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Wow! What a weekend it was in college football. There is no question that things are going to change now that Ohio State joined a host of one-win teams.
There are several different scenarios that could play out, but let’s take a look at who we think will make the College Football Playoff.
Let’s be realistic. Alabama is the SEC’s biggest chance for making the Playoff, while Florida is clinging to hope. Alabama deserves to be where it is. The Crimson Tide has top-tier wins over LSU and Mississippi State and other notable victories over Georgia, Arkansas Tennessee and Texas A&M.
The Gators are a different story. They have coasted through the last three weeks with near losses against sub par opponents. It would take a huge win in next week over Florida State and a huge victory in the SEC Championship to sway the minds of the committee.
So who will it be?
FRONTRUNNERS
1. Clemson — This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. The Tigers have looked near perfect at times and are arguably the favorite to win at all. Clemson is deserving of this spot.
2. Alabama — There just isn’t any denying Alabama’s record. The Crimson Tide have impressive wins over LSU, Georgia and Mississippi State. They also beat Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas A&M. Alabama is dangerous again at the right time.
3. Michigan State — This is a scary team right now. The Spartans win over Ohio State was huge, but they still have to beat Penn State and Iowa.
4. Oklahoma — The Sooners continue to find ways to win. Last week, starting QB Baker Mayfield went out with a concussion and Trevor Knight stepped in and got the job done. Oklahoma will continue to be haunted by the ugly loss to Texas, but has a chance for a big win this weekend over No. 9 Oklahoma State.
ON THE CUSP
Notre Dame — The Irish can impress the committee with a victory over Stanford.
Ohio State — It’s crazy to think the Buckeyes are no longer hovering in the top four. Perfection says a lot, and one loss can knock you out of contention. Ohio State could still make the Playoff, but it will need help. A big win over Michigan could make a statement.
Iowa — The Hawkeyes have just quietly won week after week and remained undefeated. They have a tough but certainly winnable game against Nebraska to close out the season. If they win, thw Hawkeyes create another twist in the voting scenario. But at this point, it’s hard to ignore them. This may be heavily debated, but Iowa is in at this point.
LONGSHOTS
Baylor — It felt like Baylor was done last week, but it found a way to dismantle Oklahoma State with a third-string QB. Baylor heads to TCU next week with another chance for a big win, but it may be too late.
Oklahoma State — The Cowboys had a big loss on Saturday and are about to face a hungry Oklahoma team. While its win over TCU was nice and all, Oklahoma hasn’t won against a top tier opponent.
Florida — The Gators need to beat Florida State and win the SEC Championship Game to have a chance.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
