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Each week, we’ll take a look at the credible and not-so-credible threats to freeze-out the SEC from the College Football Playoff.
Finally, we have made it to November — the most exciting month of the college football. As the temperature continues to drop while fall transitions into winter, the number of teams that have hopes of competing in the College Football Playoff also continues to drop.
When the College Football Playoff Committee releases its top 4 teams on Tuesday, everyone will have a better idea of where the current contenders stand. But right now, there are 16 teams with a decent chance to earn one of those four spots.
Scanning the good guys: Neither LSU nor Alabama played Saturday. But next week, they will battle each other in a key game in determining the SEC West Division champion position in the College Football Playoff hunt. Florida crushed rival Georgia 27-3 and can clinch the East with a win over Vanderbilt at home next Saturday. And Ole Miss remained in control of its own destiny with a 27-19 win over Auburn.
Now for the bad guys.
THREAT LEVEL: FROSTBITE WARNING
Below zero-degrees. Could lose a finger if you’re stuck outside too long.
Ohio State: Quarterback J.T. Barrett was suspended after a citation for operating a motor vehicle while impaired early Saturday morning. Next Saturday, Ohio State will be led by Cardale Jones when it plays host to Minnesota. Barrett has accounted for six touchdowns more than Jones despite playing 132 fewer snaps. But it will be up to Jones to lead Ohio State to a win against a Golden Gophers team that came inches away from upsetting Michigan. The uncertainty at quarterback could also be a problem in upcoming games against Michigan and Michigan State, but this team is still undefeated and very talented.
Clemson: The Tigers pulled away late against N.C. State in a 56-41 win. Deshaun Watson threw for 383 yards and accounted for six touchdowns. Clemson plays host to Florida State (7-1) next week with the ACC Atlantic title hanging in the balance. If the Tigers win, they would have the easiest path to a berth in the College Football Playoff.
TCU: In the Horned Frogs’ 40-10 dismantling of West Virginia, QB Trevone Boykin completed 32 of 47 passes for 338 yards, rushed for 84 yards and accounted for four TDs. TCU’s defense held West Virginia to its lowest yardage total since 2013. If the defense holds up against the likes of Baylor, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, TCU could win the Big 12 and earn a playoff bid.
Baylor: Seth Russell is out for the season, leaving true freshman QB Jarrett Stidham to get the ball to offensive weapons RB Shock Linwood, WR Corey Coleman, WR Jay Lee and WR KD Cannon. He’ll be protected by an offensive line that has only given up three sacks this season. Baylor’s upcoming schedule is tough (Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, TCU and Texas) and a potential showdown with TCU is in Fort Worth.
Michigan State: The Spartans, who had a bye this week, are led by QB Connor Cook, who has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. Michigan State must win at Ohio State, claim the Big Ten East and knock off unbeaten Iowa to make the playoff.
THREAT LEVEL: FREEZING RAIN
It’s not a blizzard, but its still likely to force public school in the South to close.
Stanford: The Cardinal escaped with a 30-28 win over Washington State Saturday night. Stanford is still undefeated in conference play and only has one loss this season. Its toughest game remaining is against Notre Dame.
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish were nearly upset by Temple Saturday night, but they kept their Notre Dame’s playoff hopes alive. Notre Dame needs to win out to have a chance. The Irish would benefit if Clemson stays undefeated.
Oklahoma State: The Cowboys rallied from an early 17-point deficit and ran past Texas Tech with a 42-point second half on the way to a 70-53 win on Saturday. With the win, Oklahoma State is still undefeated. The Cowboys may not be the best of the four Big 12 contenders, but they play the other three at home.
Oklahoma: The Sooners destroyed Kansas 62-7 on Saturday. Baker Mayfield threw for 383 yards and four TDs. Oklahoma will face Baylor, TCU and Oklahoma State in the final three weeks of the regular season. Running the table could make up for a loss to struggling Texas.
Iowa: With its 31-15 victory over Maryland, Iowa is 8-0 for the second time in school history. Iowa has the most favorable schedule of every contender. The Hawkeyes should take a 12-0 record into a Big Ten Championship game against Ohio State, Michigan State or Michigan. With a victory over the East champion, an unbeaten Iowa would make the playoff.
THREAT LEVEL: COLD RAIN
It’s manageable but miserable.
Utah: The Utes defeated Oregon State 27-12. With one loss already this season, Utah has to win the rest of its regular season games and win the Pac-12 Championship to have any chance of making the College Football Playoff. Arizona, UCLA and a potential championship game against Stanford are the biggest hurdles.
Memphis: The Tigers have run the table, and they need Ole Miss to keep winning. Strong efforts by Houston and Temple on Saturday night helped the perception of the ACC. Victories over the Cougars and Owls, added to their upset of Ole Miss would give the Tigers an argument if there are fewer than four undefeated teams left on selection day.
THREAT LEVEL: SUNNY
All you need is some sunshine to brighten your day.
Temple: If the Owls were going to make the playoffs, they needed to finish the season undefeated. Temple’s loss to Notre Dame eliminated it from playoff contention.
Chase Erickson is a contributing writer for SDS. He covers Tennessee. Follow him on Twitter @ChaseDownField.
