Aside from Auburn continuing their incredible run, beating two number one teams (Georgia and Alabama) in three weeks, the playoff picture is no clearer than it was last Tuesday (Nov. 21). Alabama lost control of its own destiny, but for every other team with a chance at the national championship, the playoffs start this Saturday (Dec. 2).
The top four teams currently in the playoffs
1. Clemson (11-1): Achieving the number one ranking is a ceremonial honor for Clemson this week. The Tigers are in the same boat as every other contender, except for Alabama, below them.
Clemson easily took down in-state rival South Carolina 34-10 on Saturday (Nov. 25) and should best Miami in the ACC Championship. The Tigers' only loss on the year came in a three-point defeat to Syracuse when their quarterback, Kelly Bryant, left the game with an injury. As long as Bryant stays upright versus the Hurricanes, the defending national champions will punch their ticket to the playoffs.
2. Auburn (10-2): Auburn handed Georgia their only loss of the year and were far-and-away the superior team that day. But Auburn earned that victory at home in front of a supportive crowd. While quarterback Jarrett Stidham has really come on strong of late, running back Kerryon Johnson has been Auburn's offensive MVP.
Johnson was the catalyst in the victories over Georgia and Alabama, but the workload may have worn him down. He left the Alabama game with a shoulder injury and is listed as day-to-day.
3. oklahoma (11-1): If it feels like Oklahoma just had a massive game with playoff implications against TCU, it’s because they did in Week 11.
The Sooners blitzed TCU 38-20, but that game took place at home. This time TCU gets their conference rival on a neutral field. For the Sooners, defeating a top team for the second time will be no easy task. While Baker Mayfield should go on to win the Heisman, look for TCU to shake up the playoff rankings with a win.
4. Wisconsin (12-0): The Badgers have knocked down every opponent that has lined up against them, but face their biggest test in Ohio State.
To put it kindly, quarterback Alex Hornibrook has been inconsistent. While he can occasionally thread-the-needle for an elite-level pass, he’s thrown 13 interceptions on the year. The Wisconsin defense has constantly bailed Hornibrook out of bad spots, but if he turns the ball over on Saturday (Dec. 2), the Badgers are toast.
P.S. Does #8 Ohio State have a chance for a playoff berth if they win? Yes. Do they deserve one over Alabama? No.
Teams on the outside looking in
5. Alabama (11-1): If Alabama gets into the playoffs then not playing in the SEC Championship just gives them an extra week of rest. If Alabama doesn’t make the final four then the entire season has been a waste. The Crimson Tide played poorly against Auburn, but the SEC is so top-heavy that it’s possible for Alabama to snake their way in.
But, like every other college football fan, the Tide's coaches and players will be spectators this weekend.
6. Georgia (11-1): Revenge is a dish best served cold. Georgia couldn’t beat Auburn on the road, but in a neutral stadium without a rabid fan base making communication difficult, it’s a whole new ballgame. Freshman quarterback Jake Fromm completed less than 50% of his passes in his previous game against the Tigers, but he’s over 60% on the season. A strong game from Fromm is essential for the Bulldogs to make this a game.
7. Miami (10-1): Obviously, the Hurricanes have won on the road this season, but it hasn’t been pretty, and what happened in Pittsburgh seemed long overdue. But Miami has done enough this year to warrant a playoff berth if they become the ACC champs.
Whatever spirit the Hurricanes summoned in their victory over Notre Dame, they’ll have to rediscover that magic to have a chance versus Clemson. The turnover chain will need to make multiple sideline appearances for this to be a game.
