When Jeff Probst extinguishes the torches of those voted off the island, that’s it, they are done, gone, removed from our existence. It’s not going to be easy for them to return, especially on the Cardinal’s home field. Notre Dame will still be able to snag a playoff spot, as long as Oklahoma State trumps Oklahoma. See ya. Not so fast my friend.
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The question would be if two-loss No. 9 Stanford and one-loss No. 11 Oklahoma State would move past the Buckeyes. Stanford all but ended the conference’s hopes of a playoff berth with its 38-36 loss to OR two weeks ago. We argue, scream, yell, tweet, call, rant or Snap Chat why our teams are deserving or being robbed.
Assuming Iowa (at Nebraska) and Michigan State (vs. Penn State) take care of business against inferior teams this weekend, the Hawkeyes and Spartans may be squaring off for more than the Big Ten title in Indianapolis on December 5.
It’s not Notre Dame nor is it Iowa that Oklahoma needs to concern itself with at the moment. If Iowa and Michigan State both win this weekend (which they probably will), they will play each other in the Big Ten Championship game with the victor making it to the final four. “All we want to do is put ourselves in a position to be considered”.
Then again rational sports discourse isn’t entertaining. Beat Florida State, win the SEC championship, get into the College Football Playoff.
A number of things can happen with these final four but this we know: If any of the four win out, they’re in. The Sooners will play at Oklahoma State on Saturday with a chance to win the Big 12.
While Shaw is not in campaign mode, Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly believes his team should be in the playoff with a season-ending win at Stanford. I was half right. The Buckeyes have won 10 of the last 11 in the series. But the Sooners are a win away from punching their ticket. But would the playoff committee really be prepared to leave out a one-loss SEC champion?
In fact, far from it with only one week remaining before four of the five major conferences hold championship games – with invitations into college football’s second four-team playoff likely coming from three of those title games. There are still FOURTEEN undefeated or one-loss teams, with all but three of them being in power 5 conferences, and cases could be made that a handful of two loss teams are still alive, too.
Third, quit hating on Iowa. Clemson will face No. 14 North Carolina in the ACC Championship game in Charlotte on December 5. This is the same Texas team which is 4-6 and was shut out 24-0 by Iowa State, who despite beating Texas, fired their coach this week. But Friday’s ultimate trap game at Lincoln looms first.
Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer was 20-of-38 for 320 yards and two touchdowns (while also begin intercepted twice), wide receiver Chris Brown caught six passes for 104 yards while Amir Carlisle had seven for 97 yards. A loss by Baylor might be the only other prerequisite since the Wolverines would certainly get in ahead of a one-loss Hawkeyes squad after beating them head to head.
UCLA linebackers Kenny Young and Jayon Brown have different perspectives on the rivalry game against USC. That might be enough to elevate the Briles gang to the fourth spot.
Stanford (No. 13 AP) has already secured its spot in the league’s championship game thanks to its win over Cal on Saturday. Florida isn’t even in the top 10. Alabama is the best shot at keeping the Gators out.
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Both teams are technically still in the mix for this year’s playoff but it will take a convincing win this weekend and a lot of help in order for either of them to get in.
