There are four weeks until the conference championship games, which means we’re getting closer to finding out who will make the first 12-team College Football Playoff.
The first revelation of College Football Playoff Rankings may have caused some surprises or frustrationsand while fans should remember that there is still plenty of football left to secure one of the coveted spots, the early reveal set out the path the teams must take. As a result, November review games become even more important to some.
It’s difficult to predict the playoff field given that this is an unprecedented season, but it’s safe to say that some teams have their hopes hanging by a thread. So which games have the biggest impact on who remains in the playoff race in Week 11?
No. 11 Alabama vs. No. 15 LSU
Practically an elimination game, the loser of this game can effectively abandon their College Football Playoff hopes. Heading into the season, there were questions about whether a three-loss team from the SEC or Big Ten would be able to make the playoffs given the strength of each conference. At this point it doesn’t seem possible.
The Crimson Tide has one of the best victories in the country against Georgiabut the loss to Vanderbilt weighs heavy. They did it lose to a quality opponent in Tennesseebut Alabama didn’t look good in that one, which has been the case in some of its wins. On the other side, the Tigers are coming out of a convincing loss to Texas A&Mand the season-opening loss to Southern California The situation gets worse as the Trojans continue to struggle.
A loss by either side will create a very difficult path to reaching the SEC championship game and automatic conference title bid. The loser will also take a considerable drop in the next playoff rankings, and with no high-ranking opponents remaining in the deadline, there isn’t much left to impress the selection committee.
No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 16 Mississippi
Georgia appears on track to make the playoffs, but this is Mississippi’s last stand.
There was a lot of pre-season hype around the ‘Sip for Lane Kiffin team with a possible path to the CFP. However, the Rebels are 7-2 heading into their toughest game of the season without any quality wins. Their best win is against South Carolina, while they lost to LSU and a bad Kentucky team.
Now, Ole Miss needs to pull off one of the best wins in the country in order to keep its playoff hopes alive. A loss and the Rebels would almost certainly finish the season without a ranked victory.
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No. 24 Colorado vs. Texas Tech
Colorado didn’t play a single game last week and saw its College Football Playoff chances boosted, thanks to Texas Tech. Now, the Red Raiders meet the Buffaloes in a playoff game.
Colorado is tied for second place in the Big 12 after winning five of its last six games, and knows a playoff spot is within reach. The Buffaloes, ranked No. 20 by the committee, have a realistic chance to advance to the conference title game and earn the automatic bid, but that depends on them at least keeping pace with the Iowa State. If Colorado loses, it would be 4-2 in conference and lose tiebreakers to Kansas State and Texas Tech without a quality win. The current roster is at 80th, which doesn’t bode well.
For Texas Tech, last week’s win over then-undefeated Iowa State reignited its playoff hopes. Defeating Colorado would give them back-to-back ranked victories, likely putting them in the Top 25 and just outside of a berth in the conference title game.
No. 17 Clemson vs. Virginia Tech
Just a few weeks ago, Clemson seemed headed for the ACC title game and, at worst, a spot outside the playoffs. Now, Dabo Swinney needs a lot of work to get there after being ranked 23rd by the committee.
Clemson heads into Lane Stadium needing a win against a quality opponent. The tough season-opening loss to Georgia doesn’t seem to have weighed as much, but it now looms large in Clemson’s bid for a quality win after being unable to take care of business against Louisville. A loss would also make it nearly impossible for the Tigers to claw their way into the ACC conference championship game.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2024/11/06/cfp-rankings-week-11-preview-college-football-fix/76089240007/
No. 18 Iowa State vs. Kansas
The last-minute loss to Texas Tech hurt Iowa State, and it hurt even more being No. 17 in the early playoff rankings. It comes down to a lack of rigor in the schedule.
The Cyclones’ best win is against rival Iowa, and they have yet to face the top of the Big 12. Iowa State may still very well be 11-1 and like its chances of making the playoffs, but they can’t give up another trap game against a Kansas team that had strong expectations heading into this season and lost several close games. Falling to the Jayhawks would be devastating for the Cyclones, who can still find their way to the conference championship game.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Week 11 college football CFP playoff matchups include Alabama-LSU
