Rivalry Week certainly lived up to its name in college football. Top teams tumbled, playoff hopes crumbled, and the postseason picture looks murkier than ever. While the No. 1 Oregon Ducks handled their business, other contenders weren’t so fortunate. The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes and No. 6 Miami Hurricanes both suffered shocking upset losses that drastically alter the College Football Playoff landscape.
Ohio State’s Playoff Hopes Derailed by Michigan
In the weekend’s biggest stunner, the unranked Michigan Wolverines took down their hated rival Ohio State 45-23 in Ann Arbor. It marked the Buckeyes’ fourth straight loss in the series and knocks Ryan Day’s squad out of the Big Ten Championship Game. Even more damaging, it likely eliminates OSU from playoff contention.
This is not easy to swallow. It’s a failure, it hurts, and it stings. But we have to find a way to move forward, learn from it and let it motivate us.
– OSU Head Coach Ryan Day
The Buckeyes’ stumble opens the door for the Penn State Nittany Lions to face Oregon for the conference crown and possibly secure a first-round bye in the playoff. But numerous two-loss teams will also look to capitalize on OSU’s misfortune and boost their own chances.
Miami Melts Down, ACC on Shaky Ground
The Hurricanes similarly watched their playoff hopes evaporate after blowing a 21-point lead against Syracuse. The loss likely relegates Miami to a lesser bowl and, more importantly, leaves the ACC championship game with little playoff implication. SMU and Clemson will battle for the league title, but it appears at most one ACC squad will make the CFP field now.
Chaos Creates Opportunity for Two-Loss Teams
Despite the carnage from Rivalry Week, one-loss squads remain the likeliest to round out the field alongside unbeaten Oregon. Texas, SMU, and Boise State can all solidify their standing by winning their respective conference championships. But even then, one spot could be up for grabs depending on how the committee evaluates each team’s resume.
The Big 12 title clash between the Longhorns and Mustangs could be a de facto playoff quarterfinal. Boise will battle Arizona State for Mountain West supremacy. And as mentioned, the Nittany Lions have a golden opportunity in the Big Ten against the Ducks.
Sorting Out the Playoff Puzzle
So who ultimately gets in? Here’s how I see the playoff field shaking out:
- Oregon
- Texas
- SMU
- Boise State
But in a season this unpredictable, will we get more chaos on conference championship weekend? The only certainty appears to be Oregon as the top seed. After that, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as the playoff picture comes into focus.
According to sources close to the selection committee, there is intense debate and division on how to handle the unique circumstances this year has presented. Some are favoring conference champions, even with two losses, while others want the “best” teams regardless of championships or head-to-head results. There are also debates on whether or how much to factor in key injuries and other extenuating issues that affected some contenders.
You can make a strong case for at least a dozen teams still. This is uncharted territory for the committee, but they’ll have to make some difficult and potentially controversial decisions to arrive at the final four.
– Veteran College Football Insider
The only universal opinion seems to be that expanding the playoff can’t happen soon enough. In a year like this, an eight or even twelve-team field would ensure the most deserving teams get a shot while also preserving the importance of the regular season.
What do you think? How should the committee handle this unique set of circumstances? Is an expanded playoff the ultimate answer? Rivalry Week added another layer of intrigue and confusion to an already chaotic college football season. But in the end, four teams will be left standing with a chance to win it all. The only question is which teams will rise from the rubble to claim those coveted College Football Playoff spots.
Despite the carnage from Rivalry Week, one-loss squads remain the likeliest to round out the field alongside unbeaten Oregon. Texas, SMU, and Boise State can all solidify their standing by winning their respective conference championships. But even then, one spot could be up for grabs depending on how the committee evaluates each team’s resume.
The Big 12 title clash between the Longhorns and Mustangs could be a de facto playoff quarterfinal. Boise will battle Arizona State for Mountain West supremacy. And as mentioned, the Nittany Lions have a golden opportunity in the Big Ten against the Ducks.
Sorting Out the Playoff Puzzle
So who ultimately gets in? Here’s how I see the playoff field shaking out:
- Oregon
- Texas
- SMU
- Boise State
But in a season this unpredictable, will we get more chaos on conference championship weekend? The only certainty appears to be Oregon as the top seed. After that, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as the playoff picture comes into focus.
According to sources close to the selection committee, there is intense debate and division on how to handle the unique circumstances this year has presented. Some are favoring conference champions, even with two losses, while others want the “best” teams regardless of championships or head-to-head results. There are also debates on whether or how much to factor in key injuries and other extenuating issues that affected some contenders.
You can make a strong case for at least a dozen teams still. This is uncharted territory for the committee, but they’ll have to make some difficult and potentially controversial decisions to arrive at the final four.
– Veteran College Football Insider
The only universal opinion seems to be that expanding the playoff can’t happen soon enough. In a year like this, an eight or even twelve-team field would ensure the most deserving teams get a shot while also preserving the importance of the regular season.
What do you think? How should the committee handle this unique set of circumstances? Is an expanded playoff the ultimate answer? Rivalry Week added another layer of intrigue and confusion to an already chaotic college football season. But in the end, four teams will be left standing with a chance to win it all. The only question is which teams will rise from the rubble to claim those coveted College Football Playoff spots.
With Ohio State and Miami faltering, and no notable unbeaten or one-loss teams waiting in the wings, the door has swung wide open for two and even three-loss teams to sneak into the playoff. In addition to Penn State, traditional powers like Georgia, Tennessee, and Notre Dame will jockey for position. Even upstarts like Indiana and Arizona State will plead their case to the committee.
- Georgia: The preseason No. 1 likely secures a CFP bid by winning the SEC, but a loss in the title game could doom the Dawgs.
- Tennessee: Back-to-back late-season losses stalled the Vols’ momentum, but an 11-2 mark against a tough SEC slate gives them a compelling argument.
- Notre Dame: No conference championship to boost their resume, but Marcus Freeman’s bunch impressed against a brutal schedule. A two-point loss to Texas could loom large.
- Indiana: Is this the Cinderella of the CFP era? The high-flying Hoosiers would need some help but can’t be discounted if they finish 11-2.
One-Loss Teams Still Front and Center
Despite the carnage from Rivalry Week, one-loss squads remain the likeliest to round out the field alongside unbeaten Oregon. Texas, SMU, and Boise State can all solidify their standing by winning their respective conference championships. But even then, one spot could be up for grabs depending on how the committee evaluates each team’s resume.
The Big 12 title clash between the Longhorns and Mustangs could be a de facto playoff quarterfinal. Boise will battle Arizona State for Mountain West supremacy. And as mentioned, the Nittany Lions have a golden opportunity in the Big Ten against the Ducks.
Sorting Out the Playoff Puzzle
So who ultimately gets in? Here’s how I see the playoff field shaking out:
- Oregon
- Texas
- SMU
- Boise State
But in a season this unpredictable, will we get more chaos on conference championship weekend? The only certainty appears to be Oregon as the top seed. After that, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as the playoff picture comes into focus.
According to sources close to the selection committee, there is intense debate and division on how to handle the unique circumstances this year has presented. Some are favoring conference champions, even with two losses, while others want the “best” teams regardless of championships or head-to-head results. There are also debates on whether or how much to factor in key injuries and other extenuating issues that affected some contenders.
You can make a strong case for at least a dozen teams still. This is uncharted territory for the committee, but they’ll have to make some difficult and potentially controversial decisions to arrive at the final four.
– Veteran College Football Insider
The only universal opinion seems to be that expanding the playoff can’t happen soon enough. In a year like this, an eight or even twelve-team field would ensure the most deserving teams get a shot while also preserving the importance of the regular season.
What do you think? How should the committee handle this unique set of circumstances? Is an expanded playoff the ultimate answer? Rivalry Week added another layer of intrigue and confusion to an already chaotic college football season. But in the end, four teams will be left standing with a chance to win it all. The only question is which teams will rise from the rubble to claim those coveted College Football Playoff spots.
With Ohio State and Miami faltering, and no notable unbeaten or one-loss teams waiting in the wings, the door has swung wide open for two and even three-loss teams to sneak into the playoff. In addition to Penn State, traditional powers like Georgia, Tennessee, and Notre Dame will jockey for position. Even upstarts like Indiana and Arizona State will plead their case to the committee.
- Georgia: The preseason No. 1 likely secures a CFP bid by winning the SEC, but a loss in the title game could doom the Dawgs.
- Tennessee: Back-to-back late-season losses stalled the Vols’ momentum, but an 11-2 mark against a tough SEC slate gives them a compelling argument.
- Notre Dame: No conference championship to boost their resume, but Marcus Freeman’s bunch impressed against a brutal schedule. A two-point loss to Texas could loom large.
- Indiana: Is this the Cinderella of the CFP era? The high-flying Hoosiers would need some help but can’t be discounted if they finish 11-2.
One-Loss Teams Still Front and Center
Despite the carnage from Rivalry Week, one-loss squads remain the likeliest to round out the field alongside unbeaten Oregon. Texas, SMU, and Boise State can all solidify their standing by winning their respective conference championships. But even then, one spot could be up for grabs depending on how the committee evaluates each team’s resume.
The Big 12 title clash between the Longhorns and Mustangs could be a de facto playoff quarterfinal. Boise will battle Arizona State for Mountain West supremacy. And as mentioned, the Nittany Lions have a golden opportunity in the Big Ten against the Ducks.
Sorting Out the Playoff Puzzle
So who ultimately gets in? Here’s how I see the playoff field shaking out:
- Oregon
- Texas
- SMU
- Boise State
But in a season this unpredictable, will we get more chaos on conference championship weekend? The only certainty appears to be Oregon as the top seed. After that, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as the playoff picture comes into focus.
According to sources close to the selection committee, there is intense debate and division on how to handle the unique circumstances this year has presented. Some are favoring conference champions, even with two losses, while others want the “best” teams regardless of championships or head-to-head results. There are also debates on whether or how much to factor in key injuries and other extenuating issues that affected some contenders.
You can make a strong case for at least a dozen teams still. This is uncharted territory for the committee, but they’ll have to make some difficult and potentially controversial decisions to arrive at the final four.
– Veteran College Football Insider
The only universal opinion seems to be that expanding the playoff can’t happen soon enough. In a year like this, an eight or even twelve-team field would ensure the most deserving teams get a shot while also preserving the importance of the regular season.
What do you think? How should the committee handle this unique set of circumstances? Is an expanded playoff the ultimate answer? Rivalry Week added another layer of intrigue and confusion to an already chaotic college football season. But in the end, four teams will be left standing with a chance to win it all. The only question is which teams will rise from the rubble to claim those coveted College Football Playoff spots.
