Playoff debate appears to crystalize around 2 teams, per national writer

If you’re hoping for utter bedlam, we’re almost there.

In a season full of big-name upsets, the opportunity is there for a non-Power 5 school to step in. For now, the most likely candidates appear to be Cincinnati and BYU. That is the case according to this tweet and exchange by Ralph Russo, a longtime writer for the Associated Press.

The CFP debate anyone w/o a dog in the fight should be hoping for is Cincinnati vs. Oklahoma (or Texas) for the final spot.
Wonder who the rest of the Big 12 would be rooting for?

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) October 3, 2021

I think if we get there, yes, it could be an obvious choice, re: BYU or UC?

I don't get overly hung up on P5 wins until I see how good those P5 teams are.

BUT, yes, IF BYU were to win out (i don't think that will happen) it would probably have better resume than 12-0 UC. https://t.co/egu8E7K8Ja

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) October 3, 2021

A home loss by Ohio State to Oregon and 2 losses by Clemson, to Georgia and North Carolina State, have opened up what was formerly a pretty small club that was able to make it into the College Football Playoff. That seems apt to change this season.

Alabama looks like the only team that seems like a lock for the event. Georgia looks like it will likely make the Playoff as well but there’s still more than half of a season’s worth of football to be played.

Dave Hooker

Dave Hooker started covering Tennessee in 1998. He hosts an SEC radio show out of Chattanooga and covers the SEC for Saturday Down South.