No doubt about it
With blowout victory, Buckeyes show again they’re playoff-worthy
Alabama deserves a spot in playoff regardless of the SEC title game.
Alabama has dominated its schedule this season, winning by an average of 31 points per game. Barring a catastrophic collapse against Arkansas, the Crimson Tide will enter the SEC title game with Florida as the top-ranked team, which should guarantee them at least a shot at a spot in the College Football Playoffs even if they lose to the Gators.
Notre Dame, Clemson set for an epic rematch.
Much like in the SEC, the ACC championship game is must-see TV with playoff implications on the line as Notre Dame and Clemson meet for the second time this season. The Tigers are hoping to avenge a 47-40 double OT loss to the Irish a little more than a month ago. Another loss to the Irish and Clemson’s dreams of a third national title in seven years will come crashing down.
Ohio State makes a statement to playoff doubters.
Ohio State began the week facing uncertainty as COVID-19 protocols left 23 players unavailable Saturday’s game against Michigan State, but the Buckeyes put all of that behind them as QB Justin Fields scored four TDs and Ohio state rolled to a win.
Texas A&Mkeeps pressure on playoff contenders.
Texas A&M held Auburn to 21 yards in the fourth quarter and QB Kellen Mond scored two TDs as the Aggies used a 17-point fourth-quarter explosion to pull away from the Tigers 31-20 Saturday. The win keeps Texas A&Mwithin striking distance of the CFP semifinals.
Division title a good first step for Florida.
Kyle Trask passed for 433 yards and four TDs as Florida captured the SEC East crown, earning a trip to the SEC championship game for the first time since 2016. But if the Gators want a shot at their first appearance in the CFP semifinals, they’ll need to knock off top-ranked Alabama.
Indiana continues a fairy-tale season.
Not many people gave Indiana much thought before the start of the season, but that’s changed after the Hoosiers improved to 6-1 with their third win over a ranked opponent, knocking off Wisconsin 14-6. This is the program’s best start since 1993 and it keeps IU in the hunt for a Big Ten East division crown.
It was a win-win for Coastal Carolina.
Not only did Coastal Carolina walk away with a thrilling 22-17 win over No. 13 BYU on Saturday, stopping the Cougars on the 1-yard line as time expired, but the Chanticleers were the darlings of the day with national exposure, including ESPN’s “College GameDay” visiting campus and a prime-time matchup. It’s great publicity for a program pushing to grow.
BYU rolls the dice — and lost. The Cougars spent the last month telling anyone who would listen they would play anyone, any time, anywhere in hopes of making a statement to the playoff selection committee. A win over the Chanticleers could have helped its case, but instead, BYU finds itself out of the playoff picture altogether and most likely out of a lucrative New Year’s Six Access Bowl following a close loss.
An offensive explosion may not be enough to save Tom Herman.
Amid growing speculation Tom Herman’s time at Texas is coming to a close, the Longhorns put on an offensive clinic against Kansas State, rolling up 608 yards and a season-high 69 points during a win over the Wildcats. Texas can improve to 7-3 by beating Kansas this week, but a third-place finish in the Big 12 isn’t going to please many boosters who are eager for a change. On Sunday, Texas paused all activities after three players and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The team will be tested Monday and Tuesday to determine when activities can resume.
Rice, Akron snap streaks with rare wins.
Rice has had six games postponed or canceled this season due to COVID-19 issues. The Owls celebrated when they finally got a chance to play and knocked off No. 21 Marshall on Saturday. It was Rice’s first win over a ranked foe since 1997. Meanwhile, Akron snapped its 21-game losing streak with a 31-3 victory over Bowling Green. The Zips last won a game on Oct. 27, 2018.