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A perfect dozen.
That’s how many FBS team remain unbeaten as we head down the stretch toward the College Football Playoff.
As many as a half-dozen could finish unbeaten, but only four from the Power 5 conferences — thanks to Southern Cal for knocking off Utah, the Pac-12’s last unbeaten – can finish with an unblemished regular-season record.
Four unbeaten Power 5 conference champions — could there be a better bracket with fewer complaints? It could happen with SEC (LSU), Big XII (TCU/Baylor/Oklahoma State), Big Ten (Ohio State/Michigan State/Iowa) and ACC (Clemson).
Here’s a look at each teams by conferences:
ACC
Clemson (7-0) — The Tigers (7-0) have had very few hiccups. Their toughest regular-season test is November 7 at home against Florida State. With DeShaun Watson and a talented group of playmakers, the Tigers should beat the Seminoles then roll over Duke, Pitt or North Carolina. The Tigers may have the best chance of any team in the nation to make the Playoff.
Big Ten
Ohio State (8-0), Michigan State (8-0) and Iowa (7-0) — Iowa has the best opportunity to make it to the conference championship game (the season finale at Nebraska is probably its toughest regular-season game) at 12-0, but would be an underdog to either Ohio State or Michigan State. Ohio State plays host to Michigan State then travels to Michigan for its final two conference games. If the Spartans win at Ohio State, they should run the table.
Big 12
Baylor (7-0), TCU (7-0) and Oklahoma State (7-0) — None of these three teams have played each other and none have played once-beaten Oklahoma, either. TCU and Baylor finish the season in Fort Worth in what many expect to be the title game. But Oklahoma State plays TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma at home. With Oklahoma looming as a probable spoiler, there’s a good chance no Big XII teams finish 12-0.
SEC
LSU (7-0) — The Tigers must win at Alabama on November 7 and at Ole Miss on November 21. In between, are home games against Arkansas and Texas A&M. The two road games should be the toughest challenges before playing Florida or Georgia in the conference title game.
AAC
Temple (7-0), Houston (8-0), Memphis (7-0) — With a victory over Ole Miss, Memphis can make an argument (likely unsuccessful) for a Playoff berth by running the table. Houston plays host to Temple on November 14 and finishes against dangerous Navy on November 27. Memphis must play Navy, Houston and Temple in consecutive weeks beginning on November 7. Temple plays host to Notre Dame on Saturday, so Houston and Memphis have the best chances to stay unbeaten.
MAC
Toledo (7-0) — Trailing UMass at halftime, the Rockets rallied to win Saturday. The Rockets likely will have to beat archival Bowling Green twice — the first time on the road, the second time in the conference championship game in Detroit. If they can finish 13-0, they might get the nod for a Group of 5 major bowl game and a probable loss. If they are unbeaten and play in a MAC-affiliated bowl, they have a better chance of finishing 14-0.
