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If your team is in one of the first 10 spots in the newest polls, your chance at a Playoff berth is pretty good. There is room to climb higher and solidify a spot. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that there is plenty of time to drop out of the race, and even with good placement today, some of the 10 play one another later on, i.e. Alabama and Texas A&M and the crowded mix of Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin.
Here is where we think we may stand at the midpoint of the season, in no particular order.
Alabama (7-0): The Crimson Tide destroyed Tennessee and sent the No. 9 Volunteers screaming back to Earth. The 49-10 drubbing was a testament to more than one thing. Alabama is unquestionably the class of the SEC and likely the country. It also established just how good the SEC West is and how far the East has to go to catch up.
Ohio State (6-0): The Buckeyes needed the test they passed in Wisconsin. They needed to give up their first rushing touchdown of the season and needed J.T. Barrett to lead a drive to save the season. They still have Nebraska and Michigan to deal with.
Nebraska (6-0): Speaking of the Big Ten race, Nebraska is off to its best start in 15 years but still lacks a Playoff-worthy win. In two weeks, the Huskers are at Wisconsin and Ohio State. Those two games could divide and conquer the rejuvenated conference.
Clemson (7-0): Taking a break from the Big Ten, Clemson tried to do itself in against NC State. Frankly, the Tigers should have lost, but a field goal went awry as regulation expired and Clemson hung on. Looking ahead, Clemson needs to take care of Florida State, then not slip against Pittsburgh or Wake Forest and they have a spot.
Michigan (6-0): Take a breath, SEC fans, we’re going back to the Big Ten. Barring a slip against Iowa, a lot may be riding on a trip to Columbus on Nov. 26. The Wolverines got a first-place vote in the AP Poll.
Washington (6-0): The Huskies are perhaps underappreciated, but the criticism is pretty fair. No doubt they are on the rise, but there is some doubt they can win in two weeks at Utah. Like Wisconsin, a loss could end the Huskies’ hope.
Texas A&M (6-0): The Aggies can win the SEC and punch a Playoff ticket with a win Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Then again, they still have to host LSU and Ole Miss in an unforgiving SEC West.
Baylor (6-0): The Bears will need some help, but if they win out by beating Oklahoma and West Virginia on the road — simultaneously dealing the Mountaineers their first loss — that’s all they can do to make a case.
Wisconsin (4-2): The third team of the Big Ten quad, the Badgers lost to Ohio State but are far from out of it. That’s a good loss and every LSU win helps. Definitely can’t have a third loss to go along with Michigan and Ohio State, but the Badgers are still ok … for now. Sort of.
To sum it up, Clemson seems closest to a spot. The Big Ten has a lot to sort out, and Alabama and Texas A&M can get really close to a ticket on Saturday.
