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College Football Playoff: Quick Hits for each Contender

By John Richardson

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When you tune into ESPN, Fox Sports or your local sports channel, you hear several teams tossed around in the conversation for the College Football Playoff (and deservedly so).  Each team has had a special season and has a valid argument as to why they should be in the top 4 of the rankings.

Alabama:  The Tide have only one loss in the brutal SEC West.  Their loss came in the third week of the season in a game in which they turned the ball over 5 times (including the opening kick).  They still managed to only lose to the SEC’s highest scoring offense by 6.

Clemson:  Having remained unbeaten this far in the season, no one is doubting the Clemson Tiger’s credentials here.  They have been a steady presence as the top team in the College Football Playoff rankings.  If they can win the ACC Championship Game, they’ll likely be the top overall seed.

Notre Dame:  Notre Dame scheduled Texas, USC and Stanford in addition to their agreed upon ACC games.  You simply can no longer knock the Fighting Irish for not scheduling tough enough competition.  Their only loss of the year thus far has been to #1 Clemson; they easily have the “best” loss of any College Football Playoff contender.

Iowa:  Unlike Notre Dame, the biggest knock on undefeated Iowa’s schedule is that the lack of top tier competition.  They also have not won impressively against inferior opponents.  It is not their fault the Big 10 East is so bad, but there’s no chance they get in with one loss.  If the Hawkeyes defeat Nebraska and win the Big 10 Championship Game, they deserve to get in.

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Oklahoma/Oklahoma State:  Each team has only one loss (Oklahoma State to Baylor; Oklahoma to Texas).  While Oklahoma State has the better loss, these two will settle the conversation about who is better this Saturday and eliminate the other from College Football Playoff consideration.

Baylor:  I know, I know.  They beat Oklahoma State.  But the committee made it quite clear last season that the Bears needed to be undefeated with their habit of scheduling weak out of conference competition.

Michigan State:  Michigan State has only one loss (to Nebraska) in a division that also houses Ohio State and Michigan.  Many feel like Sparty got housed in their loss to Nebraska.  If Michigan State and Iowa win this Saturday, the Big 10 Championship will operate just like with the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State game and eliminate the loser.

Ohio State:  Sorry Buckeye nation.  Unless Michigan State loses to Penn State, there will be no title defense.  Worry about Michigan.

Florida:  I’m sure I’ll get some hate for this.  But if the Gators only loss of the season turns out to be in Death Valley immediately after Grier’s suspension, they deserve a spot in the College Football Playoff.  No matter how “Muschamp” their offense has looked the last few weeks.

Next: Rivalry Saturday also Championship Saturday in the SEC West

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