CFP Predictions

[Sean Miller Fan]

1. Alabama

2 through 4 is pretty tough as OSU, Mich, and Clemson all have similar resumes.

Clemson has the best win (Lou) and worst loss but 2 Top 20 road wins (Aub, FSU) OSU has the best quality wins (at OU, at Wis, Neb). Mich has 3 very wins but nothing on the road.

I go

2. OSU
3. Clemson
4. Michigan

Clemson gets the slight edge over Michigan because I value road wins over Auburn and Clemson over home wins vs Colorado, Mich, and Wis

The next group is Louisville and Washington.

Both resumes are weak and neither team is anywhere close to the Top 4 at this point though Washington can get there if they win out as the P12 champ.

Both teams have a Top 20 win. Louisville's loss was much better so I go

5. Louisville
6. Washington

Next: the 2 loss teams and WVU

Wis has 2 quality wins (LSU and Neb) and its 2 losses were to Top 4 teams.

PSU has 1 quality win but its maybe the best win in the country this season (though I say Pitt winning at Clem os better)

OU, OKST, WVU, Utah, and Colorado have combined for 2 Top 25 win (OKST over WVU and Utah over USC). OKST gets consideration because the refs' mistake cost them a win.

7. Wisconsin
8. Oklahoma State
9. Penn State
10. Utah
11. West Virginia
12. Oklahoma
13. Colorado

The Big 12, especially OKST is in better position than anyone thinks. If OKST wins the next 2 (@ TCU, @ OU), they will be a 10-2 Big 12 champ who should be 11-1 and would have Top 25 wins over OU, WVU, and potentially Pitt.

Hypothetically, 11-2 PSU vs 10-2/11-1 OKST would be an interesting debate.

 

[Swervin27]

If Clemson and Michigan win out and win their conference championship game, you'd assume they are a lock. A lot of craziness has to happen for Louisville to get in IMO. I seem to be in the minority that actually considers a conference championship as a factor in the equation..

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

If Clemson and Michigan win out and win their conference championship game, you'd assume they are a lock. A lot of craziness has to happen for Louisville to get in IMO. I seem to be in the minority that actually considers a conference championship as a factor in the equation..

Right.

Alabama, Clemson, and Michigan are the only teams that control their own destiny.

Ohio State is a curious case and will test the whole "preference given to conference champions" criteria since they likely won't win their division.

Its Alabama, Clemson (assuming they win the next 3), and a Big Ten team.

The 4th team will either be a Big Ten "wildcard" like Ohio State, the B12 champ, or P12 champ.

I cant think of a scenario where Louisville can make it as a non-champion. The resume is just too weak. They would get jumped by 2 loss champs from the B12, P12, or B10 if it came to it.

 

[Pittx9]

Alabama...barring something crazy they're in.

If Michigan beats Ohio State and then wins the Big Ten, they're a lock also. If Ohio State beats Michigan, I believe the tiebreaker and division winner would be Penn State. PSU/Wisky championship, possibly in that case the Big Ten gets two teams in.

If Clemson wins out, they're still most definitely in. Not gonna be any other unbeatens outside 'Bama, I think beating Louisville and winning the ACC is more than enough to keep them in top 4 at season's end.

So, if the Big Ten only gets 1 team it will come to down to Louisville vs. Big 12 Champ. I think the PAC-12 is toast this year. I also don't know if anyone from the Big 12 could pass Louisville. Maybe a 1 loss WVU that would have to beat Oklahoma this week?

Gonna be strange. I'd have to guess either the Big Ten or ACC gets 2 teams in. There's a plausible scenario that could play out, where you could even argue they both should get 2 teams. One kicker though, if 2 loss PSU or Wisky wins the Big Ten and 2 loss OK State wins the Big 12, it would be an absolute travesty to leave out OK State. At the end of the day, they need to be looked at as a 1 loss conference champion if they finish 10-2 and win the Big 12.

 

[Swervin27]

Right.

Alabama, Clemson, and Michigan are the only teams that control their own destiny.

Ohio State is a curious case and will test the whole "preference given to conference champions" criteria since they likely won't win their division.

Its Alabama, Clemson (assuming they win the next 3), and a Big Ten team.

The 4th team will either be a Big Ten "wildcard" like Ohio State, the B12 champ, or P12 champ.

I cant think of a scenario where Louisville can make it as a non-champion. The resume is just too weak. They would get jumped by 2 loss champs from the B12, P12, or B10 if it came to it.

if a 1 loss team who isn't in their conference championship game makes it, it will be tosu and not Louisville. Their resume is much better.. Now what if Clemson loses to say the hokies in acc game, could Louisville then sneak in? really hope the ACC gets someone in, would hate to be shut out completely.

 

[Pittx9]

if a 1 loss team who isn't in their conference championship game makes it, it will be tosu and not Louisville. Their resume is much better.. Now what if Clemson loses to say the hokies in acc game, could Louisville then sneak in? really hope the ACC gets someone in, would hate to be shut out completely.

The only thing I think that could change that... Lamar Jackson winning the Heisman. I think it would be very appealing to them to have the Heisman Trophy winner in the playoffs. Not saying that will happen, but I think if that's the case The 'Ville might carry more "buzz" than OSU.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

if a 1 loss team who isn't in their conference championship game makes it, it will be tosu and not Louisville. Their resume is much better.. Now what if Clemson loses to say the hokies in acc game, could Louisville then sneak in? really hope the ACC gets someone in, would hate to be shut out completely.

No, I think 11-2 Clemson is still ahead of 11-1 Louisville.

If Clemson loses the ACCCG, I think the ACC gets left out. They will take the champions of the B12 and P12.....and if VT would have been 11-2 and not 10-3, they would have had a chance.

 

[yourhired]

1. Alabama
2 Clemson
3.OSU
4.Michigan

Even if OSU beats MI or MI beats OSU one of them will be in the playoff and it will not be PSU wash that thought right out of your minds. PSU loss to Michigan is more damaging than OSU loss to PSU. Louisville is on the outside and Washington will probably lose once more.

 

[Swervin27]

The only thing I think that could change that... Lamar Jackson winning the Heisman. I think it would be very appealing to them to have the Heisman Trophy winner in the playoffs. Not saying that will happen, but I think if that's the case The 'Ville might carry more "buzz" than OSU.

pardon my ignorance but is this selection process really this subjective? Isn't there some sort of equation/calculation involved here? I've read over the last days that bigger schools with Urban meyer coaching and now Heisman candidates will sway the vote.. Is that really possible? If so, damn if it's hard to respect college football and their playoff format..

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

What's compelling to me that is often never discussed is 2-loss conference champion v. a single loss team that failed to win their conference.

In other words, in my view, an 11-1 tOSU (given their impressive wins and including additions wins at Sparty and v. Michigan) easily trumps an 11-2 Wisconsin or PSU. tOSU has fewer losses overall and more marquis wins on their resume.

Louisville is more tricky but, should they thrive in their final two games and handle Houston and Kentucky rather easily, I think an argument can be made for them as well. Again, being a conference champion should serve an integral part if team have share the loss column and it's conference champ v. a team that failed to win their league.

But, having another loss, especially teams with a less than inspiring loss coupled with a pretty impressive loss (Oklahoma losing to Texas, Oklahoma State losing to Central Michigan, PSU losing to Pitt) should play a factor and said teams should be penalized for said loss when being compared to a team with a single blemish that failed to win their league. In a way, should they win the B1G Championship, Wisconsin gets off easy here being BOTH of their losses are to impressively ranked competition. Just my two cents...

 

[Pittx9]

pardon my ignorance but is this selection process really this subjective? Isn't there some sort of equation/calculation involved here? I've read over the last days that bigger schools with Urban meyer coaching and now Heisman candidates will sway the vote.. Is that really possible? If so, damn if it's hard to respect college football and their playoff format..

I think they've proven they favor the big name schools. Like I said, I have no idea if that's what will happen or not. I'm just pointing out that the actual committee members themselves, worrying about things like TV ratings, could overweigh certain things.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

ESPN analysts saying the Wisconsin/Penn State game is for the CFP.

Penn State, a team we beat, is basically in a national quarterfinal folks for beating 1 Top 40 team.

 

[whirlybird optio]

ESPN analysts saying the Wisconsin/Penn State game is for the CFP.

Penn State, a team we beat, is basically in a national quarterfinal folks for beating 1 Top 40 team.

I really don't care what the ESPN people say. Bama can lose, and they are in. ohio state wins out, they will be in regardless of championship. (Ok and Michigan wins too good). Michigan obviously in if they win out. Clemson will be in if they win out.

Lville is in a bad spot, will need Clemson to lose again for sure. I think Washington still being ahead of PSU and esp Wisconsin is important. Could easily see UW taking that 4th spot if they win out.

I'm also interested to see with PSU playing two awful opponents to end the season, if OU keeps winning, and beating some very good teams, will they jump Wisconsin/PSU??

Ohio state is not going to miss the playoffs, ,come on. Maybe the Big 10 gets two teams, but if Ohio St beats Michigan they are in

 

[PineIslandLion]

ESPN analysts saying the Wisconsin/Penn State game is for the CFP.

Penn State, a team we beat, is basically in a national quarterfinal folks for beating 1 Top 40 team.

No, assuming PSU gets in, it would mean they beat 2 top 6 teams (OSU & Wiscy). And, since you're arbitrarily considering top 40 teams, quite likely that Iowa & Minnesota would also be included in a top 40 ranking.

 

[steel_curtain]

I really don't care what the ESPN people say. Bama can lose, and they are in. ohio state wins out, they will be in regardless of championship. (Ok and Michigan wins too good). Michigan obviously in if they win out. Clemson will be in if they win out.

Lville is in a bad spot, will need Clemson to lose again for sure. I think Washington still being ahead of PSU and esp Wisconsin is important. Could easily see UW taking that 4th spot if they win out.

I'm also interested to see with PSU playing two awful opponents to end the season, if OU keeps winning, and beating some very good teams, will they jump Wisconsin/PSU??

Ohio state is not going to miss the playoffs, ,come on. Maybe the Big 10 gets two teams, but if Ohio St beats Michigan they are in

-If Penn State wins out, there is absolutely no way Ohio State gets in over Penn State considering A) Penn State beat them and B) Won the Big Ten Conference. Not a snowballs chance in hell that happens.

-And Michigan's starting QB is out for the year, so the win will be tarnished. Michigan isnt hanging on to a playoff spot now, I highly doubt it.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Looking at the rankings, here's what I see...
UNDEFEATED
Alabama is Alabama. They'd have to lose to Auburn and in the SEC Champ to be excluded.

ONE LOSS
Ohio State's in if they win out. They'd have wins over Michigan, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Nebraska.

Michigan's also obviously in if they win out being B1G Champ and wins over Colorado, Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Wisconsin.

Clemson's also an easy in should they win out being ACC Champ and wins over Auburn, Louisville, Florida State and potentially ranked VT/UNC in ACC Championship game

Louisville's in a tough spot. Only a single win versus a ranked opponent in Florida State but they have the Heisman front runner in Jackson.

Washington's odd to me. Not certain why they're being counted out. They have a Top 25 win in Stanford and another Top 15 win on the road in Utah. If they win out, they'd either add two more Top 25 wins or simply a Top 10 win (Colorado plays Wazzou)

TWO LOSS
Wisconsin's interesting with losses only to Top 5 teams and wins versus Top 25 Nebraska and LSU. A win over either Michigan, PSU or OSU and they're very, very compelling.

Penn State's interesting too with a win over OSU. BUT, no other quality wins. A win over Wisconsin makes them compelling. But, again, that's two wins versus ranked opponents, a quality loss to Michigan and a loss to an unranked Pitt. Such being and comparing resumes, Wisconsin's the more compelling of the two and likely has a MUCH better chance were they to win the Big Ten title.

Oklahoma's another that's being overlooked as, should they win out, they'd be unbeaten in the Big 12 (the only league that doesn't play an unbalanced schedule) with wins over two top 15 teams and a quality loss in tOSU. For me, I place Wisconsin above them but not Penn State figuring PSU/UW is 11-2 and OU is 10-2.

For teams like Colorado, Oklahoma State, WVU more chaos is needed to have any chance whatsoever.

This goes for every league but what's intriguing about the B1G title game is the notion of UW potentially losing to Minnesota and Nebraska stealing their spot. OR, Nebraska losing at Iowa in addition to UW losing to Minnesota. Should that happen, winning the B1G title game v. UW, Nebraska or Iowa carries MUCH, MUCH less weight as it's no longer a Top 10 win and, potentially, not even a Top 20 win.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

-If Penn State wins out, there is absolutely no way Ohio State gets in over Penn State considering A) Penn State beat them and B) Won the Big Ten Conference. Not a snowballs chance in hell that happens.

-And Michigan's starting QB is out for the year, so the win will be tarnished. Michigan isnt hanging on to a playoff spot now, I highly doubt it.

Oh, yes there is... For certain there is. Look at it objectively. First and foremost, tOSU would have a single loss whereas PSU would have 2 losses, including obviously tOSU head to head loss v. Penn State.

More so, tOSU would have wins at (9) Oklahoma, at (7) Wisconsin, (18) Nebraska and (3) Michigan with a single quality loss at (8) PSU. Whereas, PSU would have wins home (2) tOSU and neutral field (7) Wisconsin with a quality loss, albeit a 39 point blowout, at (3) Michigan and a suspect loss to an unranked Pitt.

So, Ohio State would have two more wins versus ranked opponents, one more win versus CFL Playoff Top 10 opponents and a single narrow defeat to Top 10 opponent.

People bring up the conference champ and head to head. But, they didn't assume the team potentially winning the head to head and conference faring much worse in the non conference, having an additional loss overall and, given the unbalanced scheduling in Power 5 conference, playing a weaker in conference schedule as well.

Now! If PSU and tOSU were 12-1 v. 11-1, even with tOSU's superior wins in the non conference and overall in the Big Ten, that's easy pick. You have to go with PSU. But, that's not the case.

 

[steel_curtain]

Looking at the rankings, here's what I see...
UNDEFEATED
Alabama is Alabama. They'd have to lose to Auburn and in the SEC Champ to be excluded.

ONE LOSS
Ohio State's in if they win out. They'd have wins over Michigan, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Nebraska.

Michigan's also obviously in if they win out being B1G Champ and wins over Colorado, Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Wisconsin.

Clemson's also an easy in should they win out being ACC Champ and wins over Auburn, Louisville, Florida State and potentially ranked VT/UNC in ACC Championship game

Louisville's in a tough spot. Only a single win versus a ranked opponent in Florida State but they have the Heisman front runner in Jackson.

Washington's odd to me. Not certain why they're being counted out. They have a Top 25 win in Stanford and another Top 15 win on the road in Utah. If they win out, they'd either add two more Top 25 wins or simply a Top 10 win (Colorado plays Wazzou)

TWO LOSS
Wisconsin's interesting with losses only to Top 5 teams and wins versus Top 25 Nebraska and LSU. A win over either Michigan, PSU or OSU and they're very, very compelling.

Penn State's interesting too with a win over OSU. BUT, no other quality wins. A win over Wisconsin makes them compelling. But, again, that's two wins versus ranked opponents, a quality loss to Michigan and a loss to an unranked Pitt. Such being and comparing resumes, Wisconsin's the more compelling of the two and likely has a MUCH better chance were they to win the Big Ten title.

Oklahoma's another that's being overlooked as, should they win out, they'd be unbeaten in the Big 12 (the only league that doesn't play an unbalanced schedule) with wins over two top 15 teams and a quality loss in tOSU. For me, I place Wisconsin above them but not Penn State figuring PSU/UW is 11-2 and OU is 10-2.

For teams like Colorado, Oklahoma State, WVU more chaos is needed to have any chance whatsoever.

This goes for every league but what's intriguing about the B1G title game is the notion of UW potentially losing to Minnesota and Nebraska stealing their spot. OR, Nebraska losing at Iowa in addition to UW losing to Minnesota. Should that happen, winning the B1G title game v. UW, Nebraska or Iowa carries MUCH, MUCH less weight as it's no longer a Top 10 win and, potentially, not even a Top 20 win.

-Michigan couldnt move the ball against Iowa. If this team wins its next 3 games, I would be stunned.

Oh, yes there is... For certain there is. Look at it objectively. First and foremost, tOSU would have a single loss whereas PSU would have 2 losses, including obviously tOSU head to head loss v. Penn State.

More so, tOSU would have wins at (9) Oklahoma, at (7) Wisconsin, (18) Nebraska and (3) Michigan with a single quality loss at (8) PSU. Whereas, PSU would have wins home (2) tOSU and neutral field (7) Wisconsin with a quality loss, albeit a 39 point blowout, at (3) Michigan and a suspect loss to an unranked Pitt.

So, Ohio State would have two more wins versus ranked opponents, one more win versus CFL Playoff Top 10 opponents and a single narrow defeat to Top 10 opponent.

People bring up the conference champ and head to head. But, they didn't assume the team potentially winning the head to head and conference faring much worse in the non conference and, given the unbalanced scheduling in Power 5 conference, a weaker conference schedule as well.

Now! If PSU and tOSU were 12-1 v. 11-1, even with tOSU's superior wins in the non conference and overall in the Big Ten, that's easy pick. You have to go with PSU. But, that's not the case.

-Its been a nightmare for teams to play for a title when they dont win their own conference, history generally does repeat itself. Losing the head to head and to the conference Champion, every sane person in America would be crying rigged and fixed, and it doesnt matter how much Pitt hates Penn State, its the truth. The extra loss means nothing when Pitt beat the ACC and Big Ten Champion in the same year. Michigan also doesnt have a QB anymore, they are virtually finished. And that win will be frowned upon because of it.

 

[psufanftbl]

-If Penn State wins out, there is absolutely no way Ohio State gets in over Penn State considering A) Penn State beat them and B) Won the Big Ten Conference. Not a snowballs chance in hell that happens.

-And Michigan's starting QB is out for the year, so the win will be tarnished. Michigan isnt hanging on to a playoff spot now, I highly doubt it.

OSU is way too good to keep out of playoffs if they beat UM in two weeks. Same goes for Clemson if they were to win out. However, if Clemson loses either Louisville or whoever beats Clemson in CCG (UNC??) gets into the playoffs. PSU still needs to win our next two games and hope that OSU beats UM. I don't want to come off as an ass but if the ball had bounced Pitt's way against Ok. St and UNC then Pitt would be right in the thick off playoff talk and would arguably have one go the best resumes in all of CFB. I did not imagine that Pitt's schedule would be as difficult at the beginning of the season as it now is, but I guess that is good for you guys.
Good luck

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

-Michigan couldnt move the ball against Iowa. If this team wins its next 3 games, I would be stunned.


-Its been a nightmare for teams to play for a title when they dont win their own conference, history generally does repeat itself. Losing the head to head and to the conference Champion, every sane person in America would be crying rigged and fixed, and it doesnt matter how much Pitt hates Penn State, its the truth. The extra loss means nothing when Pitt beat the ACC and Big Ten Champion in the same year. Michigan also doesnt have a QB anymore, they are virtually finished. And that win will be frowned upon because of it.

A win over UM will be more frowned upon than a 39 point loss to UM? Please, elaborate... You're also dismissing that this only the 3rd year of the playoff. Precedents have yet to be set in stone. tOSU is an EASY in should they win out. Aside from Alabama, they'd easily have the best resume in the country. Again, wins at Oklahoma, at Wisconsin, v. Michigan and v. Nebraska and a lone miraculous defeat to a Top 10 opponent on the road.

 

[steel_curtain]

A win over UM will be more frowned upon than a 39 point loss to UM? Please, elaborate...

-I guess we will see.

 

[Breeze90]

ESPN analysts saying the Wisconsin/Penn State game is for the CFP.

Penn State, a team we beat, is basically in a national quarterfinal folks for beating 1 Top 40 team.

I would say most, if not everybody, has Minnesota and Iowa as back end Top 40 teams.

PSU beat Minnesota with walk-ons playing key positions with injuries and could of scored 55 against Iowa if it wanted.

Either way, this PSU team isn't going to look very good down the stretch with four OTs injured and and OG out as well.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

I would say most, if not everybody, has Minnesota and Iowa as back end Top 40 teams.

PSU beat Minnesota with walk-ons playing key positions with injuries and could of scored 55 against Iowa if it wanted.

Either way, this PSU team isn't going to look very good down the stretch with four OTs injured and and OG out as well.

I'd consider them both at the back end of it but, and each could win these games, Iowa hosts Nebraska and Minnesota plays at Wisconsin. Should they fail to win those games, they're more so Top 50 teams than Top 40. In saying that Minnesota has beaten literally no one and Iowa, even with a win v. UM would be 5 loss team with a loss to D2 team, albeit a very good NDSU.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Elephant in the room is Washington. They already have a Top 25 (Standford) win and a Top 15 (@Utah) win. Should they win out, they'd potentially add a Top 25 win (Washington State on the road) and a Top 10 win (Colorado on a neutral field). In doing so, I think they're in. A single loss conference champ with a Top 10 win, a Top 15 win and two Top 25 wins. Oh, before they can add two more Top 25 wins, they're already ranked ahead of Wisconsin and PSU.

All that said, I don't think they win out. But, if they did... They're in.

 

[Breeze90]

Updated Massey Ratings has PSU (11) Pitt (32)

http://www.masseyratings.com/cf/fbs/ratings

Iowa (28)
Minnesota (37)

If Pitt beats Duke and 'Cuse, they'll be in the CFP Rankings by end of regular season is my guess.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

The only thing I think that could change that... Lamar Jackson winning the Heisman. I think it would be very appealing to them to have the Heisman Trophy winner in the playoffs. Not saying that will happen, but I think if that's the case The 'Ville might carry more "buzz" than OSU.

And the interesting thing about that is that the playoff teams will be picked what, six days before the Heisman is announced? In fact I think it will be the day before the Heisman finalist are even announced. I wonder how those people on the committee are going to know ahead of time who will win the Heisman, and if they do know will any of them place a large wager on it in Vegas and pocket a pile of cash?

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Unless he stinks the next few weeks, Lamar Jackson's going to win the Heisman. Likely between him and, I guess, the QB from Alabama. After that, probably Peppers at Michigan.

 

[BFo8]

ESPN analysts saying the Wisconsin/Penn State game is for the CFP.

Penn State, a team we beat, is basically in a national quarterfinal folks for beating 1 Top 40 team.

And yet Penn State futures are still readily available at 100-1 in Vegas.

Ohio St is in the neighborhood of 2-1.

 

[BFo8]

Unless he stinks the next few weeks, Lamar Jackson's going to win the Heisman. Likely between him and, I guess, the QB from Alabama. After that, probably Peppers at Michigan.

Jackson is a lock unless he gets suspended or arrested. He is now trading at about 1/25 in Vegas and I've seen even worse offshore.

 

[PSUriseANDfire]

And yet Penn State futures are still readily available at 100-1 in Vegas.

Ohio St is in the neighborhood of 2-1.

Penn State is 50:1 to win the national title. About everyone thinks that Ohio State is the much better bet to win it all, obviously.

 

[BFo8]

Penn State is 50:1 to win the national title. About everyone thinks that Ohio State is the much better bet to win it all, obviously.

There are no set odds. Walk into any William Hill establishment in Vegas right now and you can get them at 100-1. Lowest I'm seeing right now is Station Casinos at 60-1.

 

[whirlybird optio]

And yet Penn State futures are still readily available at 100-1 in Vegas.

Ohio St is in the neighborhood of 2-1.

You are the person I like to ask about this stuff:

LVille, UW, Oklahoma, and PSU or Wisc win out (and win the Big 10 champ), assume Ohio St beats UM.

Bama, Clemson are locks. I have no doubt the committee would also include an Ohio St team that beat UM/Wisc/Nebraska/Oklahoma.

Who gets the 4th spot? Am I crazy thinking it might still be Washington?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

You are the person I like to ask about this stuff:

LVille, UW, Oklahoma, and PSU or Wisc win out (and win the Big 10 champ), assume Ohio St beats UM.

Bama, Clemson are locks. I have no doubt the committee would also include an Ohio St team that beat UM/Wisc/Nebraska/Oklahoma.

Who gets the 4th spot? Am I crazy thinking it might still be Washington?

In your scenario, I think its:

1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Washington
4. Penn State/Ohio State

If Penn State wins the B10, they get the bid as the BT champ over OSU. However, if Wisconsin beats Penn State, Ohio State gets the Big Ten's bid based on a head to head W and better overall resume than Wisky.

At 12-1 with wins over Stanford, Utah, potentially Wash St, and a good South opponent in the P12CG, Washington is NOT being left out at 12-1.

The debate is going to be Ohio State vs the PSU/Wisky winner vs the Big 12 champ, especially if its 10-2 OKST who should be 11-1.

Its easy to leave Ohio State out. If you want to win the national championship, the bare minimum you have to do is win your division. Their resume would be great, no doubt, but they didn't win their division and in a sense, got off easy by getting a bye week and not having to play in the B10 Championship game. I don't think them sitting at home will do them any favors while other teams are playing for championships in pressure-packed games.

 

[NCanton Panther]

One question not necessarily related to who will be the top four. A good number of posters in this thread keep citing Nebraska as a quality win for whichever B10 team they are trying to make their case for. My question is why in the **#!* is Nebraska ranked so high. People like to complain about PSU's schedule but Nebraska's is way worse as they've played no one good OOC (except for maybe Wyoming). They lost to the only 2 good teams they played, one a 62-3 shellacking by OSU. There isn't one quality win on their schedule. It baffles me why they are ranked where they are and how a win over them could be considered a quality win for anyone.

 

[Pittx9]

And the interesting thing about that is that the playoff teams will be picked what, six days before the Heisman is announced? In fact I think it will be the day before the Heisman finalist are even announced. I wonder how those people on the committee are going to know ahead of time who will win the Heisman, and if they do know will any of them place a large wager on it in Vegas and pocket a pile of cash?

Hmmm wasn't aware of the dates. Is there even anyone else in contention though outside of maybe peppers from Michigan? Point taken but I think it's Jackson's to lose.

 

[Swervin27]

I think we all kind of know who 3 of the contenders will be, barring any unforeseen upsets (bama, Clemson, tosu). the real question is, what is better? A 2 loss team that wins the big 10 or a 1 loss Pac 12 champion or a 1 loss Louisville team.. Think that's the real debate..

 

[Jpripper88]

-If Penn State wins out, there is absolutely no way Ohio State gets in over Penn State considering A) Penn State beat them and B) Won the Big Ten Conference. Not a snowballs chance in hell that happens.

-And Michigan's starting QB is out for the year, so the win will be tarnished. Michigan isnt hanging on to a playoff spot now, I highly doubt it.

100% wrong. The rankings released yesterday prove that.

 

[PSUriseANDfire]

100% wrong. The rankings released yesterday prove that.

They literally gave Wisconsin or PSU an in road to the playoffs between whoever takes care of their business. You don't see that?

 

[9nationalchampionships]

PSU & road don't mix!

They literally gave Wisconsin or PSU an in road to the playoffs between whoever takes care of their business. You don't see that?

 

[VAPITTALUM]

They literally gave Wisconsin or PSU an in road to the playoffs between whoever takes care of their business. You don't see that?

So, a two-loss PSU would get the nod over a one-loss OSU (assuming they beat Michigan)? Maybe I'm misinterpreting what you are saying.