Clemson Football: Predicting the 3rd CFP Rankings

Here are the Top 4:

1. Georgia – There are no reasons for any changes north of #6, where Oregon was before they lost. If anything, the Dawgs played with their food a bit before putting Mississippi State away in the 2nd half. Logic says Georgia shouldn’t have any problems between now and December 3rd when they will take on LSU in the SEC Championship game.

2. Ohio State – The Buckeyes did what they were supposed to do to the Indiana Hoosiers. Logic also says that Ohio State shouldn’t have any problems this weekend with the Maryland Terrapins. The Terps were no match for Penn State. Then again, there is this game against Michigan the weekend after next. Could the Buckeyes be looking ahead? Would that even matter against Maryland?

3. Michigan – The Wolverines similarly handled their business against Nebraska. At one point in time, their next opponent, Illinois, was ranked and appeared to be the most likely team to win the Big Ten West. Now we aren’t completely sure the Illini will be ranked Tuesday. Now Michigan has to be just as careful as Ohio State – if they look ahead to the following weekend, their opponent this weekend might have a surprise in store for them.

4. TCU – The team so many are picking against because it just doesn’t seem right that the Horned Frogs should be able to go undefeated, but they just keep winning. It doesn’t need to be pretty. Just win.

And the next two knocking on the door:

5. Tennessee – Missouri hung around for a little while, but eventually the Vols opened up a can and put the game away. They are in a good position, especially if Georgia keeps winning. If Tennessee runs the table (they only have South Carolina and Vanderbilt left), they can make an argument that they should get into the playoffs. If Georgia is beaten by LSU in the SEC Championship, the committee has a triangle to sort out.

6. LSU – Things would be easiest on the committee if Georgia were to dispatch the Tigers in Atlanta in a few weeks. If LSU wins, the committee must decide if it makes sense to include the two-loss Tigers in the CFP. Then they must decide if Georgia or Tennessee belongs. Georgia would have lost to LSU but beaten the Vols. Tennessee would have beaten LSU but lost to the Dawgs.

Things are getting interesting. That being said, there just aren’t that many compelling matchups this weekend. The most impactful game from Clemson’s perspective will be in Los Angeles, where the UCLA Bruins will host the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl. If UCLA wins, it means no one in the PAC-12 will finish with less than two losses, which likely eliminates the conference from playoff contention.