In a season like this one, the College Football Playoff Committee has an awfully hard job, trying to select the four best teams in the country, some who have played a conference-only schedule, others who have played less than six regular season games, and even a few that have managed to fit in 10 or 11 games. Looking at the committee's most recent rankings, Alabama sits at No. 1, Notre Dame at No. 2, Clemson at No. 3 and lastly, Ohio State at No. 4. Who is on the outside looking in? Texas A&M. The Aggies have posted their best season in years, and heading into the final week of the season, are one of the few teams not ranked in the top four who have a very good opportunity to get into the CFP.
Before Saturday's games kick off, here's what you need to know about the Aggies' chances and what needs to play out in order for A&M to claim one of those four coveted spots.
Texas A&M takes care of business against Tennessee
In order for the next three scenarios to occur and give the Aggies even the slightest chance to slip into the four-team college football playoff (CFP), Texas A&M needs to take care of business against Tennessee. Kickoff will come at 11 a.m. and that contest needs to be dominated by the Aggies in order for them to both avoid an upset and make one last statement before the CFP committee makes its decision on Sunday.
Here’s the other three scenarios that need to happen in addition to that for Texas A&M to get in:
Florida to beat Alabama in SEC Championship
The SEC championship will pit Alabama, the nation’s No. 1 team and a lock for the college football playoff against Florida, a two-loss team that dropped from No. 6 to No. 7 after last week’s 37-34 loss to LSU. How does A&M fit into this? Well, with a win over Tennessee (see above) the Aggies would have a single loss to the Tide. If Florida can come up with the upset, that would put Alabama at 10-1. In addition, A&M beat Florida, though Bama beat A&M, meaning that the committee may lean in A&M’s favor, considering they beat the SEC Champions. At that point, the Aggies could simply get in over No. 4 Ohio State because of strength of schedule and notable wins.
Northwestern upsets Ohio State in Big 10 Championship Game
In this scenario, less likely than the one above but far better for the Aggies’ chances, would mean the end of the Buckeyes’ CFP hopes, sitting at just 5-0, ranked No. 4 in the country. Already, according to teamrankings.com, Texas A&M has the fourth best strength of schedule compared to Ohio State at No. 12, meaning the Buckeyes are skating on thin ice. While Ohio State has trounced over all five of its opponents this season, four who were unranked at the time of the game, Northwestern is much better than most expect, ranked at No. 14 in the AP Poll, led by former Indiana starter Peyton Ramsey, who transferred to Northwestern with the hopes of finishing his career on a high note. He will certainly have that chance on Saturday, and has the experience to go with it, being a graduate transfer. This is the game Texas A&M fans need to be keeping an eye on. With an Ohio State loss, and an A&M win Saturday, the Aggies could likely punch their ticket before the SEC Championship even kicks off.
Notre Dame hands Clemson its second loss in ACC Championship Game
In the most likely scenario to occur, Notre Dame would defeat Clemson for the second time this season, raising questions as to whether a two loss Clemson team deserves to get in, especially with a shortened season. This could push Clemson back to No. 5 or No. 6, and open up a spot for the Aggies. It is more likely than Ohio State getting upset, and for some reason, the committee seems partial to a Ohio State team that will have played just six games. Keep in mind, Clemson will have Trevor Lawrence this time around, so the Tigers are much more dangerous. I am a strong supporter of Clemson’s program, but like Ohio State, the Tigers’ strength of schedule has been especially weak this season, the only ranked opponents being Notre Dame and Miami, so one more loss should not result in Clemson claiming one of the four spots in the CFP.
So...A&M gets in. What's next?
Expect a SEC rematch one of the semifinals at No. 1 Alabama would battle No. 4 Texas A&M for the right to play in the national championship game. When the two last met on October 3, Alabama ran over the Aggies 52-24.
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