UPDATE: The final weekend of college football has sent shockwaves through the sport, with the College Football Playoff (CFP) selections looming just days away. The most pressing issue is the chaotic situation in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), where an unexpected upset could have dire consequences for the playoffs.
Earlier today, the ACC faced a significant upset as Cal defeated SMU, eliminating the Mustangs from the conference championship and paving the way for unranked Duke University to face Virginia next weekend. If Duke, with its five losses, manages to win, it could deny the ACC a playoff spot altogether. Duke’s potential victory may lead to an ACC champion falling short of the top five rankings required for an automatic playoff berth, a scenario that would be unprecedented and humiliating for the conference.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for the ACC, which is currently on the brink of a major embarrassment. If Virginia wins, however, their 18th-ranked status would secure an automatic bid for the ACC, easing tensions across the conference.
Meanwhile, the Big Ten championship game between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana will be a formality, as both teams have already clinched playoff spots. With little on the line, it’s likely that coaches will choose to rest key players, rendering the matchup less significant for the playoff landscape.
In contrast, the SEC showdown featuring Georgia against Alabama carries substantial implications. Alabama’s 27-20 victory over Texas A&M in the Iron Bowl has placed them in a must-win situation. A competitive loss may still allow Alabama a shot at the playoffs, but anything less could be detrimental to their chances.
The Big 12’s championship game between Texas Tech and BYU adds another layer of complexity. While Texas Tech looks to secure an automatic bid, a loss could eliminate BYU from playoff contention altogether, leaving the Big 12 with just one bid for the second consecutive year.
As the committee prepares for the penultimate rankings to be released on December 5, 2023, controversy is brewing. If Alabama secures a spot in the CFP despite a loss and Texas Tech wins the Big 12, it will leave only five slots open for several contenders, including Notre Dame and Miami. The selection committee’s decision will weigh heavily on head-to-head matchups and brand recognition, further complicating the playoff picture.
In Heisman news, ballots must be submitted by 2 p.m. PST on December 9, immediately following the announcement of bowl pairings. Voters will have a tough decision to make, especially with Fernando Mendoza of Indiana and Julian Sayin of Ohio State set to compete in their championship game.
The coaching carousel is also heating up, with significant changes expected across the college football landscape. Several schools have already made moves, including Virginia Tech hiring James Franklin and Oklahoma State bringing on Eric Morris. Expect more announcements as the dust settles from the regular season.
As championship week unfolds, fans and analysts alike are on the edge of their seats, awaiting the next developments that could redefine the college football playoff picture. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the drama continues to unfold.
