The College Football Playoff (CFP) journey is already underway, with only four weeks remaining in the regular season. Since a single defeat could end a team’s hopes of making the playoffs, every game now carries significant consequences. Let’s examine three crucial games every week that could influence the CFP landscape as we approach Selection Day on December 8.
Contents
- 1 Week 11: No. 16 Ole Miss vs. No. 3 Georgia
- 2 No. 15 LSU vs. No. 11 Alabama
- 3 No. 8: Indiana versus Michigan
- 4 Week 12: No. 3 Georgia at. No. 7 Tennessee
- 5 No. 18 Pitt, at No. 23 Clemson
- 6 Texas vs. Arkansas, No. 5
- 7 Week 13: No. 10 Notre Dame vs. No. 25 Army
- 8 No. 2 Ohio State, at No. 8 Indiana
- 9 BYU versus Arizona State, No. 9.
- 10 Week 14: Texas A&M at No. 14 vs. No. 5 Texas
- 11 Iowa State at No. 17 vs. No. 19 Kansas State.
- 12 Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt, No. 7
Week 11: No. 16 Ole Miss vs. No. 3 Georgia
In Week 11, the Bulldogs play Ole Miss on the road in a crucial game for Georgia’s hopes of making the playoffs. Georgia defeated Texas in Austin to recover from a season-ending loss to Alabama. The Bulldogs’ chances of winning the CFP would be preserved, and their position in the SEC competition would be strengthened with a win in Oxford. But a defeat would make their matchup with Tennessee later in the month a must-win.
However, Ole Miss finds itself in a critical situation following two SEC losses. They would virtually be eliminated from the SEC title race and the CFP discussion if they suffered a third SEC loss.
No. 15 LSU vs. No. 11 Alabama
Since Alabama and LSU have already suffered two defeats going into this week, any more defeat would most likely eliminate their chances of qualifying for the CFP. With just one SEC defeat, LSU’s route to the SEC Championship is marginally more advantageous. This game is a must-watch, though, because the stakes for both sides could not be higher.
No. 8: Indiana versus Michigan
Michigan has a 10-58 record, including just two losses since 1968, and it has always dominated Indiana. However, Indiana has a unique opportunity to impress because of Michigan’s difficulties this season. The Hoosiers can still compete for the CFP if they win despite losing to Ohio State the following week.
Week 12: No. 3 Georgia at. No. 7 Tennessee
This contest could potentially determine who advances to the SEC Championship if both teams enter with a single loss. With five SEC schools competing, the victor would have a decent chance of earning a trip to Atlanta for the league championship game. A loss would put the loser in a vulnerable position with minimal room for error, even though it wouldn’t completely remove them from CFP contention.
No. 18 Pitt, at No. 23 Clemson
Both teams are in a precarious position in the ACC with Pitt’s first loss to SMU and Clemson’s home loss to Louisville. The winner of this game will probably not be in the CFP race because Miami and SMU are still unbeaten in conference play. To remain on the postseason bubble, the victor will need to put up impressive performances in the closing games.
Texas vs. Arkansas, No. 5
Texas ought to win this game, but Arkansas has shown itself to be a spoiler with victories over other formidable SEC teams and near misses against Texas A&M. Texas can’t afford to make a mistake here after tough games against Georgia and Vanderbilt in the past, especially with a crucial game against Texas A&M toward the end of the season.
Week 13: No. 10 Notre Dame vs. No. 25 Army
With a flawless season and an opportunity to improve its playoff place, Army enters this game. The Black Knights need a big non-conference victory to support their CFP claim, even though they have dominated their conference. A victory over Notre Dame would provide the Army with a quality win that may improve its credentials, especially since Boise State is also vying for a top-ranked playoff spot.
Given that Notre Dame is not eligible for a league championship, a loss here would be disastrous for the squad. Given their recent poor performance, the Irish cannot afford to make another mistake, particularly while playing a non-Power Five team.
No. 2 Ohio State, at No. 8 Indiana
Although Indiana and Ohio State have a difficult past record, a victory here might put the Hoosiers in serious position for the CFP. Whether Indiana’s ascent is more than a one-year fad could be determined by this game. This game is equally important for Ohio State to maintain their prospects of making the CFP and the Big Ten.
BYU versus Arizona State, No. 9.
Despite a big victory over SMU, BYU, which is undefeated in the Big 12, has been held back in the standings. Arizona State is a tough opponent, and since the Cougars are in charge of their postseason fate, a victory here might put them one step closer to a CFP berth. BYU would no longer have complete control over their Big 12 Championship participation, though, and a loss may ruin their hopes of making it to the postseason.
Week 14: Texas A&M at No. 14 vs. No. 5 Texas
The matchup between Texas and Texas A&M in Week 14 has significant CFP ramifications. The victor will probably go to the SEC Championship game after one conference defeat. The fact that Texas A&M has a head-to-head edge over LSU puts more pressure on them because this game could determine whether they make the playoffs.
Iowa State at No. 17 vs. No. 19 Kansas State.
Who meets BYU in the conference championship could be decided by this Big 12 clash. To stop Iowa State from moving forward, Kansas State would need to win this game. But Colorado, with one conference loss, is also in the running. The Buffaloes might be in the running for a conference championship and a possible CFP bid if Iowa State struggles.
Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt, No. 7
Vanderbilt would welcome the opportunity to upset Tennessee’s postseason prospects, which are still alive going into this rivalry matchup. If Tennessee defeats Georgia and enters this game with only one loss, a Vanderbilt victory could eliminate them from contention. This rivalry match could end up being the season’s unexpected heartbreaker.
