Rooting Interest for Pitt Fans for Week 12:

[UPitt '89]

Tonight, 7:30pm:

Western Michigan (-6) over Eastern Michigan
Reason: Obvious.

Thursday, 7:30pm:

Duke (+19.5) over Louisville
Reason: No strong feelings, but always root for Pitt opponents to win against Pitt non-opponents.

Friday, 11:30pm

UNLV (+10.5) over SDSU
Reason: Any teams near Pitt in the rankings, we want to lose.

Saturday, Noon

Michigan State (+19) over Ohio State
Reason: If Ohio State gets a 2nd loss, they're out. Then they can beat Michigan and knock them out. Then MSU can lose to Wisconsin in the B1G title game and knock them out. Bye-bye Big Ten.

Iowa State (+4) over Oklahoma
Reason: Pitt can jump Oklahoma if the Sooners lose.

Wake Forest (+4) over Clemson
Reason: Originally, I wanted Clemson to win out. But now, I want our opponent in the ACC Title game to be 11-1 and ranked in the Top 10. It would be a massive marquee win. Clemson can beat SC to get to 8-4 the next week.

Northwestern (+11) over Purdue
Reason: Don't want Purdue to sneak back into the rankings.

Florida State (+2) over Boston College
Reason: Can't ever root for BC.

Rutgers (+17) over PSU
Reason: Obvious.

Texas (+2.5) over WVU
Reason: Deny the hoopies bowl eligibility.

Saturday, 2:00

Illinois (+13) over Iowa
Reason: Pitt can jump over Iowa.

Saturday, 2:30

Georgia Tech (+17) over Notre Dame
Reason: Any loss by Notre Dame is good.

Saturday, 3:30

Arkansas (+20.5) over Alabama
Reason: Deny the SEC two playoff spots.

SMU (+11.5) over Cincinnati
Reason: Expose the Fraudcats.

Maryland (+15) over Michigan
Reason: Deny the Big Ten.

Nebraska (+9.5) over Wisconsin
Reason: Another team for Pitt to jump over.

UAB (+4.5) over UTSA
Reason: Get UTSA out of the rankings.

Georgia Southern (+20) over BYU
Reason: Another team for Pitt to jump over.

Saturday, 4:00

Syracuse (+11) over NC State
Reason: Get Syracuse to bowl eligibility, so they aren't fighting for it against us.

Saturday, 5:30

Kansas State (Even) over Baylor
Reason: Another team for Pitt to jump over.

Saturday, 7:30

Utah (-3) over Oregon
Reason: Eliminate the PAC 12 from the playoffs.

Virginia Tech (+8) over Miami
Reason: Final nail in Manny Diaz's coffin. Then get TVD to transfer to Pitt.

Saturday, 8:00

Texas Tech (+10.5) over Oklahoma State
Reason: Eliminate the Big 12 from the Playoffs.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

Good work '89! I like a cheatsheet to work off of

 

[Pitt_Boss]

So, if all your scenarios come true, there won't be anyone left to play in the playoffs

 

[WillFerrell]

So, if all your scenarios come true, there won't be anyone left to play in the playoffs

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[bayardstreet]

I actually like Virginia Tech getting those 8 1/2 points. I think they play spirited football and hang with Miami.

 

[WillFerrell]

Going to be tough to move up next week with those match ups. 2 spots at best
K state over Baylor. Nebraska has to be due right ?

 

[WillFerrell]

However, looking ahead…
If we can crawl to 16 after UVA, We could jumup to 12-13 after beating CUSE.
Lots of tough games for a number of teams in front of us Week 14.

Beat Wake and we can break into top 10 after ACCCG.

if wake beats Clemson and BC, they could easily be #6 heading into the championship

 

[UPitt '89]

So, if all your scenarios come true, there won't be anyone left to play in the playoffs

Yes! That's the point.

FPI gives Pitt a 0.7% chance. 1 in 150.

Let's make it happen.

 

[ProvoSpain]

Long time lurker. Love these posts.

Any concerns that Arkansas jumps Pitt with a win over Alabama? Probably not enough of a reason to cheer for Alabama, but it crossed my mind.

 

[WillFerrell]

Yes! That's the point.

FPI gives Pitt a 0.7% chance. 1 in 150.

Let's make it happen.

538 has us at 14% to make CFP if we win out. LOL. We need chaos upon chaos. And then even more chaos.

 

[Chairman Moe]

Illinois (+13) over Iowa
Reason: Pitt can jump over Iowa.

Doesn’t an Illinois win over Iowa then confirm just how worthy and meaningful their victory was over PS, and how that was a “quality” loss by the Nits? [insert sarcasm emoji]

 

[UPitt '89]

Long time lurker. Love these posts.

Any concerns that Arkansas jumps Pitt with a win over Alabama? Probably not enough of a reason to cheer for Alabama, but it crossed my mind.

Possible... but knocking the SEC out of having two teams in the playoff is worth it.

 

[WishfulPanther]

Ever thought of adding Tennessee, When they win it adds a bump also. How about Cincinatti, the more they win the less chance of Notre dame to sneak in playoffs.

 

[UPitt '89]

Ever thought of adding Tennessee, When they win it adds a bump also. How about Cincinatti, the more they win the less chance of Notre dame to sneak in playoffs.

I included the Cincy game.

As for Tennessee... they are playing against South Alabama and are 28-point favorites. Don't think we need to worry about that one.

And I don't want Cincinnati to make the playoffs.

 

[HailtoPitt]

I will be rooting for Cincy. I want them in the playoff and also to avoid a possible matchup with Pitt in the Peach Bowl. I'd like to see Michigan end up with a decent ranking and be a very beatable opponent for Pitt in that game.

 

[Franb]

I will be rooting for Cincy. I want them in the playoff and also to avoid a possible matchup with Pitt in the Peach Bowl. I'd like to see Michigan end up with a decent ranking and be a very beatable opponent for Pitt in that game.

Rooting for Cincy also - anything to knock 1 of the big boys out of the playoffs.

 

[UPitt '89]

I will be rooting for Cincy. I want them in the playoff and also to avoid a possible matchup with Pitt in the Peach Bowl. I'd like to see Michigan end up with a decent ranking and be a very beatable opponent for Pitt in that game.

Cincy is a more beatable opponent than Michigan.

They literally needed a fumble at the goal line to hold on to beat 3-7 Tulsa.

Pitt would beat Cincy. Pretty handily.

 

[DT_PITT]

Tonight, 7:30pm:

Western Michigan (-6) over Eastern Michigan
Reason: Obvious.

Thursday, 7:30pm:

Duke (+19.5) over Louisville
Reason: No strong feelings, but always root for Pitt opponents to win against Pitt non-opponents.

Friday, 11:30pm

UNLV (+10.5) over SDSU
Reason: Any teams near Pitt in the rankings, we want to lose.

Saturday, Noon

Michigan State (+19) over Ohio State
Reason: If Ohio State gets a 2nd loss, they're out. Then they can beat Michigan and knock them out. Then MSU can lose to Wisconsin in the B1G title game and knock them out. Bye-bye Big Ten.

Iowa State (+4) over Oklahoma
Reason: Pitt can jump Oklahoma if the Sooners lose.

Wake Forest (+4) over Clemson
Reason: Originally, I wanted Clemson to win out. But now, I want our opponent in the ACC Title game to be 11-1 and ranked in the Top 10. It would be a massive marquee win. Clemson can beat SC to get to 8-4 the next week.

Northwestern (+11) over Purdue
Reason: Don't want Purdue to sneak back into the rankings.

Florida State (+2) over Boston College
Reason: Can't ever root for BC.

Rutgers (+17) over PSU
Reason: Obvious.

Texas (+2.5) over WVU
Reason: Deny the hoopies bowl eligibility.

Saturday, 2:00

Illinois (+13) over Iowa
Reason: Pitt can jump over Iowa.

Saturday, 2:30

Georgia Tech (+17) over Notre Dame
Reason: Any loss by Notre Dame is good.

Saturday, 3:30

Arkansas (+20.5) over Alabama
Reason: Deny the SEC two playoff spots.

SMU (+11.5) over Cincinnati
Reason: Expose the Fraudcats.

Maryland (+15) over Michigan
Reason: Deny the Big Ten.

Nebraska (+9.5) over Wisconsin
Reason: Another team for Pitt to jump over.

UAB (+4.5) over UTSA
Reason: Get UTSA out of the rankings.

Georgia Southern (+20) over BYU
Reason: Another team for Pitt to jump over.

Saturday, 4:00

Syracuse (+11) over NC State
Reason: Get Syracuse to bowl eligibility, so they aren't fighting for it against us.

Saturday, 5:30

Kansas State (Even) over Baylor
Reason: Another team for Pitt to jump over.

Saturday, 7:30

Utah (-3) over Oregon
Reason: Eliminate the PAC 12 from the playoffs.

Virginia Tech (+8) over Miami
Reason: Final nail in Manny Diaz's coffin. Then get TVD to transfer to Pitt.

Saturday, 8:00

Texas Tech (+10.5) over Oklahoma State
Reason: Eliminate the Big 12 from the Playoffs.

Always enjoy reading this and checking back on it during game day -- thanks.

 

[cheesedanish9999]

Does Pitt's final playoff rankings even matter?

What's the difference in Pitt finishing 11th or say 18th?

The only thing I care about with the playoff rankings is who finished in the top 4 and makes the playoffs.

 

[Gunga_Galunga]

Tonight, 7:30pm:

Western Michigan (-6) over Eastern Michigan
Reason: Obvious.

Thursday, 7:30pm:

Duke (+19.5) over Louisville
Reason: No strong feelings, but always root for Pitt opponents to win against Pitt non-opponents.

Friday, 11:30pm

UNLV (+10.5) over SDSU
Reason: Any teams near Pitt in the rankings, we want to lose.

Saturday, Noon

Michigan State (+19) over Ohio State
Reason: If Ohio State gets a 2nd loss, they're out. Then they can beat Michigan and knock them out. Then MSU can lose to Wisconsin in the B1G title game and knock them out. Bye-bye Big Ten.

Iowa State (+4) over Oklahoma
Reason: Pitt can jump Oklahoma if the Sooners lose.

Wake Forest (+4) over Clemson
Reason: Originally, I wanted Clemson to win out. But now, I want our opponent in the ACC Title game to be 11-1 and ranked in the Top 10. It would be a massive marquee win. Clemson can beat SC to get to 8-4 the next week.

Northwestern (+11) over Purdue
Reason: Don't want Purdue to sneak back into the rankings.

Florida State (+2) over Boston College
Reason: Can't ever root for BC.

Rutgers (+17) over PSU
Reason: Obvious.

Texas (+2.5) over WVU
Reason: Deny the hoopies bowl eligibility.

Saturday, 2:00

Illinois (+13) over Iowa
Reason: Pitt can jump over Iowa.

Saturday, 2:30

Georgia Tech (+17) over Notre Dame
Reason: Any loss by Notre Dame is good.

Saturday, 3:30

Arkansas (+20.5) over Alabama
Reason: Deny the SEC two playoff spots.

SMU (+11.5) over Cincinnati
Reason: Expose the Fraudcats.

Maryland (+15) over Michigan
Reason: Deny the Big Ten.

Nebraska (+9.5) over Wisconsin
Reason: Another team for Pitt to jump over.

UAB (+4.5) over UTSA
Reason: Get UTSA out of the rankings.

Georgia Southern (+20) over BYU
Reason: Another team for Pitt to jump over.

Saturday, 4:00

Syracuse (+11) over NC State
Reason: Get Syracuse to bowl eligibility, so they aren't fighting for it against us.

Saturday, 5:30

Kansas State (Even) over Baylor
Reason: Another team for Pitt to jump over.

Saturday, 7:30

Utah (-3) over Oregon
Reason: Eliminate the PAC 12 from the playoffs.

Virginia Tech (+8) over Miami
Reason: Final nail in Manny Diaz's coffin. Then get TVD to transfer to Pitt.

Saturday, 8:00

Texas Tech (+10.5) over Oklahoma State
Reason: Eliminate the Big 12 from the Playoffs.

Thanks for all the leg work

 

[HailToPitt725]

Does Pitt's final playoff rankings even matter?

What's the difference in Pitt finishing 11th or say 18th?

The only thing I care about with the playoff rankings is who finished in the top 4 and makes the playoffs.

I guess 11-19 don’t really matter, but finishing in the top ten absolutely means something, in my opinion. They’ve finished in the top 20 range a few times over the years, but I don’t think we’ve finished top ten since 1982. Would add an exclamation point to an already great season.

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

Does Pitt's final playoff rankings even matter?

What's the difference in Pitt finishing 11th or say 18th?

The only thing I care about with the playoff rankings is who finished in the top 4 and makes the playoffs.

In theory, yes as the only top 12 are eligible for large NY6 bowl spots that remain open.

 

[ratking17]

I echo those in enjoying this weekly post. I also love how we all understand certain teams should always be rooted against.

 

[dave97]

If the games fall your way, who do you see in the playoffs?

Hail to Pitt!

Dave

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

I'm probably for Ohio State, in hopes that we can jump Michigan State at some point. I want whatever gets us the highest spot in the final rankings.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

If the games fall your way, who do you see in the playoffs?

Hail to Pitt!

Dave

If all of this happened, you'd probably end up with a two loss team in the CFP. So, probably a 2 loss B10 team and a second SEC team anyways. And the fourth spot would go to the highest remaining 2 loss team from the PAC12, ACC, and B12.

I don't see Cincy getting any consideration with one loss.

 

[RaleighPittFan]

I don't see Cincy getting any consideration with one loss.

Nor should they.

 

[cheesedanish9999]

I guess 11-19 don’t really matter, but finishing in the top ten absolutely means something, in my opinion. They’ve finished in the top 20 range a few times over the years, but I don’t think we’ve finished top ten since 1982. Would add an exclamation point to an already great season.

Winning the ACC is the main thing IMO. If you can say your ACC champs that means a lot.

 

[cheesedanish9999]

Does Pitt's final playoff rankings even matter?

What's the difference in Pitt finishing 11th or say 18th?

The only thing I care about with the playoff rankings is who finished in the top 4 and makes the playoffs.

In theory, yes as the only top 12 are eligible for large NY6 bowl spots that remain open.

I feel like it's almost impossible for Pitt to finish in the top 12 without winning the ACC.

A 3 loss Pitt team isn't getting invited to a NY6 bowl.

They have to win the ACC for that to happen.