Was Tennessee-Georgia an elimination game?
Time will tell, but we do know that if Georgia had lost, the Bulldogs’ chances of going to the College Football Playoff would’ve been slim.
As for Tennessee, it could come down to how the committee treats the ACC.
If SMU wins the ACC Championship, does the committee value the Volunteers’ two losses over the Hurricanes’ two losses? The committee indicated that losing in the conference title game (if Miami makes it) doesn’t carry the same weight as losing in the regular season.
Also, what happens if Texas A&M wins the SEC and Georgia, Tennessee, and Ole Miss are in a logjam?
Moving to the 12-team format has maintained the drama surrounding the College Football Playoff, and no one is happier than ESPN.
Oregon Ducks (11-0)
It isn’t shocking that the Ducks ran into a motivated Wisconsin team, but the game was closer than most expected. Oregon might benefit from having some stress before the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1)
The Buckeyes took care of business at Wrigley Field with a 31-7 win over Northwestern. Ohio State has the most important Big Ten game of the season. In years past, that would be the Michigan game. This season, it’s Indiana. Ohio State sits behind the undefeated Hoosiers and Ducks (who they lost to earlier in the season). A loss could be extremely damaging.
Indiana Hoosiers (10-0)
I have to “put some respect” on Indiana’s name. The Hoosiers have done nothing but win this season under new head coach Curt Cignetti. For weeks, the media had handed the game against Ohio State to the Buckeyes. I’m not sure that’s the case anymore. Plus, at this point, one loss doesn’t eliminate the Hoosiers from the College Football Playoff, which means one less SEC team could get in.
Texas Longhorns (9-1)
Longhorns got a solid road win at Arkansas. It’s a better win than most realize. Texas can’t look ahead of Kentucky in its final home game before facing Texas A&M. If the Longhorns and Aggies win their remaining games before facing each other, the importance of this rivalry game will be off the charts.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-1)
Marcus Freeman’s crew has slipped into the Fabulous Five on the strength of the eye test. This position was going to Notre Dame or Penn State. The Fighting Irish got the spot solely because they are getting better as the season wears on, while the Nittany Lions look stuck in neutral.
