The College Football Playoff selection committee will make its final decision on who is in and who is out following this week’s conference championship games. While it could end up being a relatively easy decision if the favorites in the ACC and SEC win their respective titles, there is still a very legitimate possibility we get another shakeup this weekend. At least, that’s what Ohio State is hoping for. Here is a look at the possible playoff scenarios for all the remaining contenders.
No. 1 Clemson (12-0)
What Needs To Happen: The top-ranked team in the country can clinch its spot in the playoff with a win over No. 14 North Carolina in the ACC Championship game. Clemson has to be careful with North Carolina as they’re red-hot right now. They’ve won 11 in a row and have been on fire offensively, scoring an average of 44 points per outing. Although Clemson might have their hands full, a win should guarantee them at least a spot in the top two.
No. 2 Alabama (11-1)
What Needs To Happen: Alabama will clinch its spot in the playoff with a win over No. 12 Florida in the SEC Championship game. That will leave them as a top-two seed. Can they lose this week? Of course, anything is possible, but the Florida matchup had more intrigue earlier in the season. They’ve slumped over the last month with narrow wins over Vanderbilt, South Carolina and Florida Atlantic, and they got stomped 27-2 at home by Florida State last week.
The Tide have one loss but their strength of schedule is impressive and they will be a lock to get in if they beat the Gators.
No. 3 Oklahoma (11-1)
What Needs To Happen: Oklahoma won the Big 12 Championship and is currently ranked third, so it’s pretty hard to imagine them not getting in. They are idle this week but likely have already locked in their playoff spot.
No. 4 Iowa (12-0)
What Needs To Happen: Iowa is undefeated and ranked No. 4 in the country, so a win over Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship game should be enough for them to lock up a playoff spot. The Hawkeyes have a decent enough resume and would add another win over a highly ranked top 25 team in the No. 5 Spartans.
No. 5 Michigan State (11-1)
What Needs To Happen: The flip side of the Big Ten Championship game would be if the Spartans win and add to a resume that already includes victories over Oregon, Michigan and Ohio State. Michigan State would have a legitimate case to be the final seed if they beat Iowa and it’s hard to imagine them not getting in if they do.
No. 8 Ohio State (11-1)
What Needs To Happen: Stanford’s win over Notre Dame has kept the Buckeyes slim playoff hopes alive as a potential second Big Ten entry but it would take a lot of help for that to happen. Ohio State likely need Clemson, Alabama and Iowa to all lose in order to open the door for them to sneak in as a one-loss team. It’s possible that a Clemson and Iowa loss would be enough.
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No. 9 Stanford (10-2)
What Needs To Happen: Two losses might be too difficult for Stanford to overcome but they can add a Pac-12 Championship to their resume this weekend with a win over USC. The Cardinal have had some notable stumbles along the way but a big win over the Trojans combined with Clemson, Alabama and Iowa faltering could open the door for them to sneak in.
No. 14 North Carolina (11-1)
What Needs To Happen: The Tar Heels would be considered a long shot to make the playoff even if they do manage to upset Clemson and win the ACC title, but crazier things have happened. The committee could still take Ohio State or Stanford ahead of North Carolina but a big, decisive win over the Tigers will boost UNC’s resume and could at least give them a chance to be considered for the playoff.
