Sorting Out the College Football Playoff Mess

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The College Football Playoff standings were announced on Tuesday, and needless to say, things are a damn mess. Alabama lost the Iron Bowl to Auburn, and we may see the first two-loss team ever in the playoffs. Indeed, things are more convoluted than they’ve ever been. So, where do we start? Let’s take a look at the actual rankings:

  1. Clemson
  2. Auburn
  3. Oklahoma
  4. Wisconsin
  5. Alabama
  6. Georgia
  7. Miami
  8. Ohio State

I think it’s safe to say that these are the only eight teams with any remote chance of making the playoffs, and yes – I still think there’s a way Ohio State gets in.

So, let’s start with the obvious – it’s all chalk. Clemson beats Miami. Auburn beats Georgia. Oklahoma beats TCU. Wisconsin beats Ohio State. Those four outcomes transpire, those are your four playoff teams. Pretty simple.

But, let’s say some crazy stuff starts happening – what do we know for sure?

The ACC and SEC Championships are virtually play-in games. Whoever wins between Georgia and Auburn is in. Whoever wins between Clemson and Miami is in. That’s pretty simple, and it’s the only way in for these teams. No one from either of these games is getting in if they lose this weekend. So, that’s it – you win and you’re in.

That’s two of the four spots in playoffs, and four of the eight teams in the hunt here. So, how about the remaining four?

Wisconsin and Oklahoma are both in “win and you’re in” positions. But, it’s pretty safe to say that if either team loses, they’re out. The Badgers have their toughest test of the season in Ohio State. Meanwhile, the Sooners will look to repeat a dominating performance against TCU that they had in the regular season.

Alabama is sitting pretty. They’re the only team not playing this weekend. So, Tide fans, you’re going to be rooting for Oklahoma/Wisconsin/both to lose this weekend like your life depends on it. Yes, that even means rooting for Ohio State. But, at #5, they should be the first beneficiary should Oklahoma or Wisconsin lose.

Ohio State can still get in. Yes, I said it. I didn’t initially believe it, but after thinking about it, I think there’s still a route to the playoffs for the Buckeyes. Let’s say the SEC Champion rolls into the playoffs as the #1 seed. Clemson’s at #2. But, what if Oklahoma and Wisconsin both lose? Alabama would like vault up to #3, and then the decision would be between Oklahoma, Ohio State, TCU, and maybe…..maybe…..a Pac-12 Champion USC. Who do you think wins that debate? I think there’s a strong chance a conference championship winning Ohio State would win out over a not-conference championship winning Oklahoma. But, who knows?

Or, the committee could surprise and select a two-loss Big Ten Champion over Alabama. It could end up being Georgia/Auburn, Clemson/Miami, Oklahoma, and Ohio State. In that case, the folks at Penn State will be owed an explanation for just what the hell happened last year.

Regardless, we’re due for one hell of a wild weekend in college football.

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley

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