jumping Army, Colorado, and Texas A&M as a guarantee. That puts us at No. 22.

I honestly believe, although it is a stretch, that Illinois jumps three out of the five teams I have in the possible section. I think UNLV, Iowa State, and Tulane all get jumped by the Illini. That would then put us at No. 19 in the updated College Football Playoff rankings.

Needing to get around No. 12 in the country to make the College Football Playoff, Illinois would be in an interesting position. Sitting at No. 19, I would argue there is an outside chance of making the CFP. Would chaos need to happen? Sure, but that is what college football is all about. Let the chaos begin.