No matter how you cut it, the College Football Playoff is a private party for the SEC and Big Ten. The other invitees are considered “plus ones.”
The ACC and Big 12 are about to become one-bid leagues, like the Group of 5 and Notre Dame.
A lot can still change, but that’s what college football fans are staring at now.
Oregon Ducks (11-0)
The Ducks are coming off a bye week after a close one at Wisconsin. Oregon is already in the Big Ten Championship, and barring a collapse against Washington and the Big Ten Championship game, the Ducks are in. They are playing for a bye.
Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1)
Ohio State did what others haven’t been able to do this season: punch Indiana in the face. Plenty of opponents and fan bases are probably happy to see Curt Cignetti shut up for a week. The Buckeyes are cruising for a rematch with Oregon, but first, they must take care of rival Michigan.
Texas Longhorns (10-1)
There’s something fun about the possibility of Texas-Texas A&M having playoff significance. The Aggies’ loss to Auburn eliminated their hope, but the chance to knock off the Longhorns is still in front of them. Like last week, Texas just needs to win. At this point, they don’t need style points.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-1)
The Fighting Irish has done all it could after the Northern Illinois loss. Notre Dame has dominated their opponents and has tried to garner as many style points as possible. Only a stumble can keep the Fighting Irish out of the playoff, but a win with style points could solidify a home game.
Penn State Nittany Lions (10-1)
After barely squeaking past Minnesota, Penn State is a win away from a College Football Playoff birth. That shouldn’t be a problem since the Nittany Lions end the season at home against Maryland. Simply making the playoffs won’t satisfy fans. James Franklin could use a playoff win.
