FOUR LEAGUE TITLE GAMES WITH PLAYOFF RAMIFICATIONS

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Who, when, where, TV: No. 1 Georgia (12-0) vs. No. 3 Alabama (11-1), 4 p.m. Saturday, Mercedes-benz Stadium, CBS.

Playoff ramifications: Georgia will be the No. 1 seed if it beats Alabama, and the Bulldogs’ resume is strong enough to withstand a loss to the Crimson Tide without falling out of the top four. Alabama obviously will be in the playoff if it defeats Georgia, but if the Tide loses an extremely close game, debate could ensue about whether Bama should become the first two-loss team to make the CFP. The answer would hinge on what happens in other leagues. Losses by Michigan, Cincinnati and/or Oklahoma State would increase the odds of a two-loss Alabama getting in.

BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Who, when, where, TV: No. 2 Michigan (11-1) vs. No. 13 Iowa (10-2), 8 p.m. Saturday, Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis), Fox.

Playoff ramifications: A Michigan win would seal a playoff berth for the Wolverines, but an Iowa win probably would leave the Big Ten without a team in the playoff. Iowa is ranked too low to have a realistic shot of reaching the top four even with an upset win. Big Ten team Ohio State is ranked No. 7 but has losses to Michigan and Oregon.

AAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Who, when, where, TV: No. 4 Cincinnati (12-0) vs. No. 21 Houston (11-1), 4 p.m. Saturday, Nippert Stadium (Cincinnati), ABC.

Playoff ramifications: Cincinnati is well-positioned to become the first team from a“group of Five”conference to make the CFP if it defeats Houston. But the Bearcats still might need a loss by Michigan, Alabama or Oklahoma State to seal a spot. A Cincinnati loss, combined with an Oklahoma State loss or other chaos, could open a door for Notre Dame in the top four.“a Cincinnati loss is crucial for Notre Dame because there’s no way they’re going to jump an undefeated Cincinnati with a head-to-head loss (to the Bearcats),” Stokan said.

BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Who, when, where, TV: No. 5 Oklahoma State (11-1) vs. No. 9 Baylor (10-2), noon Saturday, AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas), ABC.

Playoff ramifications: Oklahoma State seemingly can make the playoff with a win over Baylor and a loss by Michigan, Alabama or Cincinnati. If all three of those teams and Oklahoma State win, the selection committee could have to choose between an undefeated AAC champion Cincinnati and a one-loss Big 12 champion Oklahoma State. Stokan predicts the committee would move Oklahoma State ahead of Cincinnati in that scenario. If Baylor beats Oklahoma State, the Big 12 likely would be shut out of the playoff. It would require complete chaos above for Baylor to get from No. 9 into the top four in one day.