Author: partikaposts

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.

The College Football Playoff Eliminator: Week 11

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As the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings are released this week, we look at where every eligible playoff team stands as the season turns towards conference leaders and crucial late-season games.

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. #1 LSU (SEC, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: @ #2 Alabama

Alabama and LSU head into a SEC West Championship game in Tuscaloosa this Saturday, with Heisman candidate QBs Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa looking to face off in a game for the ages. The question surrounding this game will be if the loser is worthy of a top-4 spot by season’s end.

2. #2 Alabama (SEC, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: vs #1 LSU

Alabama is looking for QB Tua Tagovailoa to be healthy to start against the Tigers on Saturday to decide the West. Either team would be in the driver’s seat of the CFP race with a win, but the loser would not be completely eliminated either.

3. #3 Ohio State (Big Ten, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: vs Maryland

The Buckeyes get the lowliest teams in the East in Maryland and Rutgers before facing off against two of the best with Penn State and Michigan. With firepower on both sides of the ball, the weaknesses have yet to show this season.

4. #5 Penn State (Big Ten, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: @ #13 Minnesota

Penn State could make a huge statement with a win against undefeated Minnesota, a team they could face again in the Big Ten Championship. With Ohio State coming to town later in the month, the question surrounding the Big Ten has been if the conference could send two teams to the CFP this year.

5. #13 Minnesota (Big Ten, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: vs #5 Penn State

Minnesota will surely jump in the rankings if they can take down their first true test against Penn State on Saturday. Iowa and Wisconsin are also games that could decide the fate of a West Division that is much stronger overall this season than last.

6. #4 Clemson (ACC, 9-0):

Loss: None
Next up: @ NC State

Clemson should cruise this weekend against the Wolfpack before taking on Wake Forest in an ACC Atlantic title game. However, one loss would surely derail any hopes of defending a title due to the strength of not only the SEC, but also the Big Ten.

7. #11 Baylor (Big XII, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: @ TCU

Baylor gets another true conference test against TCU before taking on Oklahoma and Texas in back-to-back weekends. An undefeated Big 12 champ will definitely find their way into the playoff regardless of the outcomes for Alabama vs LSU and Penn State vs Ohio State.

8. #6 Georgia (SEC, 7-1):

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

Georgia just regained control of their playoff destiny. If they win out and beat Alabama or LSU in a SEC Championship, they’ll see themselves reach the CFP. They still have to take on Auburn and Texas A&M down the stretch.

9. #9 Oklahoma (Big XII, 7-1):

Loss: @ #20 Kansas State (48-41)
Next up: vs Iowa State

Oklahoma will have to keep rooting for a rematch with Kansas State and for the Big Ten and SEC to only produce one worthy playoff team. A one-loss Big 12 champ will likely make the CFP, but some help would be appreciated by the Sooners.

10. #7 Oregon (Pac-12, 8-1):

Loss: @ #12 Auburn (27-21)
Next up: BYE

Oregon and the rest of the Pac-12 are looking at Utah and making sure they continue to win. With Oregon’s victory over USC, the Utes take back control of the South. Oregon should have no problems with Arizona, Arizona State, and Oregon State to close the season.

11. #8 Utah (Pac-12, 8-1):

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

Utah regained control of the South thanks to Oregon’s win over USC. With UCLA, Arizona, and Colorado on schedule, a Pac-12 Championship matchup with Oregon looks inevitable and can even send one of them to a semifinal slot.

12. #22 Wake Forest (ACC, 7-1):

Loss: vs Louisville (62-59)
Next up: @ Virginia Tech

With #4 Clemson being the only remaining ranked opposition on schedule, both of these Atlantic teams should be rooting for Virginia or Pitt to continue to win games in the Coastal. Due to their loss to Louisville in a game where they lost their starting QB, the Demon Deacons will need a lot of help even if they find themselves as one-loss ACC champs.

13. #16 Wisconsin (Big Ten, 6-2):

Loss: @ Illinois (24-23) and @ #3 Ohio State (38-7)
Next up: vs #18 Iowa

Wisconsin and Iowa face off in an elimination game for both teams. With undefeated Minnesota still having to play Penn State and Iowa, Wisconsin could find themselves in contention for a West Division bid to the Big Ten title game.

14. #18 Iowa (Big Ten, 6-2):

Losses: @ #14 Michigan (10-3) and vs #5 Penn State (17-12)
Next up: @ #16 Wisconsin

Iowa can still win the West, but they’ll need help from Penn State or Wisconsin against Minnesota. After this past weekend of games, Iowa has a better shot at advancing to a semifinal than other two-loss teams.

15. #17 Cincinnati (The American, 7-1):

Loss: @ #3 Ohio State (42-0)
Next up: vs UConn

Cincinnati barely escaped East Carolina this past weekend. If the Bearcats beat Memphis in the season finale, they’ll play SMU or Navy in a conference championship. They can lose to Memphis and still play the Tigers again in a conference championship.

16. #19 Memphis (The American, 8-1):

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

After ending SMU’s perfect season, the Tigers now control their conference destiny. Cincinnati is still on schedule in a must-win game that will decide if the two possibly meet again in the conference championship the following week.

17. #25 Navy (The American, 7-1):

Loss: @ Memphis (35-23)
Next up: @ #15 Notre Dame

Notre Dame and SMU will be huge tests in back-to-back weeks for the Midshipmen, who still need Memphis to lose (most likely to Cincinnati) to reach the American Championship game. With their strength of schedule and SMU’s loss, they’ve now jumped ahead of some two-loss teams that most likely won’t be playing in their conference championship games.

18. #23 SMU (The American, 8-1):

Loss: @ Memphis (54-48)
Next up: vs East Carolina

SMU’s unbeaten season was put to rest by Memphis. With little hope of even reaching the American Championship game, SMU will need to make statements against Navy and Tulane down the stretch and also hope that Cincinnati beats Memphis in the season finale.

19. #10 Florida (SEC, 7-2):

Loss: @ #1 LSU (42-28) and vs #6 Georgia (24-17)
Next up: vs Vanderbilt

With their loss to Georgia in a game that all but decided the SEC East, the Gators are now a team that could see themselves get jumped in future rankings. A two-loss team has never made the CFP, albeit without a conference championship.

20. #12 Auburn (SEC, 7-2):

Losses: @ #10 Florida (24-13) and @ #1 LSU (23-20)
Next up: BYE

Auburn gets Georgia after the bye week and Alabama to close the season. Like Florida, these two-loss teams can get hopped in future rankings as their conference championship hopes diminish.

21. #14 Michigan (Big Ten, 7-2):

Loss: @ #16 Wisconsin (35-14) and @ #5 Penn State (28-21)
Next up: BYE

Michigan would still need a decent amount of help to reach the Big Ten Championship. Without a conference title, like Florida and Auburn, they will have to hope for complete chaos down the stretch.

22. #20 Kansas State (Big XII, 6-2):

Losses: @ Oklahoma State (26-13) and vs #11 Baylor (31-12)
Next up: @ Texas

The Wildcats keep winning, but they still need help to reach the Big 12 Championship game. They can benefit from Baylor hitting the bulk of their schedule and facing Texas this weekend.

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

Losses: vs #3 Ohio State (51-10) and @ Michigan State (40-31)
Next up: vs Northwestern

Indiana is not out of the hunt just yet, but they’d need just about everything to go wrong for Ohio State and Penn State to reach the Big Ten Championship game. Even if Ohio State loses to Penn State and Michigan, they’d still have tiebreaker over the Hoosiers.

Eliminated:

Virginia Tech (ACC, 5-3): Eliminated with week 10 loss to #15 Notre Dame, 21-20.
App State (Sun Belt, 7-1): Eliminated with week 10 loss to Georgia Southern, 24-21.

VT is eliminated, along wit the entire Coastal Division. App State suffered their first loss of the season, good enough to eliminate any Sun Belt 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 #23 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 #3 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 #1 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 #18 Iowa, 38-14.
Middle Tennessee: Eliminated with week 1 loss to #14 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 #14 Michigan, 24-21 (OT).
Bowling Green: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #20 Kansas State, 52-0.
Buffalo: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #5 Penn State, 45-13.
Central Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #16 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 #21 Boise State, 14-7.
Nevada: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #7 Oregon, 77-6.
North Texas: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #23 SMU, 49-27.
Northern Illinois: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #8 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 #11 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 #25 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 #12 Auburn, 55-16.
New Mexico: Eliminated with week 3 loss to #15 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 #9 Oklahoma, 48-14.

Eliminated in Week 4 (11 teams):

Air Force: Eliminated with week 4 loss to #21 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 #7 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 #1 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 #16 Wisconsin, 24-15.
Ole Miss: Eliminated with week 5 loss to #2 Alabama, 59-31.
Oregon State: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Stanford, 31-28.
Purdue: Eliminated with week 5 loss to #13 Minnesota, 38-31.
Rutgers: Eliminated with week 5 loss to #14 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 #17 Cincinnati, 27-24.
Utah State: Eliminated with week 6 loss to #1 LSU, 42-6.

Eliminated in Week 7 (11 teams):

Colorado: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #7 Oregon, 45-3.
Florida State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #4 Clemson, 45-14.
Maryland: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Purdue, 40-14.
Michigan State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #16 Wisconsin, 38-0.
Mississippi State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Tennessee, 20-10.
Nebraska: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #13 Minnesota, 34-7.
Texas A&M: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #2 Alabama, 47-28.
Texas Tech: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #11 Baylor, 33-30.
USC: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #15 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 #4 Clemson, 45-10.
Oklahoma State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to #11 Baylor, 45-27.
TCU: Eliminated with week 8 loss to #20 Kansas State, 24-17.
Temple: Eliminated with week 8 loss to #23 SMU, 45-21.
Tulane: Eliminated with week 8 loss to #19 Memphis, 47-17.
Washington: Eliminated with week 8 loss to #7 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 #14 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 #15 Notre Dame, 21-20.
Appalachian State: Eliminated with week 10 loss to Georgia Southern, 24-21.

The College Football Playoff Eliminator: Week 10

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Another week, another top-10 team takes a loss as Kansas State outlasts former-#5 Oklahoma. The field thins once again as the ACC and Big XII take tumbles away from the College Football Playoff (CFP).

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. #1 LSU (SEC, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: BYE

Heading into the bye week, Heisman frontrunner QB Joe Burrow and company take the number one spot in the AP Poll. After the bye week, they’ll play #2 Alabama in a huge showdown that will decide the fate of the SEC West.

2. #2 Alabama (SEC, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: BYE

Alabama dismantled Arkansas without QB Tua Tagovailoa. If he returns healthy, a Heisman matchup for the ages will be taking place when #1 LSU comes to town.

3. #3 Ohio State (Big Ten, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: BYE

After the bye, the Buckeyes get lowly Maryland and Rutgers before taking on #5 Penn State and #14 Michigan in games that will decide the Big Ten East.

4. #5 Penn State (Big Ten, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: BYE

Michigan State didn’t stand much of a chance as Penn State and Ohio State race towards a Big Ten East title. Unlike the Buckeyes, the Nittany Lions will get a date with undefeated #13 Minnesota on November 9th.

5. #13 Minnesota (Big Ten, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: BYE

Minnesota’s run game has been prolific, but they’ll need to be stronger in all facets of the game if they want to compete with #5 Penn State, #19 Iowa, and #18 Wisconsin in a brutal Big Ten slate.

6. #4 Clemson (ACC, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: vs Wofford

With #23 Wake Forest being the only remaining ranked team on schedule, Clemson has no room for error. With that game likely deciding the ACC Atlantic, the ACC Coastal remains an absolute mess as no team has taken a commanding lead.

7. #12 Baylor (Big XII, 7-0):

Loss: None
Next up: vs West Virginia (Thursday)

With Oklahoma losing, Baylor remains in full control of the Big XII’s CFP hopes. If they finish undefeated they’ll probably get into the semifinals, although TCU, #10 Oklahoma, and Texas need to get back to winning to be important wins down the stretch.

8. #6 Florida (SEC, 7-1):

Loss: @ #1 LSU (42-28)
Next up: vs Georgia

#8 Georgia enters The Swamp in an important SEC East matchup. The winner will likely play #1 LSU or #2 Alabama in the SEC Championship. If Florida wins the SEC, they’ll get in over every team that isn’t an undefeated conference champion.

9. #8 Georgia (SEC, 6-1):

Loss: vs South Carolina (20-17)
Next up: @ #6 Florida

Georgia and Florida play this weekend to decide their seasons’ fates.

10. #10 Oklahoma (Big XII, 7-1):

Loss: @ #22 Kansas State (48-41)
Next up: BYE

Ouch. Oklahoma and the entire Big XII took a huge tumble after losing to Kansas State. That opens the door even wider for the SEC or Big Ten to potentially send two teams to the CFP; it’ll be even more likely if LSU / Alabama or Ohio State / Penn State are close games.

11. #7 Oregon (Pac-12, 7-1):

Loss: @ #11 Auburn (27-21)
Next up: @ USC

Oregon doesn’t play another ranked team for the remainder of the year until a potential Pac-12 Championship with #9 Utah. However, the Ducks struggled to get away from Washington (35-31) and Washington State (37-35) the past two games.

12. #18 Wisconsin (Big Ten, 6-2):

Loss: @ Illinois (24-23) and @ #3 Ohio State (38-7)
Next up: BYE

Wisconsin can still win the Big Ten West and get to the title game, but their playoff hopes are looking very bleak after a beatdown in Columbus. #19 Iowa and #13 Minnesota have to be statement games for the Badgers.

13. #11 Auburn (SEC, 6-2):

Losses: @ #6 Florida (24-13) and @ #1 LSU (23-20)
Next up: vs Mississippi

Things just got a little more difficult for the Tigers, who do not control their own destiny in the West and still have to play #8 Georgia and #2 Alabama.

14. #9 Utah (Pac-12, 7-1):

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

Utah doesn’t control their own conference destiny thanks to their loss at USC, but they’ve moved into the AP Top 10 with their defensive play.

15. #23 Wake Forest (ACC, 6-1):

Loss: vs Louisville (62-59)
Next up: vs NC State

The Demon Deacons jumped back into the rankings and are #4 Clemson’s only ranked opponent left on schedule. That game will probably decide the Atlantic Division in a few weeks.

16. #15 SMU (The American, 8-0):

Loss: None
Next up: @ #24 Memphis

SMU will maintain sole control of the American West if they beat a ranked Memphis this weekend. If Navy continues to win, that could be a ranked opponent in late November. SMU should continue rooting for #17 Cincinnati to continue their winning ways.

17. #14 Michigan (Big Ten, 6-2):

Loss: @ #18 Wisconsin (35-14) and @ #5 Penn State (28-21)
Next up: @ Maryland

Michigan would need a ton of help to reach the Big Ten Championship, although their win over #16 Notre Dame helps their overall ranking. #3 Ohio State is looking stronger by the week and Michigan can’t afford a mistake when they play to end the season.

18. #19 Iowa (Big Ten, 6-2):

Losses: @ #14 Michigan (10-3) and vs #5 Penn State (17-12)
Next up: BYE

Iowa can win the Big Ten West outright if they take care of #18 Wisconsin and #13 Minnesota after the bye week. They’d still need a ton of teams to lose and to look very strong in a title game.

19. Navy (The American, 6-1):

Loss: @ Memphis (35-23)
Next up: @ UConn

With #16 Notre Dame and #15 SMU on schedule, Navy can make a statement and play a big role in the American’s chances of being a contender.

20. Virginia Tech (ACC, 5-2):

Losses: @ Boston College (35-28) and vs Duke (45-10)
Next up: @ #16 Notre Dame

Surprisingly, VT still controls their own ACC destiny and gets a date with a fallout Notre Dame team. If the Hokies can win the ACC Coastal, they’ll get a matchup with #4 Clemson or #23 Wake Forest.

21. #20 App State (Sun Belt, 7-0):

Loss: None
Next up: vs Georgia Southern

App State will need some American Conference chaos if they want to receive a New Year’s 6 bowl bid. The good news is that a lot of the American teams play each other.

22. #24 Memphis (The American, 7-1):

Loss: @ Temple (30-28)
Next up: vs #15 SMU

The big test is this weekend against undefeated SMU. #17 Cincinnati is also on schedule and can set up a rematch the following week in a conference championship if both teams continue to win.

23. #17 Cincinnati (The American, 6-1):

Loss: @ #3 Ohio State (42-0)
Next up: @ East Carolina

Cincinnati controls their own ACC destiny and they should be rooting for #15 SMU to beat #24 Memphis so that they can see an undefeated team in a conference championship game.

24. #22 Kansas State (Big XII, 5-2):

Losses: @ Oklahoma State (26-13) and vs #12 Baylor (31-12)
Next up: @ Kansas

The Wildcats upset Oklahoma to end up back in the rankings. They still need help to reach the conference championship game, but this win was a huge step in the right direction.

25. Indiana (Big Ten, 6-2):

Losses: vs #3 Ohio State (51-10) and @ Michigan State (40-31)
Next up: vs Northwestern

Indiana would need a lot to reach the Big Ten Championship out of the East, but they have continued to win and still get #5 Penn State and #14 Michigan late in the year.

Eliminated:

Arizona State (Pac-12, 5-3): Eliminated with week 9 loss to UCLA, 42-32.
Iowa State (Big XII, 5-3): Eliminated with week 9 loss to Oklahoma State, 34-27.
Missouri (SEC, 5-3): Eliminated with week 9 loss to Kentucky, 29-7.
#16 Notre Dame (Independent, 5-2): Eliminated with week 9 loss to #14 Michigan, 45-14.
Pittsburgh (ACC, 5-3): Eliminated with week 9 loss to Miami (FL), 16-12.
Texas (Big XII, 5-3): Eliminated with week 9 loss to TCU, 37-27.
Virginia (ACC, 5-3): Eliminated with week 9 loss to Louisville, 28-21.

The ACC Coastal took more of a fall as Notre Dame and Texas also find themselves in an unfamiliar position.

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 #15 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 #3 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 #1 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 #19 Iowa, 38-14.
Middle Tennessee: Eliminated with week 1 loss to #14 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 #14 Michigan, 24-21 (OT).
Bowling Green: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #22 Kansas State, 52-0.
Buffalo: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #5 Penn State, 45-13.
Central Michigan: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #18 Wisconsin, 61-0.
Charlotte: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #20 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 #21 Boise State, 14-7.
Nevada: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #7 Oregon, 77-6.
North Texas: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #15 SMU, 49-27.
Northern Illinois: Eliminated with week 2 loss to #9 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 #12 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 #11 Auburn, 55-16.
New Mexico: Eliminated with week 3 loss to #16 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 #10 Oklahoma, 48-14.

Eliminated in Week 4 (11 teams):

Air Force: Eliminated with week 4 loss to #21 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.
#25 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 #7 Oregon, 21-6.
UConn: Eliminated with week 4 loss to Indiana, 38-3.
UNC: Eliminated with week 4 loss to #20 Appalachian State, 34-31.
Vanderbilt: Eliminated with week 4 loss to #1 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 #18 Wisconsin, 24-15.
Ole Miss: Eliminated with week 5 loss to #2 Alabama, 59-31.
Oregon State: Eliminated with week 5 loss to Stanford, 31-28.
Purdue: Eliminated with week 5 loss to #13 Minnesota, 38-31.
Rutgers: Eliminated with week 5 loss to #14 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 #17 Cincinnati, 27-24.
Utah State: Eliminated with week 6 loss to #1 LSU, 42-6.

Eliminated in Week 7 (11 teams):

Colorado: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #7 Oregon, 45-3.
Florida State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #4 Clemson, 45-14.
Maryland: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Purdue, 40-14.
Michigan State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #18 Wisconsin, 38-0.
Mississippi State: Eliminated with week 7 loss to Tennessee, 20-10.
Nebraska: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #13 Minnesota, 34-7.
Texas A&M: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #2 Alabama, 47-28.
Texas Tech: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #12 Baylor, 33-30.
USC: Eliminated with week 7 loss to #16 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.
#21 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 #4 Clemson, 45-10.
Oklahoma State: Eliminated with week 8 loss to #12 Baylor, 45-27.
TCU: Eliminated with week 8 loss to #22 Kansas State, 24-17.
Temple: Eliminated with week 8 loss to #15 SMU, 45-21.
Tulane: Eliminated with week 8 loss to #24 Memphis, 47-17.
Washington: Eliminated with week 8 loss to #7 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 #14 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.