Mark Blaudschun
By Mark Blaudschun
FWAA.com
Well, the first CFP rankings are out, and we have some parameters to follow over the next few
weeks. We also have what may be close to elimination games this weekend. Let's see.
Miami at Notre Dame: The Irish are a Top 6 team in the latest polls. If the CFP selection
committee had followed that protocol, the Irish would have had some wiggle room with a loss to
Miami since ND is guaranteed a playoff slot if it is in the Top 12 in the CFP rankings. That is now
gone.
At No. 11 in the CFP rankings, the Irish have ZERO wiggle room with a loss, even a close loss,
to the Hurricanes, who are (remarkably) a slight underdog. The problem for ND is that after
Miami, the Irish face Boston College, SMU and Syracuse. None of those teams is ranked, and a win
over any of them will not boost the Irish in the rankings if they drop out of the Top 12.
The irony here is that Notre Dame could have back-to-back 12-2 seasons and be shut out of the
playoffs both times.
So the Irish really have more to play for in this game.
As for Miami, I was justifiably worried about the ‘Canes last week vs. North Carolina. This week
could go in almost any direction – from a close win or close loss to a convincing ND victory. The last scenario is because the 'Canes' best player, receiver Malachi Toney, is out with an ankle injury.
Alabama at LSU: Probably an SEC elimination game for both teams. Neither can afford a loss,
but could still win a spot by winning the last SEC championship game. Coin-flip game to me,
although Alabama as an underdog is always enticing.
BYU at Utah: Non-Catholic Holy War between these two teams for control of the Big 12. BYU
cannot afford a loss since it already stumbled against UCF. Utah looks better and is playing
better; the Utes can even get away with a close loss and still be in the playoff mix.
A 10 a.m. local time kickoff? Ahhh. Thank you, television. Nothing like a pre-dawn wake up call.
Oregon at Ohio State: Oregon is on playoff life support, and Ohio State already has two
losses. So this is definitely a playoff elimination game. Or maybe a play-in game. Neither team
is in the 12-team playoff field. Both teams can still make it, but they have to win the Big Ten
championship game to earn a playoff spot.
Kentucky at Tennessee: A pair of SEC teams with big wins, looking for some respect as well
as a playoff slot. The winner could jump into the Top 5 with some upsets. SEC football in its best
outfit. Stay tuned.
#30