Since the playoff has been expanded to 12, this year, some of the marquee matchups that would have been previously been elimination games are now games that will impact how the final seedings look. These games are all between teams that are currently projected to make the playoff. We start with two matchups in week eight.
Biggest Games to Impact College Football Playoff Seeding
Georgia at Texas
We are making a couple of assumptions here as we probably will do with the other games referenced here. First, Georgia will make the playoff with two losses which they will have if they lose this one. Secondly, Georgia will not make the SEC championship game with two conference losses which they would also have if Texas gets the best of them. That would prevent any possibility of the Bulldogs having three losses assuming they win all of their remaining games. Three losses would put them in a slightly precarious position but if anyone can get in with three losses it’s Georgia.
The Longhorns have been ranked in the top four all season long and their dominant win at Michigan showed the nation they are serious national championship contenders. A loss against Georgia wouldn’t hurt them much other than to put Alabama in the driver’s seat to be regular season SEC champs. This one shapes up as one of two games of the year with Alabama v Georgia being the other one.
Alabama at Tennessee
Now we wonder out loud if the networks will work together since kickoff for this one is at the same time as Georgia at Texas. Tennessee is one of the most pleasant surprises this season. Yes, they were expected to be good. But quarterback Nico Iamaleava was an unknown quantity even after his performance against Iowa in the bowl game. The defense has been even better than expected. They stifled an Oklahoma team in their own building.
The Crimson Tide come into this matchup off a dramatic win over Georgia. They look like they might be the best team in the country in spite of having to hire a new coach with Nick Saban’s retirement. Rocky Top will be jacked up for this one. Tennessee looks to be a lock for the playoff unless they somehow lose three games which is very unlikely. Alabama is also a virtual lock. This shapes up to be a good one.
Missouri at Alabama
The Tigers are currently ranked number nine in the country which has them firmly in the playoff. We already know that if Alabama finishes with two losses they’re in and we also believe Missouri will get in with two losses although they will be very close to number 12 at that point. Missouri has had a couple of early season close calls and they have a tough game this week at Texas A&M where new coach Mike Elko has instilled a toughness and culture that was previously lacking in College Station.
The Tigers probably don’t have enough offense to pull the upset in Tuscaloosa. Style points will matter this year as the playoff committee’s job gets tougher and they will be looking at everything. A competitive loss for Missouri along with only one other loss and they should be safe but nervous on selection day.
Ohio State at Penn State
Week ten brings us the only BIG Ten game on our list. The Buckeyes are currently ranked third in the country and should end up playing Oregon for the conference championship. Penn State is ranked seventh and will certainly get in the playoff if this is their only loss and will still probably get in with two losses. The Nittany Lions avoid Michigan on this year’s schedule which is to their advantage since historically they don’t beat the Wolverines too often.
Ohio State is a highly motivated team this year after losing three straight to Michigan. It’s hard to see Penn State having enough offense to pull this one out although we do expect a reasonably close game.
Georgia at Ole Miss
Ole Miss suffered a disappointing home loss to Kentucky last week. After starting the season strong and being ranked in the top five, the Rebels have slipped all the way to twelfth in the country. Even if they lose this game they will make the playoff if they win all of their remaining games.
This could be very interesting and very important for Georgia. If the Bulldogs lose their week eight matchup against Texas, they come into the game in Oxford with two losses. Do we think Georgia would make the playoff with three losses? Yes. Is it a lock? No. Either way, expect Georgia to enter this contest highly motivated to win and impress the committee. And since the opponent isn’t Alabama we like their chances.
Remember that The Grove will be rocking before the game and Oxford is always a difficult place to play for the visitors. We do expect Georgia to come out on top. They’re simply the better team.
These games will be enjoyable to watch just for different reasons than in the past. Your team won’t necessarily be eliminated from the playoff with a loss they will just have a more difficult path to the championship and probably have to play one extra game compared to the winner. As always we can’t wait.
Main Image: John David Mercer-Imagn Images
