Author: partikaposts

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Never have I seen a man
So quiet in his steps
Avoiding trouble at every curve
He passes by me

Glaring, with his eyes blue
As ocean waves
But the underneath of waves
That seem too deep

If I look too long
He’ll reel me in
His stature and frame and smile
A confident admiration of what could be

As he sees me staring
He comes close
I know what
He is about to say

‘It’s all up to you now’
I hear him in fear
For what may come next
I have seen it once before

When he’s on, he’s on
Nothing can stop him
Grabbing what he wants
It’s gone, it’s gone

But he doesn’t grab for him
He does for others
For sick, for poor
For the worst parts of better

As I pass by the mirror
I understand now
Here is his life
When he’s on, he’s on

I Hope

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I hope you’re happy

I hope you’re true
I hope you’re done estimating

I hope you’re done wondering
I hope you’re exhausted

I hope you’re done scolding
and above all, I hope you’re simply done

The College Football Playoff Eliminator: Week 15

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The College Football Playoff (CFP) field has diminished quickly, as Alabama finds themselves eliminated from playoff contention for the first time in their school’s history.

Heading into Championship Saturday, here is where the final teams stand:

1. Ohio State (Big Ten, 12-0):

Loss: None

Next up: Big Ten Championship vs Wisconsin

With a win: If the Buckeyes beat Wisconsin, they will probably remain first in the CFP rankings. They could fall to second if LSU looks more impressive against Georgia.

With a loss: They should remain in the top four as long as they keep it close. Even at 12-1, they’d have a stronger resume than any one-loss team in the country. If Georgia beats LSU in this scenario, Clemson would probably take over the first spot with Georgia second, Ohio State third, and LSU fourth.

2. LSU (SEC, 12-0):

Loss: None

Next up: SEC Championship vs Georgia

With a win: LSU wins and they’re in. Most likely, they’ll remain second in the CFP rankings ahead of their matchup with Georgia. Depending on how the Tigers look against Georgia and how Ohio State looks against Wisconsin, that will decide who takes the number one spot.

With a loss: Just like Ohio State, they should remain in the top four as long as it’s a close loss to Georgia.

3. Clemson (ACC, 12-0):

Loss: None

Next up: ACC Championship vs Virginia

With a win: Win and they’re in. Clemson’s defense has been fantastic all season long and this team should never be counted out against any opponent, regardless of the weak resume.

With a loss: Clemson would need LSU and Ohio State to win and hope that Oregon beats Utah. They’d still have a shot at the playoff, but their resume has set this championship-caliber team back a step.

4. Georgia (SEC, 11-1):

Loss: vs South Carolina (20-17)

Next up: SEC Championship vs LSU

With a win: If they beat LSU with Ohio State and Clemson taking care of business, they will definitely be playing Clemson in the semifinal and giving us the LSU-Ohio State matchup that we’ve all been waiting for a few weeks early.

With a loss: If Georgia loses, they’ll probably be eliminated. They’d need to keep it close, hope Ohio State wins, Clemson loses, Utah loses, and that the Big XII Championship between Baylor and Oklahoma is a mess as well. Even with all of that, a top four could still be Ohio State, LSU, Clemson, and a Big XII champ.

5. Utah (Pac-12, 11-1):

Loss: @ USC (30-23)

Next up: Pac-12 Championship vs Oregon

With a win: A lot rides on the SEC Championship for the Utes, as they would need LSU to take care of Georgia. A Clemson loss to Virginia certainly wouldn’t hurt and there is no way that Utah jumps Ohio State regardless of the Big Ten Championship outcome (blowout permitting). Something else that could come to the demise of Utah’s strong season would be if Baylor or Oklahoma wins in convincing fashion in the Big XII Championship. Baylor especially, who would avenged their only loss to Oklahoma, would have a strong playoff case.

With a loss: They’re eliminated. There is no scenario in which Utah would get a bid as a two-loss non-conference champion.

6. Oklahoma (Big XII, 11-1):

Loss: Kansas State (48-41)

Next up: Big XII Championship vs Baylor

With a win: Just like Utah, Oklahoma would need LSU to beat Georgia. They wouldn’t jump a one-loss Ohio State if the Buckeyes were to a lose a close game, but they could jump a one-loss Clemson. It would certainly help if Utah were to lose to Oregon, which would open the door wide open for Oklahoma to slide in.

With a loss: They’re eliminated.

7. Baylor (Big XII, 11-1):

Loss: vs Oklahoma (34-31)

Next up: Big XII Championship vs Oklahoma

With a win: A win in convincing fashion over Oklahoma, avenging their only loss of the season, should be enough to put them in over the Utes. However, like Utah, they need LSU to win the SEC. A Clemson loss also wouldn’t hurt their chances.

With a loss: They’re eliminated.

8. Wisconsin (Big Ten, 10-2):

Loss: @ Illinois (24-23) and @ Ohio State (38-7)

Next up: Big Ten Championship vs Ohio State

With a win: Wisconsin would need a ton of chaos to get in the playoff. First, they’d need to wipe the floor with Ohio State (much like the Buckeyes did to the Badgers in their 2014 National Championship run). Second, LSU would need to beat Georgia. Third, Oregon would need to beat Utah. A Clemson loss to Virginia would also help, as would a sloppy Big XII Championship. Wisconsin would also need to have a case that they deserve to be in over Ohio State, who would only have one loss and a regular season win over the Badgers. In all of the chaos and scenarios that accompany Wisconsin’s unlikely chances, they still remain slightly in the hunt.

With a loss: They’re eliminated.

9. Memphis (The American, 11-1):

Loss: @ Temple (30-28)

Next up: American Championship vs Cincinnati

With a win: Memphis is still on this list for one reason and that is this crazy scenario:
– Ohio State wins the Big Ten.
– LSU wins the SEC.
– Virginia blows out Clemson in the ACC.
– Oregon beats Utah in the Pac-12.
Even with all of these scenarios, Memphis’ chance at a playoff spot is basically zero. However, a CFP with Ohio State, LSU, Baylor/Oklahoma, and Memphis would certainly be interesting. The committee could argue that no other teams took care of business or played as many teams with winning records as Memphis. This would also be a huge statement from the committee that winning a conference championship matters, as two-loss teams Florida, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and Penn State wouldn’t have a title.

With a loss: Obviously, they’d be eliminated.

Eliminated:

Alabama (SEC, 10-2): Eliminated with week 14 loss to Auburn, 48-45.
Cincinnati (The American, 10-2): Eliminated with week 14 loss to Memphis, 34-24.
Minnesota (Big Ten, 10-2): Eliminated with week 14 loss to Wisconsin, 38-17.

Here is a complete list of teams that have been eliminated this season:

Eliminated in Week 0/1 (21 teams):

Akron: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Illinois, 42-3.
Arkansas State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to SMU, 37-30.
Ball State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Indiana, 34-24.
Coastal Carolina: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Eastern Michigan, 30-23.
Colorado State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Colorado, 52-13.
Florida Atlantic: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Ohio State, 45-21.
Florida International: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Tulane, 42-14.
Fresno State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to USC, 31-23.
Georgia Southern: Eliminated with week 1 loss to LSU, 55-3.
LA-Lafayette: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Mississippi State, 38-28.
Liberty: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Syracuse, 24-0.
Louisiana Tech: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Texas, 45-14.
Miami (OH): Eliminated with week 1 loss to Iowa, 38-14.
Middle Tennessee: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Michigan, 40-12.
New Mexico State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Washington State, 58-7.
Rice: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Army, 14-7.
South Alabama: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Nebraska, 35-21.
Texas State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Texas A&M, 41-7.
Toledo: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Kentucky, 38-24.
UMass: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Rutgers, 48-21.
Western Kentucky: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Central Arkansas, 35-28.

Eliminated in Week 2 (21 teams):

Army: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Michigan, 24-21 (OT).
Bowling Green: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Kansas State, 52-0.
Buffalo: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Penn State, 45-13.
Central Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Wisconsin, 61-0.
Charlotte: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Appalachian State, 56-41.
Eastern Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Kentucky, 38-17.
LA-Monroe: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Florida State, 45-44 (OT).
Marshall: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Boise State, 14-7.
Nevada: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Oregon, 77-6.
North Texas: Eliminated with week 2 loss to SMU, 49-27.
Northern Illinois: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Utah, 35-17.
Ohio: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Pittsburgh, 20-10.
Old Dominion: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Virginia Tech, 31-17.
San Jose State: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Tulsa, 34-16.
South Florida: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Georgia Tech, 14-10.
Southern Mississippi: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Mississippi State, 38-15.
Tennessee: Eliminated with week 2 loss to BYU, 29-26.
UNLV: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Arkansas State, 43-17.
UTEP: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Texas Tech, 38-3.
UTSA: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Baylor, 63-14.
Western Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Michigan State, 51-17.

Eliminated in Week 3 (10 teams):

East Carolina: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Navy, 42-10.
Georgia State: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Western Michigan, 57-10.
Georgia Tech: Eliminated with week 3 loss to The Citadel, 27-24 (OT).
Hawai’i: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Washington, 52-20.
Houston: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Washington State, 31-24.
Kent State: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Auburn, 55-16.
New Mexico: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Notre Dame, 66-14.
Troy: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Southern Miss, 47-42.
Tulsa: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Oklahoma State, 40-21.
UCLA: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Oklahoma, 48-14.

Eliminated in Week 4 (11 teams):

Air Force: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Boise State, 30-19.
BYU: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Washington, 45-19.
Illinois: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Nebraska, 42-38.
Kansas: Eliminated with week 4 loss to West Virginia, 29-24.
San Diego State: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Utah State, 23-17.
South Carolina: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Missouri, 34-14.
Stanford: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Oregon, 21-6.
UConn: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Indiana, 38-3.
UNC: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Appalachian State, 34-31.
Vanderbilt: Eliminated with week 4 loss to LSU, 66-38.
Wyoming: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Tulsa, 24-21.

Eliminated in Week 5 (8 teams):

Arkansas: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Texas A&M, 31-27.
Kentucky: Eliminated with week 5 loss to South Carolina, 24-7.
Northwestern: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Wisconsin, 24-15.
Ole Miss: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Alabama, 59-31.
Oregon State: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Stanford, 31-28.
Purdue: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Minnesota, 38-31.
Rutgers: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Michigan, 52-0.
UAB: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Western Kentucky, 20-13.

Eliminated in Week 6 (5 teams):

Boston College: Eliminated with week 6 loss to Louisville, 41-39.
Miami (FL): Eliminated with week 6 loss to Virginia Tech, 42-35.
Syracuse: Eliminated with week 6 loss to NC State, 16-10.
UCF: Eliminated with week 6 loss to Cincinnati, 27-24.
Utah State: Eliminated with week 6 loss to LSU, 42-6.

Eliminated in Week 7 (11 teams):

Colorado: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Oregon, 45-3.
Florida State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Clemson, 45-14.
Maryland: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Purdue, 40-14.
Michigan State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Wisconsin, 38-0.
Mississippi State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Tennessee, 20-10.
Nebraska: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Minnesota, 34-7.
Texas A&M: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Alabama, 47-28.
Texas Tech: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Baylor, 33-30.
USC: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Notre Dame, 30-27.
Washington State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Arizona State, 38-34.
West Virginia: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Iowa State, 38-14.

Eliminated in Week 8 (11 teams):

Arizona: Eliminated with week 8 loss to USC, 41-14.
#22 Boise State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to BYU, 28-25.
California: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Oregon State, 21-17.
Duke: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Virginia, 48-14.
NC State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Boston College, 45-24.
Louisville: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Clemson, 45-10.
Oklahoma State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Baylor, 45-27.
TCU: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Kansas State, 24-17.
Temple: Eliminated with week 8 loss to SMU, 45-21.
Tulane: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Memphis, 47-17.
Washington: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Oregon, 35-31.

Eliminated in Week 9 (7 teams):

Arizona State: Eliminated with week 9 loss to UCLA, 42-32.
Iowa State: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Oklahoma State, 34-27.
Missouri: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Kentucky, 29-7.
#16 Notre Dame: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Michigan, 45-14.
Pittsburgh: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Miami (FL), 16-12.
Texas: Eliminated with week 9 loss to TCU, 37-27.
Virginia: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Louisville, 28-21.

Eliminated in Week 10 (2 teams):

Virginia Tech: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Notre Dame, 21-20.
Appalachian State: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Georgia Southern, 24-21.

Eliminated in Week 11 (3 teams):

Iowa: Eliminated with week 11 loss to Wisconsin, 24-22.
Kansas State: Eliminated with week 11 loss to Texas, 27-24.
Wake Forest: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Virginia Tech, 36-17.

Eliminated in Week 12 (4 teams):

Auburn: Eliminated with week 12 loss to Georgia, 21-14.
Florida: Eliminated with inability to control conference destiny.
Indiana: Eliminated with week 12 loss to Penn State, 34-17.
Navy: Eliminated with week 12 loss to Notre Dame, 52-20.

Eliminated in Week 13 (4 teams):

Michigan: Eliminated with inability to control conference destiny.
Oregon: Eliminated with week 13 loss to Arizona State, 31-28.
Penn State: Eliminated with week 13 loss to Ohio State, 28-17.
SMU: Eliminated with week 13 loss to Navy, 35-28.

Eliminated in Week 14 (3 teams):

Alabama: Eliminated with week 14 loss to Auburn, 48-45.
Cincinnati: Eliminated with week 14 loss to Memphis, 34-24.
Minnesota: Eliminated with week 14 loss to Wisconsin, 38-17.

The College Football Playoff Eliminator: Week 14

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The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee has a large task ahead of them and multiple teams find themselves in the elimination column based on how the season can unfold.

Team are listed in order of if they were to win out, who has the best chance at making it to the ultimate semifinal:

1. LSU (SEC, 11-0):

Loss: None
Next up: vs Texas A&M

LSU remains in the top spot based on their wins so far this season. Texas A&M comes to Death Valley ahead of the SEC Championship against Georgia. Regardless of the outcome this weekend, LSU will get in if they win the SEC.

2. Ohio State (Big Ten, 11-0):

Loss: None
Next up: @ Michigan

Ohio State downed Penn State on Saturday to set up a matchup with Michigan, who has looked more impressive as of late. Michigan’s two losses (Wisconsin and Penn State) were both Buckeye wins. Whether OSU faulters or not, they can secure a playoff spot with a Big Ten Championship win over Minnesota or Wisconsin.

3. Clemson (ACC, 11-0):

Loss: None
Next up: @ South Carolina

Clemson has to beat South Carolina and then take down the winner of Virginia and Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship in order to get in the playoff. They’ve looked dominant all season and have the easiest path to the semifinal.

4. Georgia (SEC, 10-1):

Loss: vs South Carolina (20-17)
Next up: @ Georgia Tech

If Georgia beats Tech and LSU in the SEC title game, they’ll be a lock to reach the playoff.

5. Minnesota (Big Ten, 10-1):

Loss: @ Iowa (23-19)
Next up: vs Wisconsin

Minnesota still controls their own playoff destiny. With back-to-back wins over Wisconsin and Ohio State, they’d have a good enough resume to be one of the highest rated one-loss teams. First, they have to take care of business on College GameDay.

6. Utah (Pac-12, 10-1):

Loss: @ USC (30-23)
Next up: vs Colorado

Utah is officially the Pac-12’s only hope. With Oregon’s loss to Arizona State, Utah will have to look absolutely dominant to get in the playoff. Two teams from the SEC (if Georgia beats LSU) and Big Ten (if Minnesota beats Ohio State) could all stand in the way.

7. Alabama (SEC, 10-1):

Loss: vs LSU (46-41)
Next up: @ Auburn

Alabama is in a position where they can get leapfrogged for not playing in a conference championship game. Oregon’s loss to Arizona State helps, but Utah, the Big 12, two SEC teams not named Alabama, and two Big Ten teams if Ohio State loses to Minnesota in the conference championship could all stand in their way.

8. Oklahoma (Big XII, 10-1):

Loss: Kansas State (48-41)
Next up: @ Oklahoma State

Oklahoma gets a ranked Oklahoma State this week before a rematch with Baylor in the conference championship game. Two wins against the same team in a season won’t be impressive enough to the committee, so the Sooners will need help getting into the playoff at season’s end.

9. Baylor (Big XII, 10-1):

Loss: vs Oklahoma (34-31)
Next up: @ Kansas

Baylor blew by Texas to setup a date at Kansas. They’ll see their lone loss – Oklahoma – in the Big 12 Championship game. If they can avenge it, they should hope for some more chaos to ensue. Oregon’s loss to Arizona State certainly helps their case.

10. Wisconsin (Big Ten, 9-2):

Loss: @ Illinois (24-23) and @ Ohio State (38-7)
Next up: @ Minnesota

If the Badgers can beat Minnesota and reach the Big Ten title game, they’d have a chance to avenge their loss against Ohio State. As a two-loss team, they have the best chance in the country at reaching the CFP.

11. Cincinnati (The American, 10-1):

Loss: @ Ohio State (42-0)
Next up: @ Memphis

The Bearcats’ loss at Ohio State is still one of the best in the country. If Cincinnati beats Memphis, they’ll play Navy in the conference championship (who will likely be a ranked opponent). If they lost, they can still find themselves in New Years’ Six (NY6) bowl contention by avenging their loss against Memphis in the conference championship.

12. Memphis (The American, 10-1):

Loss: @ Temple (30-28)
Next up: vs Cincinnati

Memphis will see themselves playing for a conference championship against Cincinnati if they can take down … Cincinnati this weekend. Two victories against the same team will be a stretch for them to make the playoff, but the American Conference as a whole should rise after the season that a lot of these teams had.

Eliminated:

Michigan (Big Ten, 9-2): Eliminated with inability to control conference destiny.
Oregon (Pac-12, 9-2): Eliminated with week 13 loss to Arizona State, 31-28.
Penn State (Big Ten, 9-2): Eliminated with loss to Ohio State, 28-17 and inability to control conference destiny.
SMU (The American, 9-2): Eliminated with week 13 loss to Navy, 35-28.

Michigan and Penn State are officially eliminated based on their inability to win a conference title as a two-loss team. SMU lost their American Championship hopes with a loss to Navy and Oregon’s loss to Arizona State – even though they can still win a conference championship – simply won’t be strong enough to receive a bid.

Here is a complete list of teams that have been eliminated this season:

Eliminated in Week 0/1 (21 teams):

Akron: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Illinois, 42-3.
Arkansas State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to SMU, 37-30.
Ball State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Indiana, 34-24.
Coastal Carolina: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Eastern Michigan, 30-23.
Colorado State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Colorado, 52-13.
Florida Atlantic: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Ohio State, 45-21.
Florida International: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Tulane, 42-14.
Fresno State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to USC, 31-23.
Georgia Southern: Eliminated with week 1 loss to LSU, 55-3.
LA-Lafayette: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Mississippi State, 38-28.
Liberty: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Syracuse, 24-0.
Louisiana Tech: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Texas, 45-14.
Miami (OH): Eliminated with week 1 loss to Iowa, 38-14.
Middle Tennessee: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Michigan, 40-12.
New Mexico State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Washington State, 58-7.
Rice: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Army, 14-7.
South Alabama: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Nebraska, 35-21.
Texas State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Texas A&M, 41-7.
Toledo: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Kentucky, 38-24.
UMass: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Rutgers, 48-21.
Western Kentucky: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Central Arkansas, 35-28.

Eliminated in Week 2 (21 teams):

Army: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Michigan, 24-21 (OT).
Bowling Green: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Kansas State, 52-0.
Buffalo: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Penn State, 45-13.
Central Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Wisconsin, 61-0.
Charlotte: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Appalachian State, 56-41.
Eastern Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Kentucky, 38-17.
LA-Monroe: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Florida State, 45-44 (OT).
Marshall: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Boise State, 14-7.
Nevada: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Oregon, 77-6.
North Texas: Eliminated with week 2 loss to SMU, 49-27.
Northern Illinois: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Utah, 35-17.
Ohio: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Pittsburgh, 20-10.
Old Dominion: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Virginia Tech, 31-17.
San Jose State: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Tulsa, 34-16.
South Florida: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Georgia Tech, 14-10.
Southern Mississippi: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Mississippi State, 38-15.
Tennessee: Eliminated with week 2 loss to BYU, 29-26.
UNLV: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Arkansas State, 43-17.
UTEP: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Texas Tech, 38-3.
UTSA: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Baylor, 63-14.
Western Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Michigan State, 51-17.

Eliminated in Week 3 (10 teams):

East Carolina: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Navy, 42-10.
Georgia State: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Western Michigan, 57-10.
Georgia Tech: Eliminated with week 3 loss to The Citadel, 27-24 (OT).
Hawai’i: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Washington, 52-20.
Houston: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Washington State, 31-24.
Kent State: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Auburn, 55-16.
New Mexico: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Notre Dame, 66-14.
Troy: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Southern Miss, 47-42.
Tulsa: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Oklahoma State, 40-21.
UCLA: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Oklahoma, 48-14.

Eliminated in Week 4 (11 teams):

Air Force: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Boise State, 30-19.
BYU: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Washington, 45-19.
Illinois: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Nebraska, 42-38.
Kansas: Eliminated with week 4 loss to West Virginia, 29-24.
San Diego State: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Utah State, 23-17.
South Carolina: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Missouri, 34-14.
Stanford: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Oregon, 21-6.
UConn: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Indiana, 38-3.
UNC: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Appalachian State, 34-31.
Vanderbilt: Eliminated with week 4 loss to LSU, 66-38.
Wyoming: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Tulsa, 24-21.

Eliminated in Week 5 (8 teams):

Arkansas: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Texas A&M, 31-27.
Kentucky: Eliminated with week 5 loss to South Carolina, 24-7.
Northwestern: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Wisconsin, 24-15.
Ole Miss: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Alabama, 59-31.
Oregon State: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Stanford, 31-28.
Purdue: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Minnesota, 38-31.
Rutgers: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Michigan, 52-0.
UAB: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Western Kentucky, 20-13.

Eliminated in Week 6 (5 teams):

Boston College: Eliminated with week 6 loss to Louisville, 41-39.
Miami (FL): Eliminated with week 6 loss to Virginia Tech, 42-35.
Syracuse: Eliminated with week 6 loss to NC State, 16-10.
UCF: Eliminated with week 6 loss to Cincinnati, 27-24.
Utah State: Eliminated with week 6 loss to LSU, 42-6.

Eliminated in Week 7 (11 teams):

Colorado: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Oregon, 45-3.
Florida State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Clemson, 45-14.
Maryland: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Purdue, 40-14.
Michigan State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Wisconsin, 38-0.
Mississippi State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Tennessee, 20-10.
Nebraska: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Minnesota, 34-7.
Texas A&M: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Alabama, 47-28.
Texas Tech: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Baylor, 33-30.
USC: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Notre Dame, 30-27.
Washington State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Arizona State, 38-34.
West Virginia: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Iowa State, 38-14.

Eliminated in Week 8 (11 teams):

Arizona: Eliminated with week 8 loss to USC, 41-14.
#22 Boise State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to BYU, 28-25.
California: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Oregon State, 21-17.
Duke: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Virginia, 48-14.
NC State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Boston College, 45-24.
Louisville: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Clemson, 45-10.
Oklahoma State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Baylor, 45-27.
TCU: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Kansas State, 24-17.
Temple: Eliminated with week 8 loss to SMU, 45-21.
Tulane: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Memphis, 47-17.
Washington: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Oregon, 35-31.

Eliminated in Week 9 (7 teams):

Arizona State: Eliminated with week 9 loss to UCLA, 42-32.
Iowa State: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Oklahoma State, 34-27.
Missouri: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Kentucky, 29-7.
#16 Notre Dame: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Michigan, 45-14.
Pittsburgh: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Miami (FL), 16-12.
Texas: Eliminated with week 9 loss to TCU, 37-27.
Virginia: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Louisville, 28-21.

Eliminated in Week 10 (2 teams):

Virginia Tech: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Notre Dame, 21-20.
Appalachian State: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Georgia Southern, 24-21.

Eliminated in Week 11 (3 teams):

Iowa: Eliminated with week 11 loss to Wisconsin, 24-22.
Kansas State: Eliminated with week 11 loss to Texas, 27-24.
Wake Forest: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Virginia Tech, 36-17 and inability to control conference destiny.

Eliminated in Week 12 (4 teams):

Auburn: Eliminated with week 12 loss to Georgia, 21-14.
Florida: Eliminated with inability to control conference destiny.
Indiana: Eliminated with week 12 loss to Penn State, 34-17.
Navy: Eliminated with week 12 loss to Notre Dame, 52-20.

Eliminated in Week 13 (4 teams):

Michigan: Eliminated with inability to control conference destiny.
Oregon: Eliminated with week 13 loss to Arizona State, 31-28.
Penn State: Eliminated with loss to Ohio State, 28-17 and inability to control conference destiny.
SMU: Eliminated with week 13 loss to Navy, 35-28.

The College Football Playoff Eliminator: Week 13

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The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee has a large task ahead of them, especially if the Pac-12 produces a one-loss champion in relation to how Alabama is valued. It’s now week 13 of the season, and this is where we stand on each team’s shot at advancing to the playoff.

Teams with two losses are only eliminated if they don’t control their own conference destiny. Three losses eliminates all Power Five teams, while two losses eliminates all American Conference teams.

Team are listed in order of if they were to win out, who has the best chance at making it to the ultimate semifinal:

1. LSU (SEC, 10-0):

Loss: None
Next up: vs Arkansas

LSU and Heisman hopeful QB Joe Burrow have elevated the Tigers to the safest spot in the country to reach the CFP. With Arkansas and Texas A&M on schedule before the SEC Championship, the big question will be how the SEC is valued compared to an undefeated ACC champ (Clemson), an undefeated Big Ten champ (Ohio State), and a one-loss Pac-12 champ (Oregon or Utah).

2. Ohio State (Big Ten, 10-0):

Loss: None
Next up: vs Penn State

Penn State comes to town in yet again a huge matchup in the East. Based on the Nittany Lion’s loss to Minnesota, their close games against Pitt, Michigan, Michigan State, and Indiana – and Ohio State’s dominance against all of their opponents thus far – this game shouldn’t be close on paper. QB Justin Fields and RB J.K. Dobbins get a little extra boost on the defensive end with the return of DE Chase Young, who has been the most dominant player in the country.

3. Clemson (ACC, 11-0):

Loss: None
Next up: BYE

Clemson rolled Wake Forest in a massive statement game considering that the Demon Deacons were being regarded as the second best team in the ACC. Virginia, Pitt, and Virginia Tech are battling in the Coastal, with Virginia Tech playing both opponents and Pitt needing the Hokies to beat Virginia in the season finale. However, none of these teams look to matchup against the Tigers, who will get a playoff bid with an unblemished record.

4. Georgia (SEC, 9-1):

Loss: vs South Carolina (20-17)
Next up: vs Texas A&M

Georgia secured their bid to the SEC Championship, which will look to be against the nation’s top team. If Georgia wins the SEC, the committee has made it clear that their loss to South Carolina shouldn’t play a factor as the Bulldogs were ranked #4 last week, one spot above Alabama.

5. Minnesota (Big Ten, 9-1):

Loss: @ Iowa (23-19)
Next up: @ Northwestern

Minnesota’s playoff hopes took a major hit with their loss at Iowa. With Wisconsin on slate to close the season, the Big Ten West race is not over by any means. If Minnesota can win out and win the Big Ten for the first time since 1967, then they’ll have to pass the eye test against an Alabama team that just lost their star QB.

6. Penn State (Big Ten, 9-1):

Loss: @ Minnesota (31-26)
Next up: @ Ohio State

Penn State narrowly escaped Indiana this past week, a team Ohio State beat by 41. By beating the Buckeyes on Saturday, Penn State will be in the driver’s seat in the Big Ten East and have a shot at redemption against Minnesota.

7. Oregon (Pac-12, 9-1):

Loss: @ Auburn (27-21)
Next up: @ Arizona State

Oregon’s defense still has some holes, but they only allowed 6 points in a rout of Arizona on Saturday. Arizona State and Oregon State are on schedule to close the season, which should setup a Pac-12 Championship date with Utah that can keep their playoff hopes intact. Utah, on the other hand, must get through Arizona and Colorado to remain in first place in the South above USC.

8. Utah (Pac-12, 9-1):

Loss: @ USC (30-23)
Next up: @ Arizona

Utah just needs to win out to set up a championship game with Oregon. A top-10 win will go a long way in the CFP committee decision room and it should keep the Big 12 out of the conversation, especially after undefeated Baylor’s loss to Oklahoma.

9. Alabama (SEC, 9-1):

Loss: vs LSU (46-41)
Next up: vs Western Carolina

It’s FCS week in the SEC, which doesn’t help Alabama. After Auburn’s loss to Georgia, the season finale game against Auburn will be less respected for a team that isn’t playing for a conference championship. If Alabama beats Auburn and LSU beats Texas A&M, the Tide will have zero wins against teams with less than four losses. Nick Saban’s Tua-less offense could see themselves get jumped in the rankings in the coming weeks.

10. Oklahoma (Big XII, 9-1):

Loss: Kansas State (48-41)
Next up: vs TCU

Oklahoma continues to narrowly escape conference opponents, but QB Jalen Hurts’ come-from-behind victory over the undefeated Baylor Bears will look to set up an enticing rematch in the Big 12 Championship. With Kansas State (Oklahoma’s only loss) continuing to lose, a rematch with the Wildcats is out of the question and drops the entire stock of the conference. The committee has consistently placed Oregon and Utah above the Sooners, and a top-10 conference championship in the Pac-12 will outweigh any Big 12 rematch.

11. Baylor (Big XII, 9-1):

Loss: vs Oklahoma
Next up: vs Texas

Baylor blew a 28-3 lead to Oklahoma and proved that the committee was right for keeping them outside the top 10 in their initial two rankings. The Bears still control their own destiny in the Big 12, but their playoff chances have dropped significantly.

12. Wisconsin (Big Ten, 8-2):

Loss: @ Illinois (24-23) and @ Ohio State (38-7)
Next up: vs Purdue

Wisconsin gets Purdue and Minnesota to close the season. Two wins will put them back in the Big Ten Championship against Ohio State or Penn State. A rematch victory against the Buckeyes would make the Badgers the highest two-loss team, which may still have an outside shot.

13. Cincinnati (The American, 9-1):

Loss: @ Ohio State (42-0)
Next up: vs Temple

The Bearcats’ loss at Ohio State looks better by the week, but Luke Fickell’s squad needs to be more dominant against lowly opponents. With Memphis continuing to win, their cross-divisional season finale could be an important one. If Cincinnati wins, they’d see SMU or Navy in the American Championship.

14. Memphis (The American, 9-1):

Loss: @ Temple (30-28)
Next up: @ South Florida

Memphis’ hopes at a New Years’ Six (NY6) bowl bid look strong, but they’d see Cincinnati back-to-back if they beat them in the season finale. The goal right now should be to simply take care of business and continue their dominant offensive showcase.

15. SMU (The American, 9-1):

Loss: @ Memphis (54-48)
Next up: @ Navy

SMU and Navy meet up in an important American West Division matchup. The winner of that game will root for Cincinnati to beat Memphis to close the season. If that happens, the winner of this game will get the bid to the conference title game. Navy’s huge loss to Notre Dame doesn’t help the conference as a whole, but the American winner will have the best road to a NY6 bowl.

16. Michigan (Big Ten, 8-2):

Loss: @ Wisconsin (35-14) and @ Penn State (28-21)
Next up: @ Indiana

Michigan’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thin thread. Their Big Ten title hopes are hanging by an even thinner thread. They need to beat Indiana and Ohio State to close the season and for Penn State to lose to Ohio State and … Rutgers. If all of that happens, the Wolverines will be playing in their first Big Ten Championship ever. A spot at a NY6 bowl seems a lot more realistic.

Eliminated:

Auburn (SEC, 7-2): Eliminated with week 12 loss to Georgia, 21-14.
Florida (SEC, 9-2): Eliminated with inability to control conference destiny.
Indiana (Big Ten, 7-3): Eliminated with week 12 loss to Penn State, 34-17.
Navy (The American, 7-2): Eliminated with week 12 loss to Notre Dame, 52-20.

Georgia’s win over Auburn put the Tigers and Gators in the elimination column, as Florida can no longer reach the SEC Championship. Indiana fought hard against Penn State, but ultimately found their third and eliminating loss. For Navy, it was a beatdown by Notre Dame that ended their longshot playoff hopes, but not their conference destiny.

Here is a complete list of teams that have been eliminated this season:

Eliminated in Week 0/1 (21 teams):

Akron: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Illinois, 42-3.
Arkansas State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to SMU, 37-30.
Ball State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Indiana, 34-24.
Coastal Carolina: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Eastern Michigan, 30-23.
Colorado State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Colorado, 52-13.
Florida Atlantic: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Ohio State, 45-21.
Florida International: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Tulane, 42-14.
Fresno State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to USC, 31-23.
Georgia Southern: Eliminated with week 1 loss to LSU, 55-3.
LA-Lafayette: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Mississippi State, 38-28.
Liberty: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Syracuse, 24-0.
Louisiana Tech: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Texas, 45-14.
Miami (OH): Eliminated with week 1 loss to Iowa, 38-14.
Middle Tennessee: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Michigan, 40-12.
New Mexico State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Washington State, 58-7.
Rice: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Army, 14-7.
South Alabama: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Nebraska, 35-21.
Texas State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Texas A&M, 41-7.
Toledo: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Kentucky, 38-24.
UMass: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Rutgers, 48-21.
Western Kentucky: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Central Arkansas, 35-28.

Eliminated in Week 2 (21 teams):

Army: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Michigan, 24-21 (OT).
Bowling Green: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Kansas State, 52-0.
Buffalo: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Penn State, 45-13.
Central Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Wisconsin, 61-0.
Charlotte: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Appalachian State, 56-41.
Eastern Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Kentucky, 38-17.
LA-Monroe: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Florida State, 45-44 (OT).
Marshall: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Boise State, 14-7.
Nevada: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Oregon, 77-6.
North Texas: Eliminated with week 2 loss to SMU, 49-27.
Northern Illinois: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Utah, 35-17.
Ohio: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Pittsburgh, 20-10.
Old Dominion: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Virginia Tech, 31-17.
San Jose State: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Tulsa, 34-16.
South Florida: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Georgia Tech, 14-10.
Southern Mississippi: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Mississippi State, 38-15.
Tennessee: Eliminated with week 2 loss to BYU, 29-26.
UNLV: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Arkansas State, 43-17.
UTEP: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Texas Tech, 38-3.
UTSA: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Baylor, 63-14.
Western Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Michigan State, 51-17.

Eliminated in Week 3 (10 teams):

East Carolina: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Navy, 42-10.
Georgia State: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Western Michigan, 57-10.
Georgia Tech: Eliminated with week 3 loss to The Citadel, 27-24 (OT).
Hawai’i: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Washington, 52-20.
Houston: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Washington State, 31-24.
Kent State: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Auburn, 55-16.
New Mexico: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Notre Dame, 66-14.
Troy: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Southern Miss, 47-42.
Tulsa: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Oklahoma State, 40-21.
UCLA: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Oklahoma, 48-14.

Eliminated in Week 4 (11 teams):

Air Force: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Boise State, 30-19.
BYU: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Washington, 45-19.
Illinois: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Nebraska, 42-38.
Kansas: Eliminated with week 4 loss to West Virginia, 29-24.
San Diego State: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Utah State, 23-17.
South Carolina: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Missouri, 34-14.
Stanford: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Oregon, 21-6.
UConn: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Indiana, 38-3.
UNC: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Appalachian State, 34-31.
Vanderbilt: Eliminated with week 4 loss to LSU, 66-38.
Wyoming: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Tulsa, 24-21.

Eliminated in Week 5 (8 teams):

Arkansas: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Texas A&M, 31-27.
Kentucky: Eliminated with week 5 loss to South Carolina, 24-7.
Northwestern: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Wisconsin, 24-15.
Ole Miss: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Alabama, 59-31.
Oregon State: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Stanford, 31-28.
Purdue: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Minnesota, 38-31.
Rutgers: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Michigan, 52-0.
UAB: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Western Kentucky, 20-13.

Eliminated in Week 6 (5 teams):

Boston College: Eliminated with week 6 loss to Louisville, 41-39.
Miami (FL): Eliminated with week 6 loss to Virginia Tech, 42-35.
Syracuse: Eliminated with week 6 loss to NC State, 16-10.
UCF: Eliminated with week 6 loss to Cincinnati, 27-24.
Utah State: Eliminated with week 6 loss to LSU, 42-6.

Eliminated in Week 7 (11 teams):

Colorado: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Oregon, 45-3.
Florida State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Clemson, 45-14.
Maryland: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Purdue, 40-14.
Michigan State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Wisconsin, 38-0.
Mississippi State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Tennessee, 20-10.
Nebraska: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Minnesota, 34-7.
Texas A&M: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Alabama, 47-28.
Texas Tech: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Baylor, 33-30.
USC: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Notre Dame, 30-27.
Washington State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Arizona State, 38-34.
West Virginia: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Iowa State, 38-14.

Eliminated in Week 8 (11 teams):

Arizona: Eliminated with week 8 loss to USC, 41-14.
#22 Boise State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to BYU, 28-25.
California: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Oregon State, 21-17.
Duke: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Virginia, 48-14.
NC State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Boston College, 45-24.
Louisville: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Clemson, 45-10.
Oklahoma State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Baylor, 45-27.
TCU: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Kansas State, 24-17.
Temple: Eliminated with week 8 loss to SMU, 45-21.
Tulane: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Memphis, 47-17.
Washington: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Oregon, 35-31.

Eliminated in Week 9 (7 teams):

Arizona State: Eliminated with week 9 loss to UCLA, 42-32.
Iowa State: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Oklahoma State, 34-27.
Missouri: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Kentucky, 29-7.
#16 Notre Dame: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Michigan, 45-14.
Pittsburgh: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Miami (FL), 16-12.
Texas: Eliminated with week 9 loss to TCU, 37-27.
Virginia: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Louisville, 28-21.

Eliminated in Week 10 (2 teams):

Virginia Tech: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Notre Dame, 21-20.
Appalachian State: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Georgia Southern, 24-21.

Eliminated in Week 11 (3 teams):

Iowa: Eliminated with week 11 loss to Wisconsin, 24-22.
Kansas State: Eliminated with week 11 loss to Texas, 27-24.
Wake Forest: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Virginia Tech, 36-17 and inability to control conference destiny.

Eliminated in Week 12 (4 teams):

Auburn: Eliminated with week 12 loss to Georgia, 21-14.
Florida: Eliminated with inability to control conference destiny.
Indiana: Eliminated with week 12 loss to Penn State, 34-17.
Navy: Eliminated with week 12 loss to Notre Dame, 52-20.

The College Football Playoff Eliminator: Week 12

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Week 1 of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings told us that the Big Ten and SEC are looked at as the two most elite conferences. It also told us that the Pac-12 and Clemson are not out of the mix by any means. The Big 12, however, could be in huge trouble down the stretch.

Teams are listed in order of if they were to win their remaining games, who has the best chance at reaching the CFP. Here is where we stand on a national level this season:

1. LSU (SEC, 9-0):

Loss: None
Next up: @ Ole Miss

After taking down Alabama in a game where the score did not reflect how dominant the Tigers were, QB Joe Burrow and company are looking to take on the number one spot all the way to the playoff. LSU has a favorable schedule with no ranked opponents left. They will most likely see Georgia in the SEC Championship, which may as well be a quarterfinal for the CFP.

2. Ohio State (Big Ten, 9-0):

Loss: None
Next up: @ Rutgers

After throttling Maryland, QB Justin Fields and RB J.K. Dobbins have the offense rolling down the stretch. DE Chase Young’s suspension could hurt them in games against Penn State and Michigan to end the season, but their defensive depth showed on Saturday.

3. Minnesota (Big Ten, 9-0):

Loss: None
Next up: @ Iowa

Minnesota was initially ranked 17th in the first CFP rankings. After beating previous #4 Penn State behind the accuracy of QB Tanner Morgan (18/20 for 339 yards and 3 TD), it will be interesting to see just how high they can climb. With Iowa and Wisconsin still on schedule, the race for the Big Ten West will begin to heat up.

4. Clemson (ACC, 10-0):

Loss: None
Next up: vs Wake Forest

Clemson finally gets their toughest test of the year as they host Wake Forest. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Wake Forest just lost big to Virginia Tech (36-14). Clemson certainly cannot afford a blemish on their resume, and that includes in the ACC Championship, because there are about ten teams waiting behind them for their shot at the playoff.

5. Baylor (Big XII, 9-0):

Loss: None
Next up: vs Oklahoma

Baylor continues to narrowly escape their opponents as it needed overtime to take down TCU. With Oklahoma on schedule this weekend, the Bears can finally make a meaningful statement and possibly jump Pac-12 hopefuls Oregon and Utah.

6. Georgia (SEC, 8-1):

Loss: vs South Carolina (20-17)
Next up: @ Auburn

Georgia can eliminate Auburn outright this weekend and then can take a breather heading into the SEC Championship, which will most likely be against LSU. If Georgia runs the table, they’d be a sure-fire bet to be the most impressive one-loss team – and that includes ahead of Oregon and Utah.

7. Oklahoma (Big XII, 8-1):

Loss: Kansas State (48-41)
Next up: @ Baylor

Oklahoma narrowly escaped Iowa State, but they can make a huge mark on their CFP chances by taking down an undefeated Baylor squad on the road this Saturday night. QB Jalen Hurts has been efficient, but the defensive issues have arose as they’ve given up 41 points in each of the past two games.

8. Oregon (Pac-12, 8-1):

Loss: @ Auburn (27-21)
Next up: vs Arizona

Oregon shouldn’t lose these last three games against Arizona, Arizona State, and Oregon State. They should continue to root for Utah’s success and also for the Big 12 champ to have multiple losses. The Ducks will need some help, but the CFP committee made it clear that the top two teams in the Pac-12 are worthy of a semifinal spot.

9. Utah (Pac-12, 8-1):

Loss: @ USC (30-23)
Next up: vs UCLA

Like Oregon, Utah should win out against UCLA, Arizona, and Colorado. The Pac-12 has been up and down all season, but if the Utes’ offense can continue to pull away from teams then they should have a high-ranking conference championship match against Oregon.

10. Penn State (Big Ten, 8-1):

Loss: @ Minnesota (31-26)
Next up: vs Indiana

Penn State gets a surging Indiana team at home on Saturday following their loss at undefeated Minnesota. If the Nittany Lions beat Ohio State in two weeks, they can get a rematch date with Minnesota in the conference championship. Unlike Alabama, their conference title hopes still remain intact.

11. Alabama (SEC, 8-1):

Loss: vs LSU (46-41)
Next up: @ Mississippi State

Alabama is officially on the outside looking in on the CFP. With their loss to LSU and Ohio State, Clemson, Minnesota, and Baylor all still remaining undefeated, their hopes at the ultimate postseason slim down a bit.

12. Wisconsin (Big Ten, 7-2):

Loss: @ Illinois (24-23) and @ Ohio State (38-7)
Next up: @ Nebraska

By taking down Iowa, the Badgers have put themselves in serious contention for the Big Ten West title. They’d need Minnesota to lose to Iowa or Northwestern ahead of their season finale matchup. If Wisconsin can reach the title game, they’d have to look impressive by avenging their loss to Ohio State or beating Penn State.

13. Cincinnati (The American, 8-1):

Loss: @ Ohio State (42-0)
Next up: @ South Florida

Cincinnati has looked impressive all year and has found ways to win football games. They have a ranked Memphis team to close the season. If they win that, they’ll face SMU or Navy in the conference championship; both teams are currently ranked with only one loss a piece.

14. Memphis (The American, 8-1):

Loss: @ Temple (30-28)
Next up: @ Houston

By winning out and beating Cincinnati at the end of the season, the Tigers would most likely face the Bearcats again in the American Championship. This Memphis team has let up a lot of points on the defensive end, but a couple more wins and they’ll be playing in a New Year’s Six (NY6) bowl.

15. Navy (The American, 7-1):

Loss: @ Memphis (35-23)
Next up: @ Notre Dame

Navy has a unique schedule to end the season: ranked teams Notre Dame and SMU are followed by Houston and Army. If the Midshipmen win out, they’d need Memphis to lose (most likely to Cincinnati) to reach the conference championship game against the Bearcats.

16. SMU (The American, 9-1):

Loss: @ Memphis (54-48)
Next up: BYE

Like Navy, SMU’s conference championship hopes ride on Memphis losing to Cincinnati at year’s end. If that happens and they can get through a strong Navy team, then the Mustangs would officially be back in business in NY6 bowl play chances.

17. Florida (SEC, 8-2):

Loss: @ LSU (42-28) and vs Georgia (24-17)
Next up: @ Missouri

Florida’s conference championship hopes are all but diminished as they’d need Georgia to lose to Auburn and Texas A&M. However, the Gators could still play in a NY6 bowl game barring any major chaos ahead of them.

18. Auburn (SEC, 7-2):

Losses: @ Florida (24-13) and @ LSU (23-20)
Next up: vs Georgia

Auburn most likely won’t be playing for the SEC Championship, but they can certainly play the ‘spoiler role’ with Georgia and Alabama still on slate. A NY6 bowl bid is not out of the question, and their resume keeps them highly ranked if things go wrong ahead of them.

19. Michigan (Big Ten, 7-2):

Loss: @ Wisconsin (35-14) and @ Penn State (28-21)
Next up: vs Michigan State

Michigan State, Indiana, and Ohio State are on schedule to close the season. Michigan would need Penn State to falter twice and for Ohio State to find a loss outside of their season-ending rivalry game. However, this scenario happening to both the Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes would be a tall order as they play each other. Consider this: Michigan would need Rutgers (0-6 in Big Ten play) to beat one of these two teams. Michigan’s NY6 chances are still alive, but they would need chaos ahead of them.

20. Indiana (Big Ten, 7-2):

Losses: vs Ohio State (51-10) and @ Michigan State (40-31)
Next up: @ Penn State

Indiana has a shot at finishing second in the Big Ten East as Penn State and Michigan are still on schedule. The Hoosiers have looked good since their mid-season loss to Michigan State. As they continue to climb in the rankings, they can start to eye a NY6 bid.

Eliminated:

Iowa (Big Ten, 6-3): Eliminated with week 11 loss to Wisconsin, 24-22.
Kansas State (Big XII, 7-3): Eliminated with week 11 loss to Texas, 27-24.
Wake Forest (ACC, 7-2): Eliminated with week 10 loss to Virginia Tech, 36-17.

Iowa and Kansas State found their third loss each as Wake Forest finds themselves in the elimination column due to their mathematical elimination from conference championship contention as a two-loss team.

Here is a complete list of teams that have been eliminated this season:

Eliminated in Week 0/1 (21 teams):

Akron: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Illinois, 42-3.
Arkansas State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to SMU, 37-30.
Ball State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Indiana, 34-24.
Coastal Carolina: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Eastern Michigan, 30-23.
Colorado State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Colorado, 52-13.
Florida Atlantic: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Ohio State, 45-21.
Florida International: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Tulane, 42-14.
Fresno State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to USC, 31-23.
Georgia Southern: Eliminated with week 1 loss to LSU, 55-3.
LA-Lafayette: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Mississippi State, 38-28.
Liberty: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Syracuse, 24-0.
Louisiana Tech: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Texas, 45-14.
Miami (OH): Eliminated with week 1 loss to Iowa, 38-14.
Middle Tennessee: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Michigan, 40-12.
New Mexico State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Washington State, 58-7.
Rice: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Army, 14-7.
South Alabama: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Nebraska, 35-21.
Texas State: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Texas A&M, 41-7.
Toledo: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Kentucky, 38-24.
UMass: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Rutgers, 48-21.
Western Kentucky: Eliminated with week 1 loss to Central Arkansas, 35-28.

Eliminated in Week 2 (21 teams):

Army: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Michigan, 24-21 (OT).
Bowling Green: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Kansas State, 52-0.
Buffalo: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Penn State, 45-13.
Central Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Wisconsin, 61-0.
Charlotte: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Appalachian State, 56-41.
Eastern Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Kentucky, 38-17.
LA-Monroe: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Florida State, 45-44 (OT).
Marshall: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Boise State, 14-7.
Nevada: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Oregon, 77-6.
North Texas: Eliminated with week 2 loss to SMU, 49-27.
Northern Illinois: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Utah, 35-17.
Ohio: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Pittsburgh, 20-10.
Old Dominion: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Virginia Tech, 31-17.
San Jose State: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Tulsa, 34-16.
South Florida: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Georgia Tech, 14-10.
Southern Mississippi: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Mississippi State, 38-15.
Tennessee: Eliminated with week 2 loss to BYU, 29-26.
UNLV: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Arkansas State, 43-17.
UTEP: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Texas Tech, 38-3.
UTSA: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Baylor, 63-14.
Western Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to Michigan State, 51-17.

Eliminated in Week 3 (10 teams):

East Carolina: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Navy, 42-10.
Georgia State: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Western Michigan, 57-10.
Georgia Tech: Eliminated with week 3 loss to The Citadel, 27-24 (OT).
Hawai’i: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Washington, 52-20.
Houston: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Washington State, 31-24.
Kent State: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Auburn, 55-16.
New Mexico: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Notre Dame, 66-14.
Troy: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Southern Miss, 47-42.
Tulsa: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Oklahoma State, 40-21.
UCLA: Eliminated with week 3 loss to Oklahoma, 48-14.

Eliminated in Week 4 (11 teams):

Air Force: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Boise State, 30-19.
BYU: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Washington, 45-19.
Illinois: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Nebraska, 42-38.
Kansas: Eliminated with week 4 loss to West Virginia, 29-24.
San Diego State: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Utah State, 23-17.
South Carolina: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Missouri, 34-14.
Stanford: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Oregon, 21-6.
UConn: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Indiana, 38-3.
UNC: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Appalachian State, 34-31.
Vanderbilt: Eliminated with week 4 loss to LSU, 66-38.
Wyoming: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Tulsa, 24-21.

Eliminated in Week 5 (8 teams):

Arkansas: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Texas A&M, 31-27.
Kentucky: Eliminated with week 5 loss to South Carolina, 24-7.
Northwestern: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Wisconsin, 24-15.
Ole Miss: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Alabama, 59-31.
Oregon State: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Stanford, 31-28.
Purdue: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Minnesota, 38-31.
Rutgers: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Michigan, 52-0.
UAB: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Western Kentucky, 20-13.

Eliminated in Week 6 (5 teams):

Boston College: Eliminated with week 6 loss to Louisville, 41-39.
Miami (FL): Eliminated with week 6 loss to Virginia Tech, 42-35.
Syracuse: Eliminated with week 6 loss to NC State, 16-10.
UCF: Eliminated with week 6 loss to Cincinnati, 27-24.
Utah State: Eliminated with week 6 loss to LSU, 42-6.

Eliminated in Week 7 (11 teams):

Colorado: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Oregon, 45-3.
Florida State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Clemson, 45-14.
Maryland: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Purdue, 40-14.
Michigan State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Wisconsin, 38-0.
Mississippi State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Tennessee, 20-10.
Nebraska: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Minnesota, 34-7.
Texas A&M: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Alabama, 47-28.
Texas Tech: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Baylor, 33-30.
USC: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Notre Dame, 30-27.
Washington State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Arizona State, 38-34.
West Virginia: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Iowa State, 38-14.

Eliminated in Week 8 (11 teams):

Arizona: Eliminated with week 8 loss to USC, 41-14.
#22 Boise State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to BYU, 28-25.
California: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Oregon State, 21-17.
Duke: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Virginia, 48-14.
NC State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Boston College, 45-24.
Louisville: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Clemson, 45-10.
Oklahoma State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Baylor, 45-27.
TCU: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Kansas State, 24-17.
Temple: Eliminated with week 8 loss to SMU, 45-21.
Tulane: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Memphis, 47-17.
Washington: Eliminated with week 8 loss to Oregon, 35-31.

Eliminated in Week 9 (7 teams):

Arizona State: Eliminated with week 9 loss to UCLA, 42-32.
Iowa State: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Oklahoma State, 34-27.
Missouri: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Kentucky, 29-7.
#16 Notre Dame: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Michigan, 45-14.
Pittsburgh: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Miami (FL), 16-12.
Texas: Eliminated with week 9 loss to TCU, 37-27.
Virginia: Eliminated with week 9 loss to Louisville, 28-21.

Eliminated in Week 10 (2 teams):

Virginia Tech: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Notre Dame, 21-20.
Appalachian State: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Georgia Southern, 24-21.

Eliminated in Week 11 (3 teams):

Iowa: Eliminated with week 11 loss to Wisconsin, 24-22.
Kansas State: Eliminated with week 11 loss to Texas, 27-24.
Wake Forest: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Virginia Tech, 36-17 and inability to control conference destiny.